Nebraska Public Pool Barrier and Fence Rules

Nebraska's statewide barrier rule sits at 178 NAC 4-006.11: a public pool area must be completely surrounded by an effective barrier not less than 6 feet high, and every entrance needs a self-closing, self-latching gate or door that can be locked. The latch controls must be at least 48 inches above the ground or deck, and no opening may let a 4-inch sphere pass. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services writes and enforces these standards under the Swimming Pool Act, Neb. Rev. Stat. sections 71-4301 to 71-4307. Private backyard pools are covered by locally adopted building codes, not this statewide standard.

DHHS reviews and approves pool construction and can deny, suspend, or revoke a public pool's operating permit and order the pool closed when barrier and gate standards are not met.