Swimming Pools & Spas in Madison, WI (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Madison, Wisconsin, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Madison's Building Code lets homeowners skip the 48-inch fence otherwise required around a private swimming pool when the pool is an aboveground portable unit. Sec. 29.27(2), MGO, allows the enclosure to be omitted for portable pools, but requires any pool ladder to be removable when the pool isn't in use.
Madison Above-Ground Pool Rules
Light RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 29.27(2)
(2)Portable Pools. The enclosure may be omitted where portable pools are installed aboveground. Where pool ladders are provided, they shall be a type that can be removed when pool is not in use.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Madison requires every public swimming pool to hold a Public Swimming Pool license before opening, issued jointly by Public Health Madison and Dane County under Sec. 7.44, MGO. The section adopts Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 390 and ATCP 76 by reference as the minimum safety and sanitation standards a licensed pool must meet.
Madison Public Pool License & Safety
Some RestrictionsMadison General Ordinances § 7.44(1)-(2)
"Public pool" means a structure, basin, chamber, or tank, and appurtenant buildings and equipment, used for wading, swimming, diving, water recreation, or therapy, including an exercise pool, mobile pool, whirlpool, cold soak pool, or water attraction... (2)Public Swimming Pool Licenses.(a)No person, firm or corporation may operate a public swimming pool unless Public Health Madison and Dane Co...
Looking for Dane County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Madison city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Dane County →