Neenah, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fence height
- 44 inches above grade
- Gap standard
- Blocks a six-inch sphere
- Gate rule
- Lockable, self-closing, self-latching
- Applies to
- In-ground and above-ground pools
Summary
Neenah requires every private residential pool, in-ground or above-ground, to be enclosed by a fence at least 44 inches high that blocks a six-inch sphere, with self-latching, lockable gates.
(c)Protective enclosures required.(1)Fencing. All private residential swimming pools, whether in ground or above ground types, shall be enclosed with an adequate and secure fence at least 44 inches high above adjoining grade to prevent straying into pool area. Required fences shall be constructed to prohibit the passage of a six-inch sphere between fence members, and the bottom of said fence shall be no more than two inches above the existing ground elevation. Any gates installed shall be constructed so as to be capable of being locked, and shall be closed and secured so as to prevent unlatching by persons outside the pool area when the pool is not in use.(2)Exception. A pool dome or pool top fencing, attached to the pool to extend at least 44 inches above the ground, or a pool cover capable of supporting 100 pounds per square foot of area are acceptable substitutes for fencing above ground pools. Pool covers shall be fixed securely in place at all times when the pool is not in use. Above ground pools with walls that are at least 44 inches high at all points around said pool or having platforms and railings that are 44 inches or more in height above ground are also not required to be enclosed as provided in Subsection (c)(1) of this section, but the ladders and stairways providing access to said pools shall be removed, raised or gated and secured to prevent entry whenever the pool is not in use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 44).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 21-39(c)(1) of the Neenah Municipal Code requires every private residential swimming pool, in-ground or above-ground, to carry an adequate, secure fence at least 44 inches above grade to keep people from straying into the pool area. The fence must be built so a six-inch sphere can't pass between its members, and the bottom can sit no more than two inches off the ground. Any gate must be capable of being locked and kept closed and secured so no one outside the pool area can unlatch it when the pool isn't in use. The City last amended this section in June 2020 under Ord. No. 2020-09.
Violations & Fines
An unfenced or non-compliant pool enclosure violates Sec. 21-39(c) and falls under the Code's general penalty, Sec. 1-20: a forfeiture of $10-$500 for a first offense, $25-$1,000 for each later one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Neenah?
Does the fence rule apply to above-ground pools too?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Neenah
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