Madison County, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier height
- At least 4 feet around pools over 2 feet deep
- Front yard
- Pools not permitted in required front yard
- Cover alternative
- ASTM F1346 automatic cover accepted for in-ground pools
- Fine range
- $10 to $500 per day, § 93.999(A)
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Madison County only
Summary
In unincorporated Madison County, any swimming pool deeper than two feet must have a barrier at least four feet high around it under County Code § 93.096. The barrier can be a fence, an approved obstacle, or, for in-ground pools, an ASTM F1346-compliant automatic pool cover. Pools also cannot sit in the required front yard.
A public or private swimming pool in any zone district shall not be located in the required front yard area and must adhere to accessory structure setback requirements for the district in which it is located (see § 93.051). All swimming pools of more than two feet in depth shall have an obstacle of at least four feet in height around the pool, which may be a fence or other approved obstacle (see § 93.080). Automatic pool covers that comply with ASTM F1346 are a permitted barrier for in-ground pools. Partially-in-ground pools must have a four foot high barrier on all sides, or an automatic pool cover that complies with ASTM F1346.
Full Breakdown
096 governs pool placement and safety barriers for unincorporated territory. 051. 080. For in-ground pools, an automatic pool cover that meets ASTM F1346 satisfies the barrier requirement in place of a fence. Partially-in-ground pools get no exemption: they must carry a full four-foot barrier on every side, or the same ASTM F1346 automatic cover, regardless of how much of the pool sits below grade. ASTM F1346 is the industry standard for pool and spa safety covers, requiring the cover to support the weight of a child and prevent accidental entry, which is why the county accepts a certified cover as an alternative to a physical fence.
Planning & Development's Zoning Administrator reviews pool placement and barrier compliance as part of the accessory structure permitting process, and code enforcement staff can act on complaints. This rule only reaches unincorporated Madison County: Alton, Granite City, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Wood River, Highland, Troy, Glen Carbon, Maryville and Bethalto each enforce their own municipal pool codes inside city limits, so a fence dispute inside any of those cities is not decided under this county section.
Violations & Fines
Violating any zoning-code provision in Chapter 93, including the § 93.096 pool barrier rule, exposes a property owner to a fine of not less than $10 nor more than $500 per § 93.999(A), with each day the violation continues after notice counting as a separate offense. The county can also sue in Circuit Court under § 93.999(B) to force removal of an unsafe or non-compliant pool enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the barrier rule apply to above-ground pools?
Can I put my pool in the front yard?
Who enforces the pool fence requirement in unincorporated Madison County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Madison County
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