Swimming Pools and Other Swimming Facilities* (18-29-1201 et seq.)

Municipal Code of Chicago tit. 18, ch. 18-29, art. 12

in effect

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1201.1 Scope.

18-29-1201.1 Scope. This article shall apply to both private and nonprivate swimming pools. As used in this article, "nonprivate swimming pool" means a swimming pool or other swimming facility regulated under the Illinois Swimming Facility Act, 210 ILCS 125, as amended. Nonprivate swimming pools and associated bather preparation facilities shall comply with Sections 18-29-1202 and 18-29-1203. The term "private residential swimming pool" means a receptacle for water, or an artificial pool of water, having a depth at any point of more than 4 feet (1220 mm), intended for the purpose of immersion or partial immersion therein of human beings, including all appurtenant equipment, constructed, installed and maintained in or above the ground outside of or inside of a single family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than three dwelling units or sleeping units, for use by the residential occupants and their guests. Private residential swimming pools shall comply with Section 18-29-1204. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.1 Scope.

18-29-1202.1 Scope. Every existing nonprivate swimming pool and every such pool constructed, installed and maintained hereafter shall comply with all applicable provisions of this article. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.2 Additional requirements.

18-29-1202.2 Additional requirements. In addition to complying with the requirements of this article, nonprivate swimming pools shall be maintained in accordance with the Illinois Swimming Facility Code, 77 Ill. Admin. Code 820, as amended. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.3 Location.

18-29-1202.3 Location. Nonprivate swimming pools shall not be constructed in any RS district designated under the Chicago Zoning Ordinance. Outdoor nonprivate swimming pools shall not be located so that any portion of the water is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from an abutting property line. Pumps, filters and pool water disinfection equipment installations shall be located at a distance not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from an abutting property line. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.4 Permit required.

18-29-1202.4 Permit required. It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any nonprivate swimming pool or bather preparation facilities without a building permit as provided in Chapter 14A-4 of the Municipal Code. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5 Construction requirements.

18-29-1202.5 Construction requirements. Nonprivate swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 18-29-1202.5.1 through 18-29-1202.5.5. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5.1 Illinois Swimming Facility Code.

18-29-1202.5.1 Illinois Swimming Facility Code. Nonprivate swimming pools shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the Illinois Swimming Facility Code, 77 Ill. Admin. Code 820, as amended. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5.2 Water source.

18-29-1202.5.2 Water source. Pools shall be designed and constructed to only use water from the Chicago Water Works system. The water supply provided shall be capable of providing enough water to raise the water level in the basin at least 1 inch (25.4 mm) in three hours. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5.3 Piping materials.

18-29-1202.5.3 Piping materials. Recirculation system pipe and fittings shall be of the materials indicated in Section 18-29-605 for water service pipe or water distribution pipe, or Schedule 40 polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe complying with ASTM D1785, ASTM D2241, ASTM D2672 or CSA B137.3 and fittings complying with ASTM D2464, ASTM D2466, ASTM D2467, CSA B137.2 or CSA B137.3. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5.4 Cleanouts.

18-29-1202.5.4 Cleanouts. Cleanouts shall be provided at such points in the recirculation system as will enable obstructions, accumulations, debris, and similar materials to be readily removed. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1202.5.5 Working space.

18-29-1202.5.5 Working space. Filters and other equipment shall be conveniently located and provided with adequate working space for inspection and servicing. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.1 Scope.

18-29-1203.1 Scope. Nonprivate swimming pools shall be provided with bather preparation facilities in accordance with Sections 18-29-1203.2 through 18-29-1203.5. Exception: Bather preparation facilities are not required for nonprivate swimming pools intended to serve only the residents and residents’ guests of residential buildings where each dwelling unit or sleeping unit includes a water closet and shower and is located within 500 feet (152 m) of the area containing the nonprivate swimming pool. Drinking fountains shall be provided in accordance with Section 18-29-1203.6. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2 General design requirements.

18-29-1203.2 General design requirements. Bather preparation facilities, including toilet rooms, shower rooms, dressing rooms and locker rooms, shall comply with the general requirements of Sections 18-29-1203.2.1 through 18-29-1203.2.5. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2.1 Separate facilities.

18-29-1203.2.1 Separate facilities. For nonprivate swimming pools to be used by both sexes, bather preparation facilities shall be divided into separate areas designated for each sex. Exception: Single-user toilet rooms and single-user bathing rooms may be provided in accordance with Section 18-29-403.1.3. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2.2 Floors.

18-29-1203.2.2 Floors. Floors of bather preparation facilities shall be slip- resistant, impervious to moisture, and sloped to drain at least 1 inch in 10 feet (25.4 mm in 3048 mm). Materials used for floor covering in these areas shall be easily cleanable, non-fibrous, allow drainage so that it will not remain wet or retain moisture and inert so that it will not support bacterial or fungal growth. Alternative floor coverings may be installed in locker rooms or dressing areas with prior approval of the Illinois Department of Public Health. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2.3 Light and ventilation.

18-29-1203.2.3 Light and ventilation. Bather preparation facilities shall be provided with light and ventilation as required by the Chicago Building Code and Chicago Mechanical Code. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2.4 Hose bibbs.

18-29-1203.2.4 Hose bibbs. Hose bibbs shall be provided in bather preparation facilities so that all wet areas may be reached for cleaning with hose lengths not exceeding 150 feet (45.7 m). (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.2.5 Large facilities.

18-29-1203.2.5 Large facilities. Bather preparation facilities serving nonprivate swimming pools with a bather load greater than 200 shall be designed so that passage from the showers to the swimming facility shall not be through dressing room areas and other dry areas of the bather preparation facility. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.3 Showers, water closets and lavatories.

18-29-1203.3 Showers, water closets and lavatories. Bather preparation facilities shall be provided with at least the number of showers, water closets, urinals and lavatories indicated in Table 18-29-1203.3. Showers and lavatories shall be provided with liquid or powdered soap dispensers. Showers shall be supplied with tempered water or hot water. Table 18-29-1203.3 Fixtures Required per Bather Load Bather Load a | Fixtures Required (Male) b | Fixtures Required (Female) b Water Closets | Urinals | Lavatories | Showers | Water Closets | Lavatories | Showers Bather Load a | Fixtures Required (Male) b | Fixtures Required (Female) b Water Closets | Urinals | Lavatories | Showers | Water Closets | Lavatories | Showers 0 - 100 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 101 - 200 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 201 - 300 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 301 - 400 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 401 - 500 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 5 501 - 1,000 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 2 | 6 1001 - 1,500 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 9 | 2 | 10 1,501 - 2,000 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 15 | 11 | 2 | 15 2,001 or more | 6 | 7 | 3 | 20 | 13 | 3 | 20 a. Bather load shall be determined in accordance with Section 1004 of the Chicago Building Code. b. Single-user toilet rooms and single-user bathing rooms may be provided in accordance with Section 18-29-403.1.3. In such case, water closets shall be provided instead of required urinals. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.3.1 School facilities.

18-29-1203.3.1 School facilities. At a facility used by school classes, one shower for every four persons in the largest class shall be provided for each sex, except that in no case shall the number of showers provided be less than shown in Table 18-29-1203.3. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.4 Dressing rooms.

18-29-1203.4 Dressing rooms. For facilities with a bather load of more than 300, a dressing area shall be provided for each sex. Shower and toilet areas and walkways shall not be considered dressing areas. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.5 Foot spray.

18-29-1203.5 Foot spray. A foot spray, if provided, shall be supplied from the potable water system or the swimming facility recirculation system, have a spray head 18 to 24 inches (457 to 610 mm) above the walking surface, have a conveniently located valve, be arranged to spray the bathers from knees to feet as they enter the enclosure, and have a drain. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1203.6 Drinking fountains.

18-29-1203.6 Drinking fountains. Drinking fountains shall be provided on the pool deck for the use of bathers. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.1 Scope.

18-29-1204.1 Scope. Every existing private residential swimming pool and every such pool constructed, installed and maintained hereafter shall comply with all applicable provisions of this article. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.2 Location.

18-29-1204.2 Location. No portion of an outdoor private residential swimming pool shall be located at a distance less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from an abutting property line or rear property line. Pumps, filters and pool water disinfection equipment installations shall be located at a distance not less than 10 feet (3048 mm) from an abutting property line. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.3 Permit required.

18-29-1204.3 Permit required. It shall be unlawful to proceed with the construction, installation, enlargement or alteration of any private residential swimming pool or appurtenance without a building permit as provided in Chapter 14A-4 of the Municipal Code. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4 Construction requirements.

18-29-1204.4 Construction requirements. Private residential swimming pools shall be constructed in accordance with Sections 18-29-1204.4.1 through 18-29-1204.4.11. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.1 Recirculation pools.

18-29-1204.4.1 Recirculation pools. Pools shall be of the recirculation type in which circulation of the water is maintained through the pool by pumps; the water drawn from the pool being clarified and disinfected before being returned to the pool. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.2 Materials.

18-29-1204.4.2 Materials. Pools shall be constructed of materials that provide a rigid, watertight shell with a smooth, impervious, light-colored finish that is non-toxic and easily cleaned. The floor of areas in which the water is less than 5 feet (1525 mm) in depth shall have a slip-resistant finish. Pool vinyl liners may be installed only over a base of concrete, steel or other rigid material. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.3 Structural design.

18-29-1204.4.3 Structural design. Pools shall comply with the structural provisions of the Chicago Building Code. Pools shall be designed to withstand the water pressure from within and to resist the pressure from the earth when the pool is empty. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.4 Pool deck.

18-29-1204.4.4 Pool deck. Unobstructed walk areas not less than 6 feet (1828 mm) wide shall be provided on at least two sides of the pool; unobstructed walk areas not less than 24 inches (610 mm) wide shall be provided on all sides of the pool. The walk area shall be constructed of impervious material and the surfaces shall be smooth and easily cleaned with a non-slip finish. The slope of the walks shall have a pitch of at least 1/4 inch per foot (6 mm per 300 mm), designed to prevent back drainage from entering the pool. Walk drains shall be provided for each 100 square feet (9.29 m2) of walk area. Drain pipe lines shall be at least 3 inches (75 mm) in diameter, drain openings shall have an open air of at least four times the cross-sectional area of the drain pipe. The walk drain systems shall have an indirect connection to the sewer. The walk drains shall not be connected to the recirculation system piping. The drainage system shall be constructed of materials in conformance with Article 7. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.5 Enclosure.

18-29-1204.4.5 Enclosure. Pools shall be completely enclosed by a fence or walls erected along the perimeter of the pool deck. All fence openings or points of entry into the pool enclosure shall be equipped with gates. Fences and gates shall be at least 5 feet (1525 mm) in height above the grade level outside the enclosure and shall meet the requirements for guards in the Chicago Building Code. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices placed at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above adjacent walking surfaces. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.6 Slope.

18-29-1204.4.6 Slope. The slope of the bottom of any part of the pool in which the water is less than 5 feet (1525 mm) in depth shall not be more than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (6.67 percent slope). The maximum slope where the water is 5 feet (1525 mm) or more in depth shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 3 units horizontal (33.3 percent slope). (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.7 Steps or ladders.

18-29-1204.4.7 Steps or ladders. At least two means of egress in the form of steps, ladders or step holes shall be provided from the pool. At least one means of egress shall be located on a side of the pool at both the deep end and shallow end of the pool. Treads of steps, ladders or step holes shall be constructed of non-slip material and shall be at least 3 inches (75 mm) wide for their full length. Steps, ladders and step holes shall be provided with a handrail on both sides. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.8 Overflow gutters.

18-29-1204.4.8 Overflow gutters. Pools shall be provided with overflow gutters on all vertical walls and shall extend around the entire perimeter of the pool. The overflow gutter shall be of the open, roll over or semi-recessed type, having a smooth finish. The lip or overflow gutter edge shall be level, the overflow gutter shall have a minimum depth of 4 inches (100 mm); the overflow gutter bottom shall have a slope toward each drain and have a pitch not less than 1/4 inch to the foot (6 mm to 300 mm); drain spacings shall be a minimum of 15 feet (4572 mm) on center; drain pipelines shall be at least 3 inches (75 mm) in diameter; outlet fixtures shall have a grate opening of at least twice the cross-sectional area of the drain pipe; the drain lines shall have an indirect connection to the sewer. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.9 Inlets.

18-29-1204.4.9 Inlets. All water recirculation system inlets and makeup water facilities shall be located, equipped and constructed in accordance with Sections 18-29-1204.4.9.1 through 18-29-1204.4.9.3. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.9.1 Water recirculation system inlets.

18-29-1204.4.9.1 Water recirculation system inlets. Water recirculation system inlets shall be located to produce uniform circulation throughout the pool without the existence of dead spots and to carry pool bottom deposits to the outlets. Recirculation systems inlets in the pool walls shall be spaced not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) on center around the entire perimeter of the pool and shall discharge at a minimum depth of 10 inches (254 mm) below the pool overflow level. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.9.2 Makeup water.

18-29-1204.4.9.2 Makeup water. Pools shall be equipped with suitable facilities for adding makeup water as needed. There shall be no physical connection between the water supply line and the pool system. If the makeup water is added directly to the pool, the outlet shall be at least 6 inches (150 mm) above the upper rim of the pool. If the makeup water line discharges to a surge or balancing tank, the point of discharge shall be at least 6 inches (150 mm) above the rim of the tank. If a hose connection from a sill cock or other plumbing fixture is to be used for supplying makeup water, then a vacuum breaker shall be installed between the sill cock or control valve at the fixture and the hose connection. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.9.3 Water systems construction conformance.

18-29-1204.4.9.3 Water systems construction conformance. The systems supplying recirculated water and makeup water to the pool shall be constructed in conformance with Article 6 of this chapter, with the exception that the system supplying recirculated water can utilize Schedule 40 PVC pipe. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.10 Outlets.

18-29-1204.4.10 Outlets. Water recirculation system outlets and water discharge facilities shall be located, equipped and constructed in accordance with Sections 18-29-1204.4.10.1 through 18-29-1204.4.10.3. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.10.1 Water recirculation system outlets.

18-29-1204.4.10.1 Water recirculation system outlets. If the pool width does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm), water recirculation system outlets shall be so located as to provide at least one outlet at the deepest point of the pool. If the pool width is more than 20 feet (6096 mm), multiple outlets shall be provided and spaced not more than 20 feet (6096 mm) apart, nor more than 10 feet (3048 mm) from the walls. All pool drain outlets shall be equipped with gratings having an area of openings not less than 10 times the cross-sectional area of the outlet pipe. The grating shall be designed such that it cannot be readily removed by bathers and will not injure bather’s fingers. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.10.2 Drainage system.

18-29-1204.4.10.2 Drainage system. Pools shall be equipped with facilities for completely emptying the pool and the discharge from the pool water to the sewer shall be at a rate not exceeding 250 gallons per minute (15.8 L/s). No direct connection shall be made to the sewer. The drainage system shall be constructed in conformance with Article 7. The drain pipe diameter shall be at least 6 inches (150 mm). (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.10.3 Drain water discharge.

18-29-1204.4.10.3 Drain water discharge. Drain pipe lines from the pool deck, scum gutters and pools shall discharge into a common catch basin. If elevation permits, the catch basin may drain by gravity into the sewer. If, however, the elevations are such as to require pumping, the combined discharge shall be pumped into the sewer. In either case, a back water valve or gate shall be installed downstream from the catch basin and the pump. Water drained from the pool shall not be discharged to the sewer system during periods of rain or storms. At no time shall the rate of drain water discharge exceed 250 gallons per minute (15.8 L/s). (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11 Recirculation system and appurtenances.

18-29-1204.4.11 Recirculation system and appurtenances. Recirculation systems and appurtenances shall comply with the standards specified in Sections 18-29-1204.4.11.1 through 18-29-1204.4.11.8. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.1 Required apparatuses.

18-29-1204.4.11.1 Required apparatuses. The recirculation system shall consist of pumping equipment, hair and lint catchers and filters, together with the necessary pipe connections to the pool inlets and outlets, facilities and pipe connections necessary for backwashing filters, and facilities and equipment for disinfecting the pool water. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.2 Water volume turnover.

18-29-1204.4.11.2 Water volume turnover. The recirculating system shall be capable of producing a six-hour turnover of the entire water volume contents. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.3 Pump capacity.

18-29-1204.4.11.3 Pump capacity. The recirculation system pump shall have sufficient capacity to discharge the volume of water required for a six-hour turnover of the pool against the maximum head in the recirculating system. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.4 Backwash filter rate.

18-29-1204.4.11.4 Backwash filter rate. The pump used for backwashing filters shall have sufficient capacity to provide a rate of at least 15 gallons per minute per square foot (10 L/s/m2) of filter area. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.5 Hair and lint strainer.

18-29-1204.4.11.5 Hair and lint strainer. A hair and lint catcher or strainer shall be installed on the suction side of the circulation pump to prevent hair, lint and other extraneous material from reaching the pump filters. Hair and lint catchers shall be so designed that they can be easily dismantled for cleaning and inspection and shall be so located as to be easily accessible for cleaning. The design features shall be as follows: Water passes through the strainer from the outside; the strainer is made of non-corrosive material; the width or diameter of the miner openings is not more than 1/8 inch (3 mm); the area of the strainer openings shall be at least five times the cross-sectional area of the inlet pipe to the strainer. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.6 Pressure filters.

18-29-1204.4.11.6 Pressure filters. Recirculating systems shall contain rapid pressure filters. Sufficient filter area shall be provided to filter the entire contents of the pool in six hours at the rate of not more than 3 gallons per minute per square foot (2 L/s/m2) of filter area. The filter backwashing facilities shall be sufficient to backwash at the rate of 15 gallons per minute per square foot (10 L/s/m2) of filter area. All backwash water and effluents shall be discharged to the sewer through an indirect connection. Pressure filters shall be equipped with readily accessible air relief valves, loss of head or pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet pipes, and an access head or hole large enough to permit inspection, maintenance and repair work. Sight glasses that can be easily removed for cleaning shall be provided in the effluent line from the filter units. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.7 Disinfection equipment.

18-29-1204.4.11.7 Disinfection equipment. Equipment shall be provided for the disinfection of all pool water. Any disinfection method using materials other than chlorine compounds shall be subject to the approval of the Illinois Department of Public Health. Disinfection equipment installed for the use of chlorine compounds shall have sufficient capacity to maintain a minimum free chlorine residual of 0.5 parts per million. The disinfectant shall be introduced into the recirculation system ahead of the filters. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.4.11.8 Gaseous chlorination systems prohibited.

18-29-1204.4.11.8 Gaseous chlorination systems prohibited. Gaseous chlorination systems shall not be made use of as a disinfection method for pool water. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.5 Water source.

18-29-1204.5 Water source. No source of water other than the Chicago Waterworks System shall be used. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.6 Safety.

18-29-1204.6 Safety. The following safety measures shall be provided: 1. A skilled swimmer shall be present at all times when the pool is in use. 2. The pool area shall be equipped with one or more throwing ring buoys not more than 15 inches (381 mm) in diameter and having 60 feet (18.2 m) of 3/16-inch (4.7 mm) manila line attached, and one or more light but strong poles with blunted ends and not less than 12 feet (3658 mm) in length, for making reach assists or rescues. 3. No diving board or platform more than three feet (914 mm) above water level shall be installed. 4. Life-saving equipment shall be provided and maintained so as to be immediately available for use in an emergency. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.7 Seasonal operation.

18-29-1204.7 Seasonal operation. Use of outdoor private residential swimming pools shall be subject to the following limitations: 1. Pools may only be used between June 1st and September 15th, inclusive. 2. Pools may not be used between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. 3. Between September 16th and May 30th, inclusive, pools shall be drained of all water. 4. A substantial protective cover shall be provided and installed over the pool surface from September 16th to May 30th, inclusive. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Municipal Code of Chicago § 18-29-1204.8 Maintenance.

18-29-1204.8 Maintenance. Private residential swimming pools shall be maintained in a satisfactory operating condition during periods of use. No private residential swimming pool shall be used, kept, maintained or operated, where such use, keeping, maintaining or operating shall be the occasion of any nuisance or shall be dangerous to life or detrimental to health. (Added Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37722, Art. XII, §1)

Source: City of Chicago, Municipal Code of Chicago (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/chicago/latest/chicago_il/0-0-0-2692854Fetched: 10/24/2026