4 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in St. Louis County, Missouri.
Verified from official government sources
A building permit is required for any swimming or bathing pool exceeding 24 inches deep, 250 sq ft in area, or equipped with a water recirculation system — whether in-ground or above-ground. Setback review by the Zoning Review Section is also required.
St. Louis County Code §1115.105.2 / Ch. 1118
The construction of an in-ground swimming or bathing pool which exceeds twenty-four inches (24") in depth or two hundred and fifty (250) square feet in area, or which is equipped with a water recirculation system, requires a building permit.
Pools in St. Louis County must be enclosed on all sides by a barrier at least 48 inches high. If the house wall serves as part of the barrier, all access doors must be self-closing or equipped with audible alarms. Openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.
St. Louis County Code Ch. 1118 (Pool Barriers)
The pool must be protected on all sides by an enclosure at least forty-eight inches (48") in height, to prevent unauthorized visitors or small children from entering the pool area. If the rear of the house wall is part of the enclosure barrier, the house doors must have audible alarms or be self-closing.
Public pools (including subdivision pools) in St. Louis County must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. Drain covers meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 are required. A lifeguard is mandatory for pools with combined water surface ≥2,000 sq ft.
St. Louis County Code §808.010
Sec. 808.010. — A public pool does not include swimming pools, hot tubs, and auxiliary structures and equipment at single-family residences intended only for use of the owner or resident and their guests …
Above-ground pools exceeding 24 inches deep, 250 sq ft in area, or equipped with a recirculation system require a building permit. The same 48-inch barrier and gate requirements apply. Setback review through the Zoning Review Section is required.
St. Louis County Code §1115.105.2 / Ch. 1118
The construction of an above-ground swimming or bathing pool which exceeds twenty-four inches (24") in depth or two hundred and fifty (250) square feet in area, or which is equipped with a water recirculation system, requires a building permit.
2 cities in St. Louis County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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