myAIRDRIE sign in

Swimming pools, hot tubs and swim spas

Swimming pools, hot tubs and swim spas are structures, basins or tanks that hold artificially maintained water for swimming, recreation or related activities. This includes all associated buildings, equipment and facilities. These features may be above ground or in ground.

What to know about installing a swimming pool, hot tub or swim spa

Any swimming pool or hot tub deeper than 2 feet (0.6m), including above ground pools, require a City of Airdrie permit.
Above ground pools that are dismantled each fall only require the initial permit provided the pool is setup in the exact same spot as originally approved each year.
All outdoor hot tubs, swim spas and pools must have a secure, self-closing, lockable fence or a lockable cover that meets safety standards.
Chemically treated water cannot be drained into yards or stormwater drains in the streets and should be drained with a hose into your home's sanitary drains so it can be treated.
If your pool, hot tub or swim spa requires electrical work, a Electrical Load Calculation (pdf) is required.

Who will install the pool or hot tub?

Homeowner-led projects

Homeowners performing HVAC, electrical, plumbing or gas work on homes they own and occupy can request permits on behalf of themselves. Electrical, gas and plumbing cannot be completed by homeowners for any portion of a rental property.
Homeowner-led trade permits are also subject to an additional $100 fee per trade (electrical, plumbing and/or gas). Fee information is available in the User Fees and Charges Bylaw (pdf).

Hired contractors

Contractors must hold valid trade qualification certificates and have a City of Airdrie business licence. Property owners are responsible for ensuring contractors have valid licences and permits before work begins.
If you're hiring a contractor or company, research them carefully to protect yourself from renovation scams. Learn more about hiring a contractor in Alberta.

Permit requirements

The following must be included in your application (online documents must be submitted as flattened PDFs that allow editing and commenting, and each file must have a clear descriptive title).

Real Property Report or site plan

Must be complete, legible and indicate all right of ways setbacks, utility rights of way and any structures and projections on the property.
Indicate the location of the proposed swimming pool with dimensions to adjacent property lines and structures indicated.
Indicate the surrounding above ground deck (if applicable).

Pool information

Pool size, shape and height above grade (if applicable).
Indicate whether the swimming pool will be in a fenced yard or have a lockable cover.
Surrounding above-ground deck and construction details (if applicable).
Type and location of pool heater (if applicable).
Location of chlorinator and equipment (if applicable).
Location of space heating and ventilation equipment (indoor pools only).
Manufacturer’s installation brochure (for pre-manufactured pools) that includes make, model and CSA or ULC approval number.
Provide an indication of how the pool will be drained. It must have a hose long enough to reach a sanitary drain connection (do not drain into a storm water drainage system).

Site fencing or lockable cover

A minimum 1.8m (6’) high fence is required for all outdoor hot tubs, swim spas and swimming pools. The fence must be constructed so all horizontal or diagonal members are located on the swimming pool side and not the exterior side of the fence. The opening access through the fence must be the same height as the fence, be equipped with a self-closing device with a latching mechanism not less than 1.5m (5’) above the ground and the gate must be capable of being locked.
Fence and gate requirements may be waived provided the pool, swim spa or hot tub is provided with a lockable cover conforming to ASTM F1346 (with documentation showing it complies with this standard).

Electrical load calculations

If your project will require electrical use, an Electrical Load Calculation (pdf) must be completed and submitted as part of the permit application so service demand does not exceed the available load provided.
Where a system is not sufficient, additional measures can be proposed to address the electrical system needs.
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI breaker) is required. The GFCI must be in a location where it can be tested and no closer than 3m (9’9”) to the pool water.
A disconnect rated to interrupt the connected load is required for each permanently connected pool pump, spa and hot tub.
The disconnect without built-in GFCI protection must be readily accessible and located no closer than 1.5m (5’) to the inside walls of the pool pump, spa or hot tub unless it is located behind a permanent barrier that will prevent the occupant from contacting the device.
Where the pool, spa or hot tub or it’s equipment is located outside of a dwelling the disconnect must also be located outside and be readily accessible.
The disconnect must be lockable when not in sight of the pool pump, spa or hot tub.
There are additional requirements for an in-ground pool. You should discuss these requirements with a qualified contractor.

Permits and inspections

Permit applications

Before you apply, required documents should be prepared, including site plans with pool information as well as fencing and electrical requirements (if applicable). Incomplete applications may delay approvals.

Permit application can be submitted online through myAIRDRIE. Installation work must wait for permit approval.

Apply for your permit

Inspections

Work done under a permit in Airdrie requires a City inspection, which can be booked through your myAIRDRIE account.

How to book an inspection