Hey! We’re back with another set of inground pool regulations—this time we’re focusing on those unique to the town of Hobart, IN!
As you may know by now, no matter where you live, there are a certain set of specifications that your pool must meet in order to be built and used legally. These specifications can include depth requirements, location requirements, patio requirements, plumbing requirements, and much more. However, specifications vary from town to town, and sometimes county to county if you live in an unincorporated area. For this reason, we’ve decided to take the liberty of creating quick rundowns of inground swimming pool regulations for towns in Northwest Indiana that we service as well as some towns in Illinois.
Our goal is to educate you before you go head-on into the construction process so you and your pool builder can work together to design a pool project that meets every requirement.
The town of Hobart takes a different approach than most other towns in Northwest Indiana as they are all a little different. They may have similarities with other towns, but it’s always important to check your respective town’s requirements because even the smallest difference in details could make the biggest difference.
What is Required Before Construction Begins?
Prior to construction, you’ll need to gather some documents and provide them to the Hobart Building Department to gain approval to begin construction of your new inground pool.
These documents include:
- Copy of Plat of Survey, including:
- Location and size of pool
- Location and size of deck/patio
- Distance of pool from:
- Existing structures
- Utility lines
- Property lines
- Easements
- Septic system (if applicable)
- Details of proposed or existing fencing
- Completed pool application
- Including list of contractor and subcontractors
- Approval letter of Homeowners Association (where applicable)
Upon approval of these documents, you will receive a Building Permit (require at least 5 business days to process).
Pool Requirements
The actual structure used for your pool will need to meet certain requirements, so your builder should be aware of these. But we also think it’s important for you to be aware of what you can and cannot do with the structure, especially during the design process.
- Pool must be at least 6 feet from side or rear property line, easement, and all existing structures (house, shed, garage, etc.)
- Doors that allow direct access to pool must be equipped with door alarm
- Pool must be completely enclosed by a barrier that meets the following criteria:
- Must be at least 4 feet above ground level
- All gates must be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching lock
- All gates must open away from the pool
- If a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, ONE of the following criteria must be met:
- The pool must be equipped with an automatic safety cover
- Doors that allow direct access to the pool must be equipped with a door alarm that sounds when open
- Other means deemed acceptable by the building department must completely enclose the pool
Required Inspections
Throughout the construction process, a number of inspections must be completed in order to continue and eventually complete your pool project. Such inspections include:
- Building Pre-Pour
- Rough Plumbing
- Rough Electrical
- Backfill
- Final Plumbing
- Final Electrical
- Final Building
Homeowners Association Requirements
In addition to town regulations such as those we’ve listed so far you may have to adhere to another set of specifications enforced by a Homeowners Association (HOA).
Now, you’re likely to encounter HOA inground swimming pool regulations if you live in a subdivision built by the same builder, but it’s always smart to check into this regardless of where you live.
HOA swimming pool regulations can be different than your town’s regulations or they can contain opposing specifications that you’ll have to work with the building department to reach a compromise. Regardless, it’s important to be 100% sure of EVERY specification that your pool project needs to meet before, during, and after construction is completed.
Final Notes
We hope that these requirements and specifications for inground swimming pools help your entire design and building process if you’re looking to build one in Hobart, IN.
Failure to adhere to these specifications can result in some serious consequences in the future that can result in additional expenses to modify your pool project. So, we really want to stress the importance of following those unique to your town—both to save your pool project and your wallet!
If you have any further questions, you can contact the Hobart Building Department at (219) 947-3407!
