Eden Prairie, MN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- 4 to 7 feet
- Setback from pool edge
- At least 4 feet
- Gate hardware
- Self-closing, self-latching, lockable
- Ground gap under fence
- No more than 4 inches
- House-wall option
- Wall must be 6 feet tall minimum
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor under Sec. 10.99
Summary
In the City of Eden Prairie, every outdoor swimming pool deeper than 24 inches and larger than 150 square feet must be enclosed by a security fence or wall between four and seven feet high, set at least four feet from the pool edge, under City Code Section 10.03, Subd. 2. Gates must self-close, self-latch and lock, and the fence must go up before any water enters the pool.
For purposes of this section an outdoor swimming pool is defined as any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing, used in connection with a single family dwelling and having a depth of more than twenty-four (24) inches at any point and a surface area exceeding one hundred fifty (150) square feet. ... A.All outdoor swimming pools existing and hereafter constructed shall be completely enclosed by a security fence or wall at least four (4), but not more than seven (7), feet high and located at least four (4) feet from the edge of the pool. The bottom of the fence or wall shall be no higher than four (4) inches above the surface of the ground. Fence openings or points of entry to the pool area shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching lockable gates. The permanent security fence shall be installed prior to the placement of any water into the pool. Temporary construction fencing does not meet the requirements of this section.
Full Breakdown
Section 10.03 of the Eden Prairie City Code defines an outdoor swimming pool as any artificial water-holding structure connected to a single-family dwelling that is more than 24 inches deep at any point and covers more than 150 square feet. Subd. 2 requires every such pool, existing or newly built, to be completely enclosed by a security fence or wall at least four feet but no more than seven feet high, positioned at least four feet from the pool's edge. The gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence or wall may not exceed four inches, and every gate or entry point must be self-closing, self-latching and lockable.
The permanent fence has to be in place before the pool is filled with water; temporary construction fencing does not satisfy the rule. A homeowner may substitute a house or building wall for part of the enclosure if that wall is at least six feet tall and the rest of the perimeter is closed off by a conforming fence or wall. Subd. 3 carves out two exceptions: above-ground pools with sidewalls at least four feet high, vertical or inward-sloped, whose only access is a ladder, ramp or stairs removed when the pool is not in use; and pools wholly enclosed inside a building or structure.
The section traces to Ordinance No. 9-2018, adopted May 15, 2018. Chapter 10 is enforced through Section 10.99, which makes violation of any Chapter 10 provision a misdemeanor.
Violations & Fines
Failing to enclose a pool as required, leaving gates without self-closing or self-latching hardware, or filling a pool before the fence is up is a Chapter 10 violation. Under Section 10.99, any violation of a Chapter 10 provision is punishable as a misdemeanor. The City's Building Inspections Division handles complaints and can require the owner to bring the enclosure into compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an above-ground pool in Eden Prairie need a fence?
Can I fill my new pool before the fence is finished?
What size pool triggers the fencing rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Eden Prairie
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