Des Moines requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The barrier must prevent passage of a 4-inch sphere and not be easily climbable by toddlers.
Des Moines follows Iowa Public Health code and local building code requirements for swimming pool barriers. All residential swimming pools must be enclosed by a fence, wall, building, or combination at least 4 feet high. The barrier must have no openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere and must not be easily climbable by toddlers. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches on the pool side of the gate at a height inaccessible to small children. Above-ground pools with sides at least 4 feet above grade may use the pool wall as part of the barrier, but access points (ladders, stairs) must have lockable barriers. The property fence surrounding the yard is not sufficient by itself unless it meets all barrier code requirements including self-closing gates.
Building code violation. Fines and orders to install compliant barriers. Pool may be required to be drained until barriers are installed. Liability exposure for drowning incidents.
Des Moines, IA
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See how Des Moines's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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