Wausau's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Wausau, Wisconsin, 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

Wausau requires any outdoor pool not enclosed by a building to be surrounded by a fence between six and eight feet high, set back at least four feet from the pool edge, with no gaps larger than four inches. Gates need self-closing, self-latching hardware, and fences already standing before 2020 need only be 40 inches high to stay legal.

Key details: Minimum fence height: 6 feet. Maximum fence height: 8 feet. Setback from pool edge: 4 feet minimum. Maximum opening size: 4 inches. Gates: self-closing, self-latching, pool-side mounted.

Filling a pool that lacks a compliant enclosure is a violation the Building Inspector enforces under section 23.06.42(9); an owner must correct the fence height, gap size, setback, or gate hardware before the pool may hold water. Inspections can flag noncompliant older enclosures, and property owners then have to bring the fence up to the six-to-eight-foot standard unless it already qualifies for the 40-inch grandfather exception.

Pool Permits

Wausau requires a building permit from the Building Inspector before anyone builds, alters, or adds to a private swimming pool deeper than 24 inches. Storable wading pools, shallow decorative pools, and hot tubs with lockable, latched covers are exempt from the permit and construction standards entirely.

Key details: Permit required for: pools deeper than 24 inches. Exempt: storable/wading pools, hot tubs with locked covers. Plans submitted to: the Building Inspector. Drainage rule: no draining to sanitary sewer or neighbor's land. Storm sewer drainage: needs Director of Public Works approval.

Constructing or altering a covered swimming pool without first securing the Building Inspector's permit is a violation of section 23.06.42(4), and the Inspector can withhold sign-off until plans are submitted and approved. Draining pool water into the sanitary sewer system or onto an adjoining property violates subsection (6)(b) and can bring separate enforcement from the Director of Public Works.

The Bottom Line

Wausau'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 Wausau is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Wausau can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.