Skip to Content

Port Hope Logo

Contact Us
  • Living Here
    • About Us
    • Animal Services
    • Building Services
    • By-Law Enforcement
    • Cemeteries
    • Civic Awards
    • Commemorative Programs
    • Event Calendar
    • Fire, Police, and Paramedics
    • Garbage and Recycling
    • Health Care
    • Library
    • News
    • Parking
    • Places of Worship
    • Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
    • Property Taxes
    • Recreation Schedules
    • Report an Issue
    • Roads, Boulevards, and Sidewalks
    • Schools
    • Transit
    • Utilities
    • Walton Street Reconstruction
    • Water and Wastewater
    • Welcome to the Neighbourhood
  • Things To Do
    • Aquatics and Swimming
    • Arena and Skating
    • Arts and Culture
    • Community Events
    • Event Calendar
    • Facilities and Rentals
    • History and Heritage
    • Library
    • Parks, Trails and Green Spaces
    • Recreation Guide
    • Recreation Programs
    • Recreation Schedules
    • Seasonal Activities
    • Visit Port Hope
    • Waterfront and Beaches
    View our recreation programs page
    Recreation Programs
  • Business and Development
    • Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities
    • Available Lands
    • Bid Opportunities
    • Building Services
    • Business Community Update
    • Business Licences and Permits
    • Business Park
    • Community Improvement Plan
    • Development Charges
    • Filming in Port Hope
    • Funding and Grants
    • Partners in Business
    • Planning and Development Services
    • Start or Expand Your Business
  • Your Municipal Government
    • Accessibility
    • Agendas and Minutes
    • Applications, Licences and Permits
    • Boards and Committees
    • Budget and Finances
    • By-Law Enforcement
    • By-Laws
    • Careers
    • Civic Awards
    • Code of Conduct
    • Commissioner of Oaths
    • Council
    • Freedom of Information
    • Maps
    • Mayor's Corner
    • Municipal Election
    • News
    • Plans, Reports and Studies
I Want To
Close I want to modal close icon

I Want To...

Get in touch

Contact Us

Report an Issue

Apply and Register icon

Apply and Register

  • Building Permits
  • Burn Permits
  • Careers
  • Dog Licence
  • Marriage licence
  • Event Permit
  • Recreation Programs
Pay icon

Pay

  • Dog Licence
  • Facility Rental
  • Parking Ticket
  • Property Taxes
  • Water Bill
Get Involved icon

Get Involved

  • Council Meetings
  • Engage Port Hope
  • Speak Before Council
  • Volunteer

Pool and Hot Tub Permits

  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Email this page Email

A silver ladder in a pool used to get out

You need a permit to put in an in ground or above ground pool or hot tub on your property. You will need to follow our Swimming Pool By-Law and regulations to ensure that your swimming pool or hot tub installation is safe.

Before you start

Contact the Planning Department before you apply for a permit to ensure that you follow all guidelines for your property. Swimming pools, hot tubs and related equipment must meet all setback requirements. 

Application

Complete the application form online and attach all necessary documents and drawings to the form. Alternatively, you can print the application and submit it to:

Development Team Office 
5 Mill St. S.
Port Hope, ON L1A 2S6
We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Pool Permit Application

Your Site Plan must include the following:

  • Property lines and existing buildings
  • Location and setbacks of the pool and related pool equipment
  • Pool enclosure location showing fence type, height, gates, and access points from all buildings
  • Easements, catch basins, retaining walls and swales with setback distances
  • Landscaping, patios, concrete, and existing decks with setback distances

Fee

Pool permit fee of $150

Pool Enclosures

You need to put a fence around all above ground, in ground pools and hot tubs in the Municipality of Port Hope. All requirements are outlined in the Swimming Pool By-Law.

Fence construction details

All fences must meet these building requirements:

  • It must be at least 1.5 m in height
  • It must be located at least 1.2 m from the edge of the pool or hot tub
  • It cannot have any horizontal or diagonal braces that could make it easier to climb
  • It cannot have any barbed wire or electric wires that could shoot an electric current through the fence
  • Fencing designs

Book an inspection

Before you can fill your new pool or hot tub with water, you need to book an inspection. Email us and we will set up a time to come and inspect the pool and enclosure.

Short-term backyard pool rentals

Private backyard pools or spas offered for rent or other business activities, such as swimming lessons, are subject to and require compliance with the Public Pools Regulation (O. Reg 565). Owners intending to operate a residential pool for rentals or other business activities are required to notify Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit at 1-866-888-4577 ext. 5006 or inspections@hkpr.on.ca

Contact Us

Subscribe to this page

Port Hope Footer Logo

Located along the shores of Lake Ontario and the Northumberland Hills.

© 2025 Municipality of Port Hope

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Get to know us

  • Live
  • Work
  • Play

Helpful Links

  • A-Z Services
  • Accessibility
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • Customer Service Feedback Form
  • Port Hope Tourism

Town Hall

56 Queen Street.
Port Hope ON L1A 3Z9

Phone 905-885-4544
Fax 905-885-7698

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  • Freedom of Information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Website Feedback
Designed by eSolutionsGroup

Browser Compatibility Notification

It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.