Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
Instructions to deal with proposal for construction of swimming pool
The Commissioner of Town and Country Planning issued the Instructions to deal with proposal for construction of swimming pool as official guidance for reviewing swimming pool construction proposals. The guidance sets requirements for pool structure, dimensions, walls, slopes, access, decks, setbacks, ventilation, fencing and exits, including specific conditions for educational institutions, amusement parks and single dwelling units.
What the guidance covers
The Instructions to deal with proposal for construction of swimming pool guide the design and review of swimming pool construction proposals. They affect applicants, property owners, educational institutions, amusement parks, designers and structural engineers proposing swimming pools.
Structure, walls and water depth
The swimming pool proposal instructions require the following:
- Construction procedures and precautions must follow IS 6494:1988 to ensure structural water tightness.
- A structural engineer must certify the pool design.
- Emergency vehicles must be able to reach the pool. Amusement park pools require an unobstructed driveway at least 3.5 m wide from a public road, reaching to within at least 30 m of the pool.
- Pool walls must follow specified vertical wall, curve and floor junction requirements based on depth. Wall and floor junctions must be coved with a minimum radius of 25 mm.
- The shallow end should be 106 cm deep. The deeper end should not exceed 167 cm.
- For an educational institution pool smaller than 15 m by 10 m, the deeper end should not exceed 152 cm.
- A diving pool must not be approved without reference to Head office.
Floors, decks and setbacks
The swimming pool proposal instructions require floors to slope uniformly towards the main drain. Shallow and deep areas have specified maximum slopes.
Pools generally require a deck at least 3.0 m wide around the entire pool, with a further setback of at least 3.0 m from an adjacent structure or site boundary. Necessary obstructions must leave a clear walkway at least 1.1 m wide. For a pool at a single dwelling unit, the minimum deck width and setback are each 1 m.
The deck between adjacent pools must be at least 6.0 m wide. Decks and walkways require unobstructed overhead clearance of at least 2.0 m.
Access, educational institutions and safety
The swimming pool proposal instructions require at least two means of leaving a pool near opposite ends. Pools at least 9 m wide require at least four. A point deeper than 76 cm must be within 15 m of a means of egress, and the deep area requires at least two ladders or sets of step-holes.
Educational institutions may have only in-ground pools, not on-ground or suspended pools. Indoor and outdoor pool premises require at least two exits, each at least 2.0 m wide, near opposite ends.
Ramps must have a slope no steeper than one in twelve, a slip-resistant surface and handrails on both sides. Indoor pools require the stated natural ventilation area or proper mechanical ventilation. All indoor and outdoor pools must be fenced at least 1.2 m high without climbable handholds or footholds.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
How much deck and setback space is required around a swimming pool?
Pools generally require a deck at least 3.0 m wide around the pool and a setback of at least 3.0 m from an adjacent structure or site boundary. For a pool in a single dwelling unit, the minimum deck width and setback are each 1 m.
Can an educational institution build an above-ground or suspended swimming pool?
No. The instructions permit only an in-ground swimming pool at an educational institution.
Does a swimming pool design need certification?
Yes. The pool design must be certified by a structural engineer, and IS 6494:1988 must be followed for construction procedures and precautions concerning water tightness.
What fencing and exit requirements apply to swimming pools?
Indoor and outdoor pools must be fenced with fencing at least 1.2 m high and without handholds or footholds that could help a young child climb it. Pool premises must also have at least two exits, each at least 2.0 m wide, near opposite ends.
