Many Ontario homeowners are faced with the big decision about whether to fill in their swimming pool. They may be trying to reduce maintenance costs, improve safety, or repurpose backyard space. 

If you’re thinking about filling in your pool, you might be wondering whether permits are required in Ontario. The good news? In most cases, Ontario homeowners can fill in their pools without obtaining permits. However, there are exceptions—especially if you plan to build something over the area afterward. Understanding when permits are necessary and the best practices for pool filling can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.

Understanding Pool Filling

Filling in a pool involves removing part or all of the pool structure and replacing it with fill materials. Homeowners in Ontario often choose to fill their pool to:

  • Reduce maintenance and energy costs.
  • Eliminate safety risks, especially for households with children or pets.
  • Create usable outdoor space for gardening, patios, or landscaping.

Regardless of the motivation, pool filling is a significant alteration to your property that can potentially require oversight to meet local regulations and maintain property safety.

Are Permits Required to Fill in a Pool in Ontario?

In Ontario, there are generally no permits required to fill in a pool. Unlike major structural renovations or demolitions, pool filling is considered a landscaping project, which doesn’t typically fall under the purview of local building departments.

That said, there are exceptions:

Structural Changes or Additions: If you’re planning to build a deck, patio, shed, or any other structure over the filled pool area, you’ll likely need permits for that construction.

Specific Municipal Rules: While the majority of Ontario municipalities don’t require permits for pool filling, it’s always wise to double-check with your local building department to ensure compliance with any unique bylaws.

Why Proper Pool Filling Matters

Even without the need for permits, filling in a pool must be done properly to avoid future issues, such as:

Drainage Problems: Improperly filled pools can lead to water pooling or runoff issues that affect your yard or neighbouring properties.

Soil Compaction: Filling the area with the wrong materials or skipping compaction can cause settling over time, leading to uneven ground.

Future Use Limitations: If you don’t follow proper procedures, it may become difficult or unsafe to build on the site in the future.

Working with an experienced contractor (like The Pool Fill-In People) can help you avoid these problems and ensure the work is done to a professional standard.

Permits for Building Over a Filled Pool

While filling in your pool may not require a permit, constructing something over the area is a different story. Municipalities often require permits for:

Decks or Patios: Structures built over the filled area must meet local safety and zoning standards.

Accessory Buildings: Sheds, garages, or other buildings over the filled site may require specific footings or reinforcements to ensure stability.

Additions to the Home: Expanding your house onto the area of a filled pool will almost always require permits and additional engineering assessments.

If you’re considering adding a structure, check with your municipality for detailed requirements and consult a contractor to ensure the ground is stable enough for the planned construction.

Ready to begin? The Pool Fill-In People can help you work through the right questions to ask and do the right research to plan for your project. Contact us today to talk about what you need! 

 

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