Blaine, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 18-177 sets out Blaine's pool barrier standards. The barrier and posts must resist a 200-pound lateral load in any direction and be decay- or corrosion-resistant, with posts set in concrete. The top of the barrier cannot be less than 48 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool, for the entire perimeter and three feet beyond it. The gap under the barrier is capped at two inches over soft ground like grass or gravel and four inches over a solid surface like concrete, and no opening anywhere in the barrier can pass a four-inch diameter sphere.

Chain link openings top out at two inches; diagonal members cannot exceed 1 3/4 inches, angled no more than 45 degrees from vertical; and vertical member spacing is 1 3/4 inches unless the horizontal member spacing is 45 inches or more, in which case it opens to four inches. Pedestrian gates must be self-closing and self-latching and able to take a locking device; where the release mechanism sits less than 54 inches off the ground, it has to be on the pool side, at least three inches below the top of the gate.

Pool equipment such as pumps, filters and heaters located outside the barrier must sit at least 36 inches from it. A house or garage wall can serve as the barrier itself if the building official or designee approves it and it stands at least four feet above grade. Section 18-175 separately requires four-foot construction fencing around an in-ground pool excavation until the permanent barrier is finished. Section 18-177(m) makes it unlawful to use or operate a permitted pool that does not comply with these barrier standards, and existing pools that met the rules in effect when built are grandfathered.