Stay safe this summer: pool enclosure reminders

With summer around the corner, the City of Oshawa is reminding residents with swimming pools, hot tubs and decorative ponds in their backyards about the importance of complying with the standards under the Pool Enclosure By-Law.

The City’s Pool Enclosure By-Law was established to help address preventable water-related deaths by ensuring enclosures meet minimum safety and repair standards. Proper enclosures are protective barriers that help keep everyone safe by controlling access to backyard swimming pools, hot tubs and decorative ponds and ensuring young children cannot accidentally fall in.

Under the City’s Pool Enclosure By-Law, all properties in Oshawa that contain a pool, hot tub or decorative pond:

• with a depth of 30 cm (12 in) to 60 cm (24 in) must have an enclosure with a minimum height of 120 cm (48 in);
• with a depth of more than 60 cm (24 in) must obtain a Pool Enclosure Permit and comply with specific standards (e.g. 1.5 m (5 ft) pool enclosure, appropriate latching and closing devices, etc.) related to the style and construction of the fence/enclosure.

To learn more about the City’s Pool Enclosure Permit process, visit the City’s website.

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