Sheboygan, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 26-1030(a) applies to all outdoor swimming pools, whirlpools and spas in the city. Each must be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than six feet in height, and that barrier must be kept gated and locked so as to exclude uninvited children and animals. A dwelling house or accessory building can be used as part of the enclosure, so a wall of the house can replace a length of fence.

The code closes off alternatives. Subsection (b) says the only approved exception to the six-foot fence requirement for pools is an approved lockable dome. Subsection (c) says the only approved exception for whirlpools and spas is an approved lockable cover which can withstand 150 pounds. A cover that cannot carry that load does not qualify, and no other exception is printed. As printed, Sec. 26-1030 requires the barrier to be gated and locked and does not mention self-closing or self-latching hardware.

The fence rule works alongside the rest of Article IX. Section 26-1027 requires a permit from the city planner or his designee before a pool, whirlpool or spa is constructed, altered, remodeled or improved, and Sec. 26-1028 puts the proposed location on the tract of land on the permit plans. Section 26-1029 separately requires the swimming pool to be completely surrounded by a walkway at least three feet in width sloping away from the pool for drainage. The article covers outdoor installations in the City of Sheboygan only; the Town of Sheboygan and Sheboygan Falls have their own codes.