Design
Kansas has a reputation as flat prairie land.
Rules and Regulations
Kansas Regulations for Installing an Inground Pool
Along with the fun of owning a pool comes a fair amount of responsibility. Kansas has several local and statewide laws that you should familiarize yourself with before taking the plunge into pool ownership.
Because state and local laws can change over time, it’s important to do your homework before breaking ground on a beautiful new pool. Kansas has several residential pool laws that blanket the state, however, your city, township or municipality may have more restrictive regulations than those of the state.
Be sure to check with your local building office first to ensure your pool is compliant with any codes. Additionally, working with a licensed professional builder can also help you better navigate any state and local regulations and ensure your pool is up-to-code.
To help you gain a better understanding of laws that may impact you as a future pool owner, here are some of the most common questions we hear around regulations for owning a pool in Kansas.
Do you have to have a fence around a pool in Kansas?
Kansas requires that all residential pools must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet high. requires that all residential pools must be enclosed by a fence or barrier. This law applies to inground and above-ground pools, as well as hot tubs and spas. Spas and hot tubs in the state of Kansas are subject to additional regulation, in that they must be “covered with an insulated cover, which shall be secured by locks when the spa or hot tub is not in use.”
Mission, KS, however, has even stricter requirements for pool fencing, requiring that all private swimming pools be surrounded by a fence or barrier no less than 6 feet high.
Because laws can change periodically, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm if your city or township may have more prohibitive requirements to ensure your pool – and fencing – is compliant with all laws.
Do I need a permit to install a pool in Kansas?
While the state of Kansas itself does not have a blanket requirement for permits to construct a swimming pool, many cities and counties throughout The Sunflower State do require a permit before building a new pool.
In most cases, the definition of a swimming pool applies to any structure that can hold water more than 24 inches deep. This definition also applies to hot tubs, spas, and jacuzzis.
Depending on where you live in the state, different cities and counties in Kansas have different permitting requirements. For instance, Overland Park, KS requires a building permit for all new residential swimming pools that must be submitted along with a complete plot plan that illustrates planned fencing, location and distance from property lines, and more.
Similarly, Lawrence, KS also requires a building permit to construct a new pool, which must also be accompanied by a letter of review and approval from the Douglas County Health Department and a detailed plot plan.
Be sure to check with your local building office to confirm what permits you must have in order to begin construction on your new pool in Kansas. Working with a licensed professional builder can help you better understand these laws and obtain the correct permits.
How close to the house can a pool be in Kansas?
The distance between your swimming pool and home varies depending on where you live in Kansas. Different cities and counties have their own requirements.
For instance, Lawrence, KS requires that all pools and spas “must be located in the rear yard and a minimum of 5 feet from all property lines.”
In Miami County, Kansas, the size of your backyard and parcel of land itself play a role in how close your pool can be to your home – and neighboring property lines. For instance, if your land is less than 100 feet wide, you can only add a pool within 20 feet of a setback or adjoining property line. If your pool is any closer, the county will need to dispatch a registered surveyor and may “require a professionally prepared site plan and construction staking of a proposed building site.”
The city of Mission, KS also has strict rules around placement of swimming pools, noting that they cannot be less than 7 feet from a side or rear property line and no less than 15 feet from any property line on the side street of corner lots. Mission, KS mandates also require that pools should not be less than 20 feet from the main building on an adjoining lot, “nor closer than 60 feet to the front property line.
Because your city or county requirements may vary and laws change over time, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm the proper, legal distance of your pool from your home, as well as any adjoining property lines. A licensed professional builder can help you better understand these laws and make sure your pool meets all state and local building codes.
Are pool covers required in Kansas? If so, what kind?
Although pool covers are not required in Kansas, the state does require that any hot tub or spa must be covered with “an insulated cover secured by straps or locks.” If you opt for a pool with a spillover spa in Kansas, you are required by law to ensure that it has a cover that meets statewide standards.
In some parts of Kansas, including Eastborough, KS, residents have the option to choose an automatic safety cover in lieu of approved fencing (at least 5 feet high). This power safety cover must meet regulatory requirements.
Pool covers can be an important safety measure that can save lives. Be sure to check with your local building office to confirm any local regulations around safety covers to be sure your pool and/or spa are compliant.
Seasonality
Kansas has relatively mild weather year-round, with hot summers and comfortable spring and fall temperatures. Between December and March, temperatures range between highs in the 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit range, and lows in the 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit range.
Typically, many Kansas residents choose to open their pools in May, when temperatures are well into the 70s. Historically, May is also Kansas’s peak month for tornadoes and Sunflower State residents may choose to keep their pools closed until after the worst of tornado season has passed.
However, for those brave enough to open their pools early – or those who have a heated pool, Kansas residents can start enjoying their pools as early as April. As an added bonus, pool parents with heated pools can potentially use their pool in October before closing their pool before winter sets in. For those without heated pools, September or early October is prime time for closing your pool.
Typically, it’s a best practice to close your pool when water temperatures go below 65 degrees. This can help prevent algae from blooming beneath your winter cover, making reopening your pool – and balancing your water chemistry – much more difficult than it has to be the following spring! to avoid algae developing under cover, leaving you with a nasty and time-consuming surprise when you reopen the following spring.
Speaking of closing your pool for winter, Kansas has mild winters with snowfall averages at 19 inches annually throughout the state. If you live in a region that has heavy snowfall and may have an automatic pool cover, it can be a good idea to invest in a winter pool cover. These covers are specially designed to support the weight of heavy snow so that it doesn’t rest on top of an autocover, running the risk of damaging its delicate mechanisms.
To help you enjoy your pool throughout the seasons, here are a few more tips for Kansas pool owners:
• Spring: Spring is prime tornado season in Kansas, with May, historically seeing the most activity. Kansas pool owners should stay on top of impending weather events and take care to protect their home and pool by following best practices – chief of which is shutting down all power to your pool equipment. Beyond taking proactive steps to protect your pool during tornado season, Kansas residents should also tend to the more commonplace aspects of pool maintenance, such as regularly skimming spring pollen from their water’s surface. If left unattended, tiny pollen grains can clog your pool filter and play a role in algae development.
• Fall: If you have a heated pool, you may be able to squeak out several more weeks of pool season before closing in October. If you plan to keep your pool open during fall, stay on top of weekly pool cleanings to fish out any autumn leaves. If left to accumulate, leaves can rot and contribute to algae growth, throwing off your water chemistry. An autocover can help you keep leaves out when your pool is not in use, alongside a host of other benefits!
• Winter: When it’s time to close your pool for winter, take special care to remove all air from water lines. Many Kansas residents opt to close their pools themselves, but you can also enlist the aid of a professional to help you winterize your pool, making for a smooth opening the following spring!
Planning a Backyard Fiberglass Pool in Kansas? Here’s What to Know
Kansas offers a unique climate that makes fiberglass pools an excellent choice for homeowners seeking durability and low maintenance. Understanding the local weather patterns can help you plan effectively for your backyard oasis.
• Average Number of Sunny Days Annually:
Kansas boasts approximately 230 sunny days per year, surpassing the U.S. average of 205. This abundance of sunshine provides ample opportunities to enjoy your pool throughout the year.
• Average Summer Temperature (June–August):
During the summer months, average high temperatures range from 84°F to 88°F, with lows between 65°F and 68°F. The warm, breezy conditions make it ideal for swimming and outdoor activities.
• Average Winter Temperature (December–February):
Winters in Kansas are cold, with average high temperatures ranging from 31°F to 44°F and lows between 16°F and 29°F. While snowfall is minimal, averaging around 12.7 inches annually in Wichita, it's essential to prepare your pool for freezing conditions to prevent damage.
• Average Pool Temperature:
In summer, pool temperatures typically stay between 78°F and 85°F. With the installation of a pool heater, you can maintain comfortable swimming temperatures of 70°F to 75°F during the cooler spring and fall months, extending your swimming season.
• Average Annual Precipitation:
Kansas receives an average of 33 inches of rain per year, which is slightly below the U.S. average of 38 inches. The eastern part of the state tends to be wetter, while the western regions are drier. Regular maintenance is necessary to manage debris and ensure optimal water chemistry.
Key Considerations for Kansas Pool Owners:
• Winterizing Your Pool: Given the cold winters, it's crucial to winterize your pool to prevent freezing and potential damage to plumbing and equipment.
• Debris Management: With the state's precipitation patterns, especially in the eastern regions, regular cleaning is essential to maintain water quality and prevent staining.
• Energy Efficiency: Investing in energy-efficient equipment and considering solar covers can help manage heating costs during the cooler months.
• Local Regulations: Always check with local authorities regarding pool permits and regulations, as they can vary by county and city.
By understanding Kansas' climate and planning accordingly, you can enjoy your fiberglass pool for many years to come.
