Inflatable Pools Can Bring Danger, Fines and Possibly Jail

Setting up inflatable pools to cool off in summer heat can get area residents into hot water.

Not only are kiddie pools that are capable of containing more than 24 inches of water dangerous, they also are against Michigan law if they don't comply with several regulations, according to code enforcer Nancy Welsch.

"Almost every inflatable one is illegal," Welsch said Thursday.

Township Supervisor Michael Lovelock said many residents have been putting up soft-sided blow-up pools, such as ones that are about 3- or 4-feet high, without seeking permission. Those kinds of pools could pose a huge safety risk for children, he said.

In order to meet pool compliance in the township, home owners must get a building and an electrical permit.

The permits mandate pool owners to have:

• A fully fenced yard
• Alarms on the back doors, leading to the yard
• Locked gates
• Electrical requirements satisfied

Permit prices:

• The building permit costs $165, but $100 of that is bond money. That means if the pool meets inspection, $95 of that money is returned to the permit-seeker.
• $65 for electrical permit

Warnings and Penalties

Once a property is spotted with an illegal pool by a code enforcer, the owner will receive a warning letter in the mail. If the pool isn't removed or the permits are not obtained, they could face a misdemeanor charge that's punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine, according to the township.

"I haven't seen it go that far," Welsch said of the jail time. In many cases, "the judge just makes them take it down and fines them $100."

As of Thursday, five warnings were issued to residents about pools this year. Last year, about 100 letters were sent. About 75 percent of those property owners took their pools down while the other 25 percent were fined or got permits, she said.

What's Allowed

Welsch said hard plastic kiddie pools are allowed in the township and do not require permits. Larger permanent pool structures must go through building officials for inspection and approval.

For more information or to report a pool violation, call 586-949-0400, extension 2239.