West Allis's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In West Allis, 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

West Allis requires every outdoor swimming or wading pool to be surrounded by a fence at least 4 feet tall with no gaps wider than 5 inches, plus self-closing, self-latching gates at every entry point.

Key details: Fence height: At least 4 feet above grade. Openings: No gaps over 5 inches. Gates: Self-closing and self-latching. Alternative: House wall may count as fence. Penalty: $25-$500 forfeiture per day.

Building a pool without the required fence, leaving gaps wider than 5 inches, or skipping self-closing, self-latching gate hardware can draw a $25 to $500 forfeiture for each day the violation continues.

Pool Permits

West Allis requires a Building Inspector permit before anyone builds a pool larger than 75 square feet, plus submitted plans showing the pool's size, depth, and fence and gate layout.

Key details: Threshold: Permit required over 75 sq ft. Issuer: Issued by the Building Inspector. Plans: Must show size and depth. Drawing: Scaled fence/gate layout required. Penalty: $25-$500 forfeiture per day.

Building a pool larger than 75 square feet without a permit, or without submitting the required plans, can draw a $25 to $500 forfeiture for each day the violation continues.

The Bottom Line

West Allis'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 West Allis is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from West Allis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.