Mississippi Pool Safety Act Fencing and Barrier Requirements

Miss. Code Sections 45-43-1 through 45-43-31, the William Lee Montjoy Pool Safety Act, sets statewide barrier and entrapment-prevention rules for public pools, semi-public pools, and certain residential pools. Pools must be enclosed by a fence, wall, or barrier at least four feet high with no openings allowing a four-inch sphere to pass and self-closing, self-latching gates. The Mississippi Residential Code, Chapter 42 (IRC 2018 as adopted) imposes parallel rules on private residential pools, hot tubs, and spas, including door alarms or safety covers when a dwelling forms part of the barrier. These minimums apply statewide; local jurisdictions may add stricter requirements.

Operating a public pool without an approved barrier, or building a residential pool without code-compliant fencing, gate hardware, or alarms, can result in permit denial, MSDH closure orders, and code-enforcement citations.