Des Moines Chapter 26, Division 5 requires all residential swimming pools to be completely enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. A building permit is required before pool installation or barrier construction.
Chapter 26, Article III, Division 5 (Swimming Pools), §§ 26-346–26-349 adopts a pool code governing all residential in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high, measured from the exterior side. No opening may allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Barriers may not be easily climbable. At least one gate must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch on the pool-side at least 54 inches above grade. Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 641-15 (Public Health) applies concurrently. A building permit is required for the pool and barrier; the Permit and Development Center reviews plans. Failure to maintain a compliant barrier is an ongoing code violation.
Failure to install or maintain a code-compliant barrier is a municipal infraction. Citations may be issued per day until corrective action is taken. Unpermitted pools or barriers may require removal at owner's expense.
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