Sioux City, IA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Pool fencing in Sioux City is governed by stacked rules. For single-family residential pools, Title 20 chapter 20.04 incorporates either the International Residential Code Appendix G (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs - private use) or the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. The reference standard requires: a barrier with the top at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool; maximum vertical gap at the bottom of 2 inches where finished ground is below grade and 4 inches where level; openings shall not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; solid barriers shall not have indentations or protrusions usable as a climbing aid; chain-link mesh limited to 1-3/4 inches; where horizontal members on the pool side are less than 45 inches apart, additional vertical-spacing restrictions apply; pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and have a release mechanism at least 54 inches above grade or shielded; a dwelling wall used as one side of the barrier needs an alarm or self-closing/self-latching mechanism on doors. For public and multi-family pools under IAC 641-15 (Iowa Code ch. 135I), parallel rules apply: not less than 4 ft high, no opening passing a 4-inch sphere, at least one 36-inch-wide gate, self-closing and self-latching gates and doors except where lifeguard supervision is provided, and the same vertical-spacing rules (1-3/4 inches for horizontal members under 45 inches apart, 4 inches at 45 inches or more). Where both regimes apply (e.g., a multi-family apartment complex pool), the stricter standard of each element controls.