New Orleans's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In New Orleans, Louisiana, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
New Orleans requires every pool, defined broadly as any structure holding water deeper than 18 inches or covering more than 150 square feet, to be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least six feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate, under City Code § 26-448(3). The city can fill in a noncompliant pool after an eight-day notice.
Key details: Governing section: City Code § 26-448(3). Pool definition: Water >18 in. deep or >150 sq ft. Barrier height: At least 6 feet, self-closing/latching gate. City remediation: Can fill in pool after 8-day notice. Enforcement: Any authorized law enforcement entity.
Violating § 26-448 is independently unlawful for the property owner or agent under subsection (5). Beyond a code-official notice and hearing, the section gives law enforcement direct authority to enforce it, and after an eight-day posted notice under § 26-242(c), the city can send crews onto the property to fill in a pool that remains an unsecured, stagnant-water hazard.
This is one of the stricter rules in New Orleans's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Pool Permits
New Orleans regulates any above-ground or in-ground pool holding water deeper than 18 inches or covering more than 150 square feet under City Code § 26-448. Owners must keep the pool clean, sanitary and fitted with a working filtration system, and must surround it with a fence or barrier at least six feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Key details: Regulated depth: >18 inches of standing water. Regulated surface: >150 sq ft of water surface. Barrier height: 6 ft min., self-latching gate. Notice before abatement: 8 days after posted notice. First-offense fine: up to $1,000 (§ 1-13).
Failing to fence an above-ground pool that holds more than 18 inches of water or 150 square feet of surface, letting the barrier fall below six feet, or running a gate that doesn't self-close and self-latch is a § 26-448 violation. After eight days' posted notice, code enforcement or police can enter and fill in the pool; a first citation carries up to a $1,000 fine under § 1-13, doubling to $2,000 for repeat offenses, with each day counted separately.
The Bottom Line
New Orleans's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming New Orleans is broadly strict or permissive.
This guide is based on New Orleans's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.