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DeKalb County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Minimum barrier height
5 feet from exterior grade
Applies to
Unincorporated DeKalb County only
Covers
In-ground and above-ground pools
Barrier must be built
Before pool is filled or used

Summary

Unincorporated DeKalb County requires every outdoor pool, in-ground or above-ground, to have a barrier at least five feet tall that keeps children and pets from wandering in unsupervised.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(a)Pool barrier. Each public and residential outdoor pool, including in-ground and above-ground pool facilities, shall be completely enclosed by a separate effective barrier.(1)Construction. Examples of effective pool barriers are a fence, wall or building that does not permit entrance or access into the pool area. Barriers shall be constructed so as to facilitate control of bather entry into the pool area, to prevent unauthorized entry, and to prevent animals and unsupervised children from entering the pool area. The barrier shall not be less than five (5) feet in height, as measured from the exterior grade.

Source: Dekalb County Municipal CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

DeKalb County Code § 13-202(a) makes every public and residential outdoor pool in unincorporated DeKalb, including above-ground models, enclose itself in a separate, effective barrier before the pool can be filled or used. The barrier must stand at least five feet tall, measured from outside grade, be built from material that blocks entrance like a fence, wall or building, and resist climbing. Cities inside DeKalb, like Decatur, Dunwoody and Brookhaven, enforce their own pool codes instead.

Violations & Fines

A pool cannot legally be filled or operated until its barrier is built and approved; noncompliant barriers can hold up pool use approval from DeKalb County Environmental Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do above-ground pools need a fence in DeKalb County?
Yes. Sec. 13-202(a) covers 'in-ground and above-ground pool facilities': both must be enclosed by an effective barrier at least five feet tall before the pool is filled.
Does this rule apply inside Decatur or Brookhaven?
No. County ordinances only govern unincorporated DeKalb; those cities enforce their own pool barrier requirements.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsPool PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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