Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes — in Barrie a pool enclosure permit is required when installing an above ground pool. The permit ensures that no uninvited guests can access your pool area. Your backyard must be fully fenced with self-closing, swing-shut gates so the pool area is secured at all times. An inspector will visit to confirm your gates are functioning correctly and that your pool is positioned at least 4 feet from the fence line.
The permit is straightforward to apply for online through Barrie's APLI portal at eservices.barrie.ca — you can apply, pay, and track your permit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
📞 Contact Service Barrie: 705-726-4242 ✉️ Email: ServiceBarrie@barrie.ca
We're happy to walk you through the process — call Instant Pools at 647-268-7625 for guidance.

Yes — the Town of Innisfil requires a pool enclosure permit for above ground pool installations. Your backyard must be fully fenced with self-closing, swing-shut gates to prevent uninvited access. An inspector will visit to verify your gates are working properly and that your pool sits at least 4 feet from the fence line.

Innisfil handles permit applications online through their Cloudpermit system at innisfil.ca — you can apply and track your permit anytime online.

📞 Contact Town of Innisfil Building Department: 705-436-3710 ext. 3500 📞 Toll-Free: 1-888-436-3710 ✉️ Email: buildinginspections@innisfil.ca

As your local Innisfil neighbours we're happy to help guide you through the process — call us at 647-268-7625.

Yes — Bradford West Gwillimbury requires a pool enclosure permit under their Swimming Pool Fence By-law 2016-65. Your backyard must be fully fenced with self-closing swing-shut gates to ensure the pool area is secure. An inspector will confirm your gates are functioning correctly and that your pool is at least 4 feet from the fence line.

Bradford now accepts permit applications online through their CityView Portal at townofbwg.com. In-person assistance is also available at their office for those who need help with the electronic submission.

📞 Contact Bradford West Gwillimbury Building Division: 905-775-5369 📠 Fax: 905-778-4343 📍 Address: 305 Barrie St, Unit 4B, Bradford, ON L3Z 2A8

Call Instant Pools at 647-268-7625 for help navigating the permit process.

Yes — the City of Orillia requires homeowners to obtain a building permit for swimming pools. Here's exactly what you need to know:
Fence Requirements:Every swimming pool fence must extend from the ground to a height of not less than 1.2 metres (48 inches) above finished grade. The pool fence must have no attachments such as horizontal or diagonal bracing, horizontal rails, or other attachments that will facilitate climbing. The maximum clearance from the ground to the bottom edge of the swimming pool fence must not be more than 50mm (2 inches). Gates must be constructed to the same height as the pool fence.
Your pool must also be positioned at least 4 feet from the fence line, and no raised structures such as decks or raised ground should be within 1.5 metres of the enclosure as these could be used to climb over the fence.
How to Apply:Orillia's e-Permit Service allows you to submit your building permit application online — saving time and multiple trips to their office. The portal will take you through the steps to submit your application.
The review process takes approximately 10 business days. You will receive a phone call and/or email once your permit is ready. All fees must be paid before the building permit will be issued.
📞 City of Orillia Building Division: 705-329-7258 📞 Environmental Services (if required): 705-329-7249 🌐 Apply online at: orillia.ca under the Building Permits tab 📍 Address: Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St S, Orillia, ON L3V 7T5
Pro tip from Instant Pools: Apply for your permit as soon as you decide to get a pool — the review process takes about 10 business days and you don't want it to delay your installation. We've helped many Orillia families navigate this process since 1984. Call us at 647-268-7625 and we'll point you in the right direction! 🌊
 

Yes — property owners in Richmond Hill must apply for a Swimming Pool Site Alteration Permit to install above-ground swimming pools.  Richmond Hill's process is slightly more detailed than some other municipalities — here's what you need to know:
Your backyard must be fully fenced with self-closing, swing-shut gates to prevent uninvited access. The fence enclosure must be at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) high, with no horizontal bars that could act as a ladder, and chain link fences must have a mesh size of no more than 38mm to prevent climbing.Your pool must be positioned at least 4 feet from the fence line.
Richmond Hill has two departments involved in pool permits:
📞 Building Services Division: 905-771-8810 ✉️ Email: building@richmondhill.ca📍 Address: 225 East Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4
📞 By-law and Licensing Enforcement (Fence & Pool Enclosures): 905-771-0198 ⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Applications can be submitted online at richmondhill.ca. Call Instant Pools at 647-268-7625 and we'll help guide you through the process!

Yes — the City of Vaughan requires a swimming pool enclosure permit for above-ground pools, including hot tubs and spas, as well as temporary and seasonal pools. Any body of water 30 inches or more in depth requires a pool permit, issued before installation occurs.
Your backyard must be fully fenced with self-closing, swing-shut gates. A by-law enforcement officer will visit the property to inspect the fence enclosure before your pool is filled with water. Your pool must be at least 4 feet from the fence line.
When your project is complete, contact the City's Development Finance department at 905-832-2281 ext. 8817 to request final inspections.
📞 Pool Enclosure Permits — Development Finance: 905-832-2281 📞 Building Standards Department: 905-832-8510 📍 Address: Vaughan City Hall, Level 200, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr, Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Applications can be submitted online at vaughan.ca. Call Instant Pools at 647-268-7625 for guidance!
 

Yes — in Ontario, virtually every municipality requires a pool enclosure permit before installing an above ground pool. This is governed by both the Ontario Building Code and individual municipal by-laws, and applies to any pool with a water depth of 24 inches (60cm) or more.
While the specific rules vary slightly from town to town, here's what applies in almost every Ontario municipality:
What you'll need:
A fully fenced backyard with a minimum fence height of 1.2 metres (4 feet)
Self-closing, self-latching swing-shut gates on all entry points
Your pool positioned at least 4 feet from the fence line
No climbable structures within 1 metre of the fence (deck furniture, planters, play equipment etc.)
A permit application submitted to your local municipality BEFORE installation
What to expect after applying:
A permit fee (varies by municipality — typically $100 to $300)
A waiting period of approximately 5 to 15 business days for approval
An inspection visit from a municipal inspector to verify your fence and gates meet requirements before or after installation
Final sign-off once everything passes inspection
Important Ontario tip:Apply for your permit as early as possible — ideally as soon as you decide to purchase a pool. The permit process can take a few weeks and you don't want it to delay your installation date, especially during the busy spring season when inspectors are in high demand across Ontario.
Not sure what your municipality requires?Contact your local municipal building department directly — they handle pool enclosure permits and can walk you through the specific requirements for your area. We've included the contact details for Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan in the questions above.
At Instant Pools we've helped hundreds of Ontario families navigate the permit process since 1984. Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 and we'll point you in the right direction for your specific municipality. 🌊
 

Pool opening service costs in Ontario vary depending on your pool size, type, and condition after winter — but here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect across Barrie, Innisfil, and Simcoe County:
Above Ground Pool Opening — Typical Price Range:
Above ground pools are typically $300-$400 

Inground pools 

typically $350-$500

What affects the price:
Pool size — larger pools take more time, chemicals, and labour
Pool condition — a heavily green or neglected pool takes significantly more work to clean and balance
Chemical costs — liquid chlorine, shock, and balancing chemicals are typically included or quoted separately depending on the company
Travel distance — some companies charge travel fees for customers outside their core service area. At Instant Pools, Innisfil customers pay no travel fees since we're based right here in Innisfil Beach
Time of season — booking early in spring often gets you better availability and pricing. Last minute bookings in peak season (May/June) can cost more
What should be included in a pool opening:A professional pool opening should always include cover removal and storage, removing winter plugs, replacing equipment plugs, priming and starting the pump, leak inspection, vacuuming on waste setting, shocking with liquid chlorine, and full chemical balancing. If a company's quote doesn't include all of these steps — ask why.

Instant Pools Pricing:We offer honest, transparent pool opening pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Innisfil residents can ask about our exclusive Innisfil Neighbour Deal when booking. Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 for a fast, no-obligation quote for your pool opening in Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, or Newmarket. 🌊

Pool closing and winterizing costs in Ontario vary depending on your pool size, type, and location — but here's a realistic breakdown of what to expect across Barrie, Innisfil, and Simcoe County:
Above Ground Pool Closing — Typical Price Range:
Typicall$300-$400

Inground pools

Typically $375-$500

 What affects the price:
Pool size — larger pools take more time and labour
Equipment complexity — more equipment means more plugging and winterizing steps
Chemical costs — winterizing chemicals are typically included or quoted separately depending on the company
Travel distance — some companies charge travel fees. At Instant Pools, Innisfil customers pay no travel fees since we're based right here in Innisfil Beach
Timing — booking early in fall before the rush (August/September) often gets you better availability and pricing
What should be included in a professional pool closing:A proper pool closing should always include the following steps:
Final clean and vacuum of the pool
Balancing water chemistry before closing
Lowering water level as needed
Blowing out and plugging all return jets and skimmer lines
Removing, cleaning, and storing pool equipment including pump and filter
Adding winterizing chemicals to protect the water over winter
Installing and securing your safety cover with cover straps anchored to deck anchors
Final inspection to make sure everything is secure for the Ontario winter
Why proper winterizing matters in Ontario:Ontario winters are harsh — temperatures regularly drop well below freezing across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, and Newmarket. Water left in pool lines, equipment, or fittings will freeze and expand, causing cracks and serious damage that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair in spring. A professional pool closing done right protects your entire investment.

When should I close my pool in Ontario?The ideal time to close your above ground pool in Ontario is when the water temperature consistently drops below 15°C (59°F) — typically late September to mid-October across Simcoe County. Closing too early wastes the tail end of swimming season. Closing too late risks a freeze event damaging your equipment.
Book Early — Spots Fill Fast:Fall is our busiest season for pool closings across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, and Newmarket. We recommend booking your closing in August to guarantee your preferred date. Don't wait until the last minute — a sudden early frost catches many pool owners off guard every year in Simcoe County.
Instant Pools Pricing:We offer honest, transparent pool closing pricing with no hidden fees or surprise charges. Innisfil residents can ask about our exclusive Innisfil Neighbour Deal when booking. Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 for a fast no-obligation quote for your pool closing in Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, or Newmarket. 🍂
 

⚠️ Don't Get Caught by an Early FrostEvery fall across Simcoe County we get calls from panicked pool owners who left their closing too late and woke up to a freeze. An unexpected early frost can crack your pump, split your filter, and damage your plumbing lines overnight. The repair bill is always far more expensive than the cost of a professional closing. Book early — call Instant Pools at 647-268-7625 in August to secure your spot before we fill up. 🍂
 

At Instant Pools we offer professional weekly pool maintenance service right here in Innisfil — we're based at 756 10th Line, Innisfil Beach, so we're literally your neighbours!

Weekly maintenance starts from $85 per visit plus chemicals.

Every weekly visit includes:

• Water testing and full chemical balancing
• Vacuuming pool floor
• Skimming and debris removal
• Brushing walls and floor
• Filter cleaning and backwashing
• Equipment inspection

Innisfil residents can also ask about our exclusive Innisfil Neighbour Deal when booking! Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 to get on our weekly schedule. Spots fill up fast in summer so book early! 🏡

Instant Pools provides professional weekly pool maintenance service across all of Barrie — we're based just minutes away in Innisfil so you get fast reliable local service with no GTA travel markups.
Weekly maintenance starts from $85 per visit plus chemicals.
weekly visit includes:
Water testing and full chemical balancing
Vacuuming pool floor
Skimming and debris removal
Brushing walls and floor
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Equipment inspection
Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 to book your weekly pool maintenance in Barrie. Summer spots fill up quickly so don't wait! 🌊
 

Instant Pools provides professional weekly pool maintenance service across all of Bradford — we're based just minutes away in Innisfil so you get fast reliable local service with no GTA travel markups.
Weekly maintenance starts from $85 per visit plus chemicals.
weekly visit includes:
Water testing and full chemical balancing
Vacuuming pool floor
Skimming and debris removal
Brushing walls and floor
Filter cleaning and backwashing
Equipment inspection
Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 to book your weekly pool maintenance in Barrie. Summer spots fill up quickly so don't wait! 🌊
 

A green pool is one of the most common problems above ground pool owners face in Ontario — especially at the start of the season after a long Simcoe County winter. The good news is it's completely fixable. Here's exactly how to clear a green pool step by step:
 

Why is my pool green?A green pool is caused by algae growth. Algae takes hold when your chlorine level drops too low, your water chemistry falls out of balance, or your pool sits untreated for an extended period — like over winter. The greener the pool, the more algae you're dealing with and the more work it takes to fix.
 

Step 1 — Test Your WaterBefore adding any chemicals, test your water to see where your levels stand. You need to know your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels before treating. A pool that's severely out of balance won't respond well to shock until the chemistry is corrected first. Pick up a test kit or test strips from any pool supply store.
 

Step 2 — Balance Your pH and AlkalinityBefore shocking, adjust your pH to between 7.2 and 7.4 and your alkalinity to between 80 and 120 ppm. Shocking a pool with unbalanced water is far less effective — chlorine works best when your pH is in the correct range. This step is often skipped by DIYers and is why their green pool treatment fails.
 

Step 3 — Shock the Pool Heavily With Liquid ChlorineOnce your pH and alkalinity are balanced, shock your pool aggressively with liquid chlorine. For a green pool you need significantly more chlorine than a regular weekly dose — for a heavily green pool you may need to shock multiple times over several days. Shock in the evening so the chlorine isn't burned off by the sun and run your pump overnight to circulate it throughout the pool.
 

Step 4 — Run Your Pump ContinuouslyKeep your pump running 24 hours a day until the pool clears. Your filter is doing the heavy lifting here — it's catching all the dead algae as it's killed off by the chlorine. Don't turn the pump off — continuous circulation is essential to clearing a green pool quickly.
 

Step 5 — Vacuum on Waste SettingAs the algae dies it will sink to the bottom of your pool. Vacuum thoroughly on the waste setting — this bypasses your filter and pumps the dead algae directly out of the pool. This is the fastest way to remove it. You may need to top up your water level as you vacuum since you'll be pumping water out.
 

Step 6 — Clean or Backwash Your FilterA green pool puts enormous strain on your filter. Clean or backwash your filter regularly throughout the clearing process — a clogged filter dramatically slows down the clearing time. If your filter is old or damaged this is a good time to replace it.
 

Step 7 — Repeat Until ClearDepending on how green your pool is this process may take 2 to 5 days of consistent treatment. Keep shocking, keep the pump running, keep vacuuming on waste, and keep backwashing your filter. Test your water daily and adjust chemicals as needed. Be patient — a severely green pool doesn't clear overnight.
 

Step 8 — Final Chemical BalanceOnce the water is clear do a full chemical balance:
pH — 7.2 to 7.6
Alkalinity — 80 to 120 ppm
Chlorine — 1 to 3 ppm
Stabilizer (CYA) — 30 to 50 ppm
Balanced water keeps algae from coming back and keeps your pool safe to swim in all season.
 

How to Prevent a Green PoolThe best way to fix a green pool is to never get one in the first place:
Test and balance your water weekly
Maintain a consistent chlorine level of 1 to 3 ppm at all times
Run your pump at least 8 hours per day
Shock your pool every 1 to 2 weeks during peak summer
Keep your filter clean and backwash regularly
Book a professional weekly maintenance service to handle it all for you
 

Don't Want to Deal With a Green Pool?Let Instant Pools handle it for you! We offer professional green pool treatments across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, and Newmarket — as well as weekly maintenance service starting from $85 per visit plus chemicals to make sure your pool never goes green in the first place.
Call or WhatsApp us at 647-268-7625 for a fast quote. 🌊

 

The ideal time to open your above ground pool in Ontario is when the water temperature consistently reaches 15°C (59°F) — typically between late April and mid-May across Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, and Newmarket.
 

Why 15°C is the magic number:Below 15°C algae growth is minimal — meaning your pool water stays cleaner and clearer with less chemical treatment. Opening too early when the water is still very cold wastes money on chemicals and gives algae no advantage. Once the water warms above 15°C algae starts to bloom rapidly, so you want your pool open, circulating, and chemically treated before that happens.
 

The case for opening early:Many experienced pool owners in Simcoe County open their pools in early to mid April even when the water is still cold. Here's why:
It gives your equipment time to run and be checked for any winter damage before the swim season starts
It prevents algae from getting a head start as water temperatures rise
You avoid the spring rush — pool opening companies book up fast in May and you may have to wait weeks if you call too late
Early opening means your pool is crystal clear and swim-ready the moment that first warm weekend hits
 

The case for opening later:If you open too early you'll use more chemicals maintaining a cold pool that nobody is swimming in yet. For budget-conscious pool owners in Barrie and Innisfil, waiting until late April or early May strikes the best balance between pool readiness and chemical costs.
 

What about a surprise warm spell in March?Ontario weather is unpredictable — Simcoe County sometimes sees warm spells in March that can trigger early algae growth under your safety cover. If you notice your cover water turning green or your pool looking murky, it may be worth opening early to get ahead of it.
 

Our Recommendation for Barrie & Simcoe County:At Instant Pools we recommend opening your pool between late April and the first week of May for most Simcoe County homeowners. This hits the sweet spot — water is warming up, swim season is just around the corner, and you're ahead of the rush.
 

Book Early — Spots Fill Up Fast:Pool opening season in Barrie, Innisfil, Bradford, Orillia, and Newmarket runs from late April through early June — and our schedule fills up weeks in advance. We recommend calling in March or early April to secure your preferred opening date.
📞 Call or WhatsApp 647-268-7625 to book your pool opening today — Innisfil residents ask about our exclusive Innisfil Neighbour Deal! 🌊