Every residential pool, spa, or swim spa in Sioux Falls capable of holding water 24 inches or deeper must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall measured from the exterior grade. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere, the barrier must withstand a 220-pound horizontal load, and any pedestrian gate must be self-closing and self-latching with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground (or on the pool side of the gate). These requirements come from Section 305 of the 2021 ISPSC, which Sioux Falls has adopted by reference. There is no state-level alternative — SDCL 34-18A governs public pools only.
Under ISPSC § 305.2 (Outdoor Swimming Pools), the barrier minimum height is 48 inches measured on the side facing away from the pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches (4 inches if the underlying surface is solid concrete or pavers). Horizontal members on the pool side must either be spaced at least 45 inches apart, or the spacing between vertical members must be 1.75 inches or less to prevent climbing. Chain-link mesh openings must not exceed 1.75 inches measured horizontally. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device; if the release is less than 54 inches above grade it must be located on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate. The dwelling wall may serve as part of the barrier only if all doors leading to the pool area have an alarm meeting ISPSC § 305.4 or equivalent UL 2017 audible alarm, or if a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is installed. A fence permit is required from the Zoning Division before construction.
Operating a pool without a code-compliant barrier is treated as a continuing building-code violation. Building Services may issue a notice of violation, require draining the pool until the barrier is corrected, and assess civil penalties under the general penalty section of the Sioux Falls Revised Ordinances. Repeat or willful non-compliance after notice can be referred for misdemeanor prosecution under the city's code-enforcement provisions.
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