Building An Inground Pool In Highland, IN? Here’s What You Need!

Once again, we have a set of inground swimming pool regulations—this time we’re focusing on those unique to Highland, IN!

Pool regulations are so important to the outcome of your pool project as they may permit or prohibit you and your pool builder from certain pool project designs. You may not be able to place your pool in a specific area, you may need to include specific equipment in your pool, you may have to design the external structures in a specific manner—and that’s just a few of the possibilities.

So, as you can see, your respective town’s inground pool regulations can significantly affect your pool project. Thus, we think it’s imperative that you are informed of all of the specifications that your pool must meet so you can begin designing with your pool builder accordingly.

And without further ado, here we go!

Requirements Prior to Construction

  • Submission of building permit application
    • Plat of Survey
      • Lot size
      • Property lines
      • Existing structures
      • Easements
      • Fencing
      • Utilities
      • Water lines
      • Sewer lines
    • List of contractors and sub-contractors
  • Description of pool including:
    • Perimeter of pool
    • Area of pool
    • Depths of pool
    • Location of inlets and outlets
    • Waterline
    • Steps/ladders
    • Diving equipment
    • Materials for construction of pool

Pool Requirements

  • Must have a handhold around perimeter where depths exceed 3 feet 6 inches; handholds must be no more than 4 feet from each other; handholds can consist of any ONE of the following:
    • Coping, ledge, or decking that extends around the entire immediate ledge of the pool located no more than 12 inches above the waterline
    • Ladders, stairs, or seats
    • Secured rope or railing no more than 12 inches above the waterline
  • Access to pool must be restricted by ONE of the following:
    • Wall or fencing that completely encloses the pool and decking area and is at least 5 feet above ground level
    • Alternative options deemed impenetrable that completely enclose the pool and decking area and is at least 5 fee above ground level
    • A combination of walls, fencing, or alternative options that completely surrounds the pool and decking area
    • An automatic safety cover that provides a continuous connection between the pool and deck
  • The pool must be equipped with the following equipment:
    • A ring or throwing buoy equipped with 40 feet of 1/4th-inch diameter line
    • A pole at least 12 feet long
    • Access to a telephone

Required Inspections

  • Building Pre-Pour
  • Rough Building
  • Rough Electrical
  • Rough Plumbing
  • Building Final
  • Final Electrical
  • Final Plumbing

Homeowners Association Requirements

In some cases, depending on the neighborhood you live in, you may have to abide by an additional set of restrictions enforced by a Homeowners Association (HOA).

These restrictions can have additional rules not enforced by your respective town or rules that differ from those enforced by your town, so it’s always smart to confirm your neighborhood’s affiliation with an HOA.

If you do have an HOA’s rules to follow for your inground swimming pool, you’ll need to design your pool project around both sets of restrictions, which we know can be a lengthy process, but is necessary to build your pool legally.

Final Notes

As you can see, rules and restrictions can be pretty lengthy, which is why you and your pool builder need to be aware of every specification that your pool project must meet in order to avoid any issues during the design process, construction process, and even when you’re enjoying the pool in the future.

We know these rules can be stubborn and may cause some design changes, but trust us, you do not want to try to take the shortcut in an investment like this!

If you have any further questions, please feel free to send them our way or contact the Highland Municipal Building at (219) 972-7595!