Warrick County, IN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Warrick County Code § 93.02 incorporates the Indiana State Department of Health's public and semi-public pool rules at 410 IAC 6-2.1 and the Indiana Swimming Pool Code at 675 IAC 20. Section 93.03 defines SEMI-PUBLIC POOL to explicitly include any pool or spa at a tourist home, a term that covers vacation rentals, short-term rentals, or properties marketed on Airbnb or VRBO, when the property is offered for overnight lodging and the pool is represented as available for guest use. For calculating whether a semi-public pool crosses the surface-area threshold that would require a lifeguard, § 93.03 excludes any portion of the pool 12 inches deep or less, such as splash pads or sun shelves, from the water surface area measurement.

Any semi-public pool that qualifies for that exemption and runs without a lifeguard must, under § 93.05(B), post prominent "NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY" signage and be completely enclosed by a secure, locked fence or physical barrier meeting state and local codes to keep out unauthorized access. Section 93.04 requires a permit from the Health Department before any public or semi-public pool, spa, water attraction, or swimming beach opens, renewed annually, with fees set by the Board of Health and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.

The Health Officer can inspect pools at reasonable times under § 93.06 and order an immediate closure for imminent hazards, including a missing required lifeguard. Operators may seek a written variance under § 93.07 if they can show equivalent protection, and a permit denial, suspension, or revocation can be appealed in writing to the County Board of Health within 15 days under § 93.09.