Oak Lawn, IL Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permanent pool fence height
- 6 feet minimum
- Gate latch height
- 4.5 feet above grade
- Temporary pool fence height
- 4 feet minimum
- Fence exemption
- pools under 24 inches deep
- No filtration system
- must empty pool weekly
Summary
Oak Lawn requires every swimming pool to be enclosed by fencing as a safety measure, six feet high with a self-closing, locking gate for permanent pools, four feet for temporary ones, under Village Code § 6-12-3.
A. Permanent Pools: All permanently constructed swimming pools shall be protected by a fenced enclosure as required for residential use, with a height of not less than six feet (6') and shall be equipped with a self-closing gate and a latch four and one-half feet (41/2') over grade... C. Exception: Fences are not required for swimming pools below twenty four inches (24") in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Every swimming pool in Oak Lawn must be enclosed by fencing as a safety measure under Village Code §§ 6-12-2 and 6-12-3. Permanent (inground or rigid-frame) pools need a six-foot fence with a self-closing gate and a latch set four and one-half feet above grade; temporary or inflatable pools need at least a four-foot fence with a self-latching gate. Pools under 24 inches deep are exempt. Owners must also keep the pool clean and sanitary, maintain a working filtration system or empty it weekly, and treat the water chemically under § 6-12-5, and the Village can inspect pools at any time it deems necessary.
Violations & Fines
The Electrical Inspection Department and Office of Quality Control enforce pool permit, fencing, and sanitation standards, and can order an unfenced, unpermitted, or unsanitary pool corrected under the Village's building code enforcement provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground pool need a fence in Oak Lawn?
How high must a permanent in-ground pool fence be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
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