Building An Inground Pool In St. John, Indiana? Here’s What You Need!

In a perfect world, a pool would magically manifest in one’s backyard like something out of The Lord of the Rings. Unfortunately, we do not live in middle earth. And even worse, getting a pool installed requires a few things you, the homeowner, must do. Don’t worry though, it is very simple as long as you know what you need and everything your town requires. If you live in St. John, Indiana and are curious what you need to install a pool, this is the article for you.

When building an inground swimming pool anywhere, several requirements need to be met in accordance with your town’s building regulations. A town’s construction requirements can affect the design and size of your pool project. So, these requirements must be met with each and every pool so they can be built legally and without any issues with the design. 

In this article and video below, we will be detailing the requirements put in place by the town of St. John, Indiana to build an inground swimming pool. At Royal Pools G2 Landscaping, we have installed pools all over the Northwest Indiana region, including St. John, and are very familiar with the town’s building requirements. So without further ado, let’s get into it. 

St. John Pool Code – Pool Restrictions

1. Has to follow the Indiana State Swimming Pool Code, Town of St. John Zoning Ordinance, and the National Electrical Code.
2. St. John requires the pool to be at least 10 feet from a side or rear property lines, 20 feet from an adjacent property, and 10 feet from the house. 
3. Must have an Approved Safety Cover (auto cover) or a fence with a height of at least 6 feet from ground level that surrounds the inground pool or spa. If chosen, an Approved Safety Cover must be in place and locked whenever the owner of the property is not present at the residence. If a fence is chosen, it must include a self-closing OR latching gate that can be locked when the pool or spa is not in use.

St. John Pool Code – Requirements to Begin Construction

1. A Building Permit Application form needs to be completed to obtain a Building Permit. The application form will include all of the Contractors and Electricians licensed to work in St. John. Once approved, you can obtain the $330 Building Permit which includes the zoning, electrical, and stormwater permit costs.
2. One (1) copy of the plat of survey which will include the:
   1. Property Lines
   2. Primary Structure (Home)
   3. Location of Inground Pool or Spa
   4. Dimensions of Inground Pool or Spa
   5. Electrical Outlets
   6. Fixtures
   7. Meter Boxes
   8. Light Fixtures
   9. Fans
   10. Other Electrical Devices
       *Building Permits require at least two (2) business days to process. All permit fees must be paid in full before the Building Permit can be issued. Building Permits are valid for 60 days.*

St. John Pool Code – Required Inspections

An inground pool or spa may be fully functional and installed, but you cannot get inside of it until ALL inspections by the St. John Building Commissioner and Electrical Inspector. Inspections must be completed in the following order:

1. Building Pre-Pour Footing and Plumbing Underground
2. Rough Electric and Electric Bonding Pre-Pour
3. Plumbing Gas-Line
4. Building Pre-Pour
5. Electrical Bonding of Pool
6. Final Electric (after all electric is completed)
7. Building Final Building/Plumbing/HVAC (when pool/spa is complete, final electric has passed, and fence/deck is complete)

St. John Pool Code – Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Requirements

Handling town codes and regulations is one thing, but if you live in a neighborhood or subdivision with a homeowners association (HOA), you will have to do some additional work to get ready for your swimming pool.

If your property falls under an HOA, you will have to abide by their rules and regulations in addition to your town’s rules. Luckily, town ordinances will always supersede HOA regulations, which usually aren’t that far off the town regulations to begin with. Just be sure to research your possible HOA’s rules and regulations regarding installing an inground pool and file for approval of a construction project with them as well. 

Conclusion on St.John, Indiana Pool Code

If all of this sounds overwhelming to you, don’t worry! Once all the inspections are made and approved, and the permits are acquired, it falls to your pool installer to work with and abide by the required rules and regulations. The truth is St. John, Indiana does not have an abnormal amount of requirements to get a pool installed. Regardless, as the homeowner, you should be aware of everything you need to get the pool done the right way. Getting all the required documents and inspections done early and choosing an installer that can make it all work will make your pool installation process as simple and efficient as possible. Now that you know what you need to get your pool installed, your next step is to find a pool construction company that can bring your dream backyard oasis into a reality!

If you’re located in Northwest Indiana and you’re curious about inground pools, check out the articles below! For more educational content on all things pools and landscaping, check out our learning hub above. Happy hunting!

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