Gary, IN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 105-202 sets the construction standards for private swimming pools in Gary, and subsection (d)(4) supplies the fencing rule. Every swimming pool, whether being newly constructed or already built when the article took effect, must be enclosed by a fence at least four feet high that is of a type not readily climbed by children. Gates in that fence must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch mounted on the inside of the gate so it is not readily available for a child to open from outside.

The code allows one exception: if the entire premises of the residence is already enclosed, the health department can waive the separate pool fence after inspecting and approving the residence's perimeter enclosure. Pools that were already constructed when this article passed were given 60 days from passage to come into compliance with the fencing rule. The fencing requirement sits inside the same section that sets the pool's six-foot minimum setback from side and rear lot lines and from any house, building or residence under subsection (a), and the electrical clearances in subsection (b) that keep exposed wiring at least five feet from the water's edge and any permanently installed wire within 25 feet of the water at least ten feet above ground. The health department enforces compliance through the permit and inspection process in Sections 105-201 and 105-203.