Ames, IA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Ames Municipal Code Sec. 5.201(20) replaces Section R326.1 of the adopted International Residential Code with local BARRIER REQUIREMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND HOT TUBS FOR ONE- AND TWO-FAMILY DWELLINGS, applying to residential pools, spas and hot tubs and intended to prevent drownings by restricting access, except for spas and covered pools with a lockable or powered safety cover meeting ASTM F 1346. Item (b)(1) requires the barrier's top to sit at least 48 inches above grade around its entire perimeter, with a maximum 2-inch gap to the ground on non-solid surfaces (4 inches on solid surfaces), and item (b)(2) bars any opening that would pass a 4-inch-diameter sphere.

Mesh, chain link, lattice and other barrier types each carry additional spacing rules in items 4 through 8, and item (b)(9) requires a 36-inch clear zone between the barrier and any climbable equipment such as pumps or heaters. Item (b)(11) requires pedestrian access gates to open outward away from the pool and be equipped with a self-closing mechanism and a self-latching device, with the release mechanism kept on the pool side and at least 54 inches from grade or otherwise protected under item (b)(13). Item (b)(14) offers an alternative where a dwelling wall forms part of the barrier: a safety cover, an audible door/window alarm meeting UL 2017, or an equivalent approved protection.