Residential Above Ground Spas and Hot Tubs

The installation of residential spas and hot tubs within the City of Wheaton requires a Building Permit issued by the City of Wheaton Building and Code Enforcement Department. Additional items related to this installation such as enclosures (fences), decks, patios/labs, receptacles, electrical service line or electrical fixture relocation, and any other work related to this installation, also require a Building Permit.

Applicable Codes:

2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
2023 National Electrical Code

Please submit the following information:

1. Provide the legal Plat of Survey at original scale with the proposed spa/hot tub drawn to scale at the proposed location with dimensions from the concrete pad to the adjacent lot lines.
2. Provide construction and installation methods. Plans should include:
   1. Plan view of the proposed installation that included all dimensions, materials, features, and location of underground piping installations.
   2. Electrical plan that indicates all electrical features (GFCI) receptacles, underground electrical installations (include piping, wire sizes, type, and burial depth), and equipment.
   3. Electrical service panel schedule indicating existing and new circuits.
   4. Electrical load calculation, including proposed new loads.
   5. Electrical line diagram on Plat of Survey or site plan, depicting electrical supply to spa/hot tub, and the electrical service line to the home (indicate overhead or underground service and distance from line to spa/hot tub).
   6. Manufacturer specifications of the ASTM F1346 lockable cover that will be installed.
   7. Cross section of concrete pad construction.
   8. Cross-section of the proposed construction (for inground spas/tubs only) that includes all dimensions, materials, features, and elements of construction.
3. Installation Manual(s).
4. Submit approval letter from the homeowner’s association if spa/hot tub is proposed to be installed in the rear yard of a townhome or condo.

Zoning Requirements

The location of residential pools, spas, and hot tubs of any type are allowed in the rear yard; not allowed in the front or corner side yard. The required setbacks (which applies to the pool/spa/hot tub, pool deck, and any related equipment) are as follows:

• Side Yard - 10’ feet
• Rear Yard - 10’ feet
• Distance from house - No Zoning Requirement

Any zoning questions should be directed to the City of Wheaton Planning Department at 630-260-2080.

Significant Codes - Electrical

All electrical work must comply with the 2023 National Electric Code, Article 680 (and all other applicable code sections), the 2021 Illinois Energy Conservation Code, and any adopted ordinances of the City of Wheaton.
Municipal Code (Chapter 22, Buildings and Building Regulations)

1. Underground wiring must be buried at the proper depth below grade per based upon the materials to be installed and the use/cover of the area directly above at grade level. 2023 NEC Article 300.5 (Table 300.5)
2. Underground wiring shall not be installed under or within the area extending 5’ horizontally from the inside walls of the spa/hot tub (except for wiring installed to supply pool equipment); Wheaton Amendment
3. Lighting outlets, luminaires, ceiling-suspended paddle fans, and any other similar electrical fixtures installed above the pool/spa/hot tub or the area extending 5' horizontally from the inside walls of the pool must be installed at a height not less than 12’ above the maximum water level of the pool; 2023 NEC Article 680.22(B)(1)
4. Lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, or lighting outlets located within 5’ to 10’ of the inside walls of the pool must be GFCI protected unless they are 5’ or more above the maximum water level, and rigidly attached to a permanent structure; 2023 NEC 680.22(B)(4)
5. One 120-volt GFCI-protected outlet is required and shall be located not less than 6’ from and not more than 20’ away from the pool. This receptacle shall not be located more than 6’-6” above the floor, deck, platform, or grade level serving the pool. 2023 NEC 680.22(A)(1)
6. Grounding of electrical equipment is required and shall comply with Article 680.6.

Barrier Requirements

1. Above-ground hot tubs and spas lockable safety covers must comply with ASTM F1346. 2024 ISPSC 305.1
2. If the hot tub/spa cover is not lockable and/or not compliant with ASTM F1346, then a barrier that complies with the requirements of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Section 305 must be provided:
   1. Hot tubs and spas are required to be surrounded by a barrier that is a minimum of 48” above grade measured on the side that faces away from the pool.
   2. The minimum required height of 48” shall be maintained around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3’ measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
   3. A clear zone of 36” is required between the exterior of the barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters that can be used to climb the barrier.
   4. The hot tub/spa side of the required barrier shall not be less than 20” from the water’s edge.
   5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45”:
      1. The horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence.
      2. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1-3/4” in width.
      3. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1-3/4” in width.
   6. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45” or more:
      1. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4”.
      2. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75” in width.
   7. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be 1-3/4” inches unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduces the openings to not more than 1-3/4” inches.
   8. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1-3/4” inches.
   9. Access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
   10. Double gates shall have not fewer than one leaf secured in place and the adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self-latching device.
   11. The gate and barrier shall not have openings larger than ½” within 18” of the latch release mechanism.
   12. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate.
3. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall be required:
   1. The pool shall be equipped with a powered safety cover in compliance with ASTM F1346; or;
   2. All doors and operable windows having a sill height of less than 48” above the indoor finished floor with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm which produces an audible warning when the door, window, or its screen are opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017. The deactivation switch(s) shall be located at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door; or;
   3. Other means of protection, such as self-closing doors with self-latching devices, are provided. Such means of protection shall provide a degree of protection that is not less than the protection afforded by Items 14.1 or 14.2.

Inspections

The inspections listed here are required for all above-ground spa and hot tub projects. Additional inspections may be needed based upon the scope of work for your project. A complete list of your required inspections will be listed on the Plan Approval Notice that will be attached to the approved plans.

To schedule an inspection, please call 630-260-2050 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Inspections must be scheduled no later than 3:30 PM the day before the desired inspection date.