5 Tips for Installing New Pools in Oakville

1. Understanding Oakville’s Pool-Related Bylaws

Before a shovel breaks ground, you need to confirm your pool has the legal go-ahead.
Make sure you consider:

• How far your pool will be from the property line. According to Oakville’s bylaws, the water’s edge needs to be at least 1.5 metres away from the property line or 3.5 metres with corner lots.
• The depth of your pool. Oakville will require a permit for any pools deeper than 2 feet.
• Where your discharge will be directed, as there are bylaws surrounding that.
• Whether there are easements on your property or it’s adjacent to conservation lands.
• Who will inspect your enclosure before you begin filling your pool? Failing to secure an inspection at this stage can incur a fine up to $5,000.

Working with a professional pool company familiar with Oakville’s bylaws and ready to help you negotiate them will guarantee a stress-free installation.

2. Handling Engineering Challenges

Most of the soil in North Oakville is clay, which means it doesn’t drain well. Dave explains that “the existing grade must be assessed and provisions made to channel ground water away from the pool without impacting local drainage patterns. Sump wells and weeping tile combined with gravel fill, and the creation of swales, will mitigate this.”

You’ll need to submit detailed grading information when acquiring your permit and secure an independent inspection once the installation is complete.

“Most professional pool companies will take care of all this,” Dave assures.

3. Consulting With Developers

Oftentimes, it’s easier to install a pool when the neighbourhood is still under construction since – at that stage – the site will still be the developer’s responsibility. Once all building is complete, the developer will hand the neighbourhood over to the town of Oakville.

“In these cases, permission will be required from the developer first, along with grading drawings. It is important to consult the developer and the town early in the process,” Dave says.

4. Making the Most of Physical Limitations

Installing a pool in a new subdivision often means negotiating challenges associated with lack of access to the property and limited available space. Dave explains that these circumstances “are rarely insurmountable. Smaller equipment is available as well as conveyer systems in rail cases.”

Before starting your installation, make sure you:

• Survey for obstacles (including air conditioners, hydro and gas metres) that might need to be relocated during construction.
• Inform your neighbour that you might be going near or through their property, and obtain their consent beforehand.

If you have a smaller backyard, rest assured that there will be a pool for you.

Dave talks about creating a “family fun centre” that will be enjoyable for adults and kids alike. “There is definitely a trend towards shallower pools as they are more user friendly with smaller pools. Nowadays, the options are much greater when it comes to size and shape with virtually endless choices.”

Work with a professional pool company to find the pool that will suit you and your family best.

5. Making Safety Your Top Priority

When it comes to pools, safety is the name of the game.

“We advocate a layered approach with proper supervision being at the top. Safety should include many facts including proper barriers to entry, teaching all users to swim, maintaining a safe environment and the inclusion of safety equipment,” Dave says.

Ultimately, Dave stresses the importance of making pool safety a family affair. Get everyone involved so that you can come up with a set of comprehensive rules that will make it easy to stay safe while making the most of your new pool.

Is a new pool on your mind? Schedule a free in-home consultation with Dave so you can get the process started early and enjoy your own pool all summer long.

Check out:

• Total Tech Pools Receives National Recognition at the Canadian Pool and Spa Expo
• 3 Reasons to Use a Yard Guard Pool Safety Cover
• What Pool Owners Need to Know about Replacing a Filter