Lincoln County, SD Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Appendix R326, adopted for Lincoln County residential construction at § 151.33, defines a barrier as a fence, wall, building wall, or combination that completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to it, and applies to any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa holding more than 18 inches of water, whether in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground. R326.4 sets the specifications: the barrier's top must be at least 42 inches above grade on the outward-facing side, and the gap between grade and the bottom of the barrier cannot exceed 2 inches; where an above-ground pool's own structure serves as the barrier, the wall may sit at ground level or be mounted on top of the pool, with up to a 4-inch clearance allowed at the top of the pool structure.

Openings in the barrier cannot pass a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and if a ladder or steps provide access on an above-ground pool, they must either be removable or lockable, or be enclosed by their own 42-inch barrier. Every gate or door through the barrier needs a self-closing, self-latching device to keep it shut when the pool is not in use, except a dwelling wall that is itself part of the enclosure. Spas or hot tubs with an ASTM F 1346 safety cover are exempt, and the building official can approve substitute protective devices offering equal protection, or modify barrier requirements case by case; owners of an existing noncompliant pool get up to 90 days after notification to comply.