Bradenton, FL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 5.1.2.2 of the Bradenton Land Use Regulations treats a swimming pool as an accessory structure of a residence and sets the enclosure rule in subsection a. The pool must be surrounded by a fence, wall or screen with a minimum height of four feet and a maximum height of six feet. Above-ground pools four feet or higher with removable ladders are exempt from the requirement.

Subsection b covers the gate. Every pool enclosure with a gate or door that does not lead directly into an adjacent building must be self-closing and equipped with a self-latching device fitted at the minimum height of three feet, six inches. A door from the house straight to the pool deck is outside that sentence, while a yard gate in the fence is inside it.

Subsection c reaches the construction period. The contractor or owner must install and maintain a temporary fence or enclosure meeting the same height and latching requirements while the pool is being built. Subsection d adds a five-foot setback from any side or rear yard, measured from the edge of the pool proper (not including deck unless elevated) and from the enclosure.

Subsection e gives the PCD director authority to waive the enclosure requirements where the pool is enclosed by or otherwise protected by the building or another man-made or natural barrier, or is remote from adjoining properties. Subsection f prohibits privately owned pools, ponds, lakes and ditches that are not maintained well enough to prevent a public health hazard such as growth of algae, bacteria and breeding of mosquitoes and other pests.

Non-residential properties follow the same enclosure rules. Section 5.2.2.2 allows tennis courts and swimming pools as recreation facilities on non-residential property provided the pool enclosure requirements of subsection 5.1.2.2 are met. Chapter 5.0 also states that accessory structures require a permit unless otherwise stated in the Land Use Regulations, and the fence itself must meet the fence standards of subsection 5.1.2.7.