Article Summary:

Following an increase in new pool installations, Monee’s Building Services department is reminding residents of mandatory permit and safety requirements. Officials are emphasizing life-safety measures to prevent drownings, a warning that coincides with a recent national recall of millions of above-ground pools.

Pool Safety Key Points:

• A village permit is required for all new swimming pool installations in Monee.

• Village code mandates safety barriers, secure or removable ladders, and properly bonded electrical systems.

• The warning comes as a national recall has been issued for millions of Bestway and Intex above-ground pools due to drowning hazards.

MONEE — As residents seek relief from summer heat, the Village of Monee is issuing a critical reminder about swimming pool safety.

During Wednesday’s board meeting, Building Services Trustee John Henson delivered a community alert after the village noted a recent increase in unpermitted pool installations. “This is for many reasons, but the main one is life safety of the homeowner and the surrounding community residents,” Henson stated.

He stressed that unsecured pools can be “very deadly for everyone, especially children.” Village code requires safety measures including fences or other barriers, ladders that can be secured or removed when not in use, and properly bonded electrical systems to prevent electrocution.

Henson pointed out that the local alert is particularly timely, as a major national recall has been issued for over 5 million Bestway and Intex brand above-ground pools, 48 inches and taller, due to drowning hazards linked to at least nine deaths.

“Sometimes everybody says, ‘Oh, you know, the building services, they just don’t want anybody to have a good time or have something nice.’ This is a safety issue,” Henson said. “I couldn’t even imagine having a pool and having something like this happen.”

Residents who have recently installed a pool or plan to are urged to contact the Building Services department to ensure they comply with all village ordinances and obtain the necessary permits.