LANCASTER – An updated swimming pool enforcement bylaw for South Glengarry is also encompassing permit standards for inflatable pools and safety measures for some hot tubs.
The 10-page pool enclosure bylaw, before township council tonight (Monday), will update a law on the books since 2010 in order “to make the bylaw more enforceable,” states a report.
Of note, “temporary inflatable pools” removed each season would require a $100 enclosure permit from the township. The law appears to be far-reaching, setting out no dimensional standards for what is an “inflatable pool.”
Subsequent permits would not been needed for blow-ups, provided the enclosure isn’t changed year to year, states the report from Property Standards and Bylaw Enforcement Manager Gary Poupart.
“The underlying objective…is to continue to provide a safe environment for backyard swimming pools for all of the township’s residents,” he wrote.
When it comes to hot tubs, they would need a “rigid cover” that could support a 90 kilogram (200 pound) person. Otherwise, a fence or wall needs to be built around it.
The bylaw also sets out a comprehensive set of requirements for measurements and materials for a fence around a pool or hot tub, which has to be a minimum 1.5 meters (5 feet) in height and at least 1 meter (3 feet) from the nearest edge of a pool wall.
As for penalties, people who don’t comply with an informal request to repair enclosures around their pools or hot tubs would face a municipal order and a $50 fine.
This is the second go-around for the bylaw after it was defeated by council last fall.
Tonight’s council meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the municipal office on Oak Street in Lancaster.