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

Section 501.9 of the Smyrna Zoning Ordinance, Appendix A, covers accessory use swimming pools having a minimum depth of two feet. Such a pool is permitted only upon written approval of the county health department showing compliance with the applicable health department swimming pool regulations. A woven wire (chainlink) fence or similar structure at least four feet in height must be placed around the pool, and any gate opening to the exterior of the property must have a bolt latch operated from the inside of the fence. If the rear yard holding the pool is already fenced, that fence is deemed adequate when its height and gate locking features meet these provisions. The rules apply only to a permanent pool attached to or within the ground.

A pool is also an accessory use under section 501, so it must sit on the same lot as the principal building and stays out of a required front or side yard. The zoning definition of structure lists swimming pools and fences, which brings a pool under section 1302: no structure can be erected without a building permit from the building inspector. Chapter 18, section 18-9, adopts the Standard Swimming Pool Code, latest edition as adopted by the state, for the design, construction, installation, repair and alteration of public and private swimming pools, save where it conflicts with the city code.

Pools run on a nonprofit basis, such as those in parks and community centers, follow a different standard. Section 701.4 requires them to be enclosed by a fence not less than six feet high, to have written Cobb County health department approval, and to have their location approved by the Mayor and Council.