Following building codes helps ensure that your pool is built safely for you, your family and your guests. That’s why the City of Lenexa requires permits and inspections for all above-ground and in-ground pools, except for prefabricated pools less than 30 inches deep. Specific code requirements can be found in the Lenexa pool requirements guide at
Lenexa.com/Remodeling.
Here are some of the top issues our inspectors pay close attention to when inspecting new pools. If you have an existing pool, make sure each of these safety measures is in place.
DOOR ALARMS
Pool alarms can provide additional protection against children gaining unsupervised access
to a pool.
On new pools, alarms are required on doors leading from the house to the pool area.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
Everything electrical near the pool needs to be GFCI-protected. The City requires all electrical work associated with new permanent swimming pools to be installed by a properly licensed electrician.
You don’t need a licensed electrician if you purchase a portable pool from a retail store less than 30 inches deep which is equipped with a GFCI-protected circulation pump that plugs into an existing outlet.
There must also be a 10-foot horizontal clearance from the pool to overhead power lines and 5-foot horizontal clearance from any underground electrical wiring.
CIRCULATION SYSTEMS
Improper circulation system covers can allow extremities like fingers, limbs and hair to
become entrapped in the drain, which can result in drowning.
Any covers sold after December 2008 must comply with federal safety regulations that protect swimmers from entrapment. Make sure you replace your drain covers when they reach the end of their service life or are broken, missing or manufactured before December 2008.
FENCING
If your pool can hold up to two feet of water, it needs a fence that is at least 48 inches tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate to keep out children and unauthorized swimmers.
Don’t place furniture or toys near the fence that a child could use to climb over the fence.
Published June 16, 2022