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

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Wausau, Wisconsin, there are 3 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.

Safety Rules

Wausau enforces pool safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers (VGB Act), barriers, and depth markers. WI Stat. §145.17 governs.

Key details: Drain Covers: Anti-entrapment required. Federal Law: VGB Act. State Law: WI Stat. §145.17. Disclosure: Required at sale.

Non-compliant safety: correction order. Fines $250 to $1,000. Disclosure required at sale.

This is one of the stricter rules in Wausau's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Fencing Requirements

Wausau requires pool barriers to prevent unsupervised child access. Minimum 48-inch height. Self-closing, self-latching gates. WI Stat. §145.17.

Key details: Height: 48 inches (4 ft) minimum. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Latch: 54" high or pool side. State Law: WI Stat. §145.17.

Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction. Fines $100 to $500. Significant liability for drowning incidents.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Wausau actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Pool Permits

Wausau requires building permits for pools, spas, and hot tubs. WI Uniform Dwelling Code governs. Inspections required.

Key details: Permit: Required for all pools. Above-Ground: If >24" deep. Code: WI Uniform Dwelling Code. Topic: Pool Permits.

Unpermitted pool: stop-work order. Retroactive permit with penalty fees. May require modifications.

The Bottom Line

Wausau is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Wausau, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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.