Swimming Pool Permit

Required for installing in-ground and above-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Wisconsin. Wisconsin regulates residential pools under SPS 390 and requires barrier fencing, proper drainage, and electrical safety measures. Public and semi-public pools fall under SPS 390 with additional requirements for filtration, sanitation, and lifeguard provisions.

Verified 2026-02-01
Typical Fee Range
$100–$1,000
flat
Typical Timeline
2–4 weeks
From application to approval
Inspection Required
Yes
One or more inspections required
Jurisdiction Level
Municipal
Issuing authority level

When Is a Swimming Pool Permit Required?

  • In-ground swimming pool installation
  • Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep in most municipalities
  • Hot tubs and spas with permanent electrical connections
  • Pool barrier/fence installation

When Is a Swimming Pool Permit NOT Required?

  • Portable wading pools under 24 inches deep
  • Temporary inflatable pools in some municipalities

Related Permits You May Also Need

Electrical Permit
Required for all electrical installations, alterations, and repairs in Wisconsin. The state adopts the National Electrical Code (NEC) with Wisconsin-specific amendments under SPS 316. All electrical work on residential dwellings must be performed by a licensed master or journeyman electrician, or by a homeowner on their own single-family residence.
→
Fence Permit
Required in most Wisconsin municipalities for installing new fences above a certain height. Requirements vary — some cities require permits for all fences, others only for fences above 6 feet. Setback requirements, material restrictions, and height limits differ by zoning district and municipality.
→
Grading/Excavation Permit
Required for earth-moving activities including grading, filling, excavation, and land clearing in Wisconsin. Municipalities regulate grading to manage stormwater runoff, prevent erosion, protect neighboring properties, and ensure proper drainage. Projects disturbing more than one acre also require a Wisconsin DNR stormwater permit (WPDES).
→

Swimming Pool Permit Fees by Municipality

Fee and processing time data for swimming pool permit permits across Wisconsin municipalities. Click any jurisdiction for complete details including application links and requirements.

JurisdictionFeeProcessing TimeStatus
City of Milwaukee$1252-4 weeksCurrent
City of Madison$1102-3 weeksCurrent

Data note: Fees are sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified periodically. Actual fees may vary based on project valuation and scope. Click any jurisdiction for the most current data and direct application links.

Frequently Asked Questions — Swimming Pool Permit

Do I need a permit for a swimming pool in Wisconsin?

Yes. Both in-ground and most above-ground pools require a permit in Wisconsin. The permit process ensures proper fencing/barriers (required by SPS 390), electrical safety (GFCI protection, bonding), drainage, and setbacks from property lines and structures.

What are the pool fence requirements in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires a barrier at least 48 inches high around all residential swimming pools. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch on the pool side at least 54 inches from the ground. The barrier must not have openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through.

Do I need a permit for a hot tub in Wisconsin?

If the hot tub has a permanent electrical connection (hardwired), you need at minimum an electrical permit. Many municipalities also require a building/pool permit for hot tubs. A hard-locking safety cover may substitute for a fence barrier in some municipalities. Check your local requirements.

For Professionals

Managing permits across multiple jurisdictions?

Get fee changes, requirement updates, and deadline alerts for every municipality you work in. Built for contractors, expeditors, and compliance teams.

No credit card required. Free for up to 3 locations.