Pool Fence Debate Reaches Burr Ridge Board

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge is keeping its rule mandating fences around swimming pools.

Recently, the Plan Commission voted 4-3 to repeal the requirement if a resident has a powered pool cover and alarm.

But at this week's Village Board meeting, trustees indicated their opposition to the repeal.

Trustee Anita Mital said she preferred fences.

"The village doesn't have to monitor them. It's a physical fence, so no one is going to go and fall into a pool," Mital said.

On the other hand, she said, the electronic cover or battery may stop working.

Other trustees said the village would be left to trust that residents would actually use their electronic covers.

Village staffers also argued against the repeal.

"The powered safety cover is only as good as the person turning it on ... while a fence is something that is always there," said Janine Farrell, the village's community development director.

Village Administrator Evan Walter said the village lacks the manpower to check pool cover equipment every six or 12 months. The village, he said, would have no idea if residents' covers are working.

The Village Board voted unanimously to move the pool fence requirement to the zoning code, from the building ordinance. Members took no action on the repeal of the pool fence rule.