Wauwatosa, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fence height
- 3.5 feet
- Maximum opening size
- 6 inches square
- Gate hardware
- Self-closing, self-latching
- Latch height
- At least 3.5 feet above ground
- Ladder rule (above-ground)
- Removed/blocked when unattended
Summary
Wauwatosa requires a fence or solid barrier at least three and a half feet tall around any pool or body of water two feet deep or more, with no gap larger than six inches square, and self-closing, self-latching gates with latches set at least three and a half feet above ground.
Every person, firm or corporation in possession of land within the city either as owner, purchased under a contract, lessee, tenant or licensee, upon which is situated one of the above described structures shall at all times comply with the following requirements as a minimum to provide for safety: A fence or other solid structure not less than three and one-half feet in height shall completely enclose swimming pools or bodies of water exceeding two feet or more in depth with no opening therein (other than doors or gates) larger than six inches square. All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be kept securely equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designed to keep and capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed when not in actual use; latches shall be located at least three and one-half feet above the underlying ground.
Full Breakdown
030, Limitation On Access, opens by explaining why the barrier rule exists: pools, hot tubs, spas, ponds and other bodies of water two feet deep or more "are an attraction to small children and others and thus pose a potential danger if reasonable measures are not taken to prevent easy access," so the section sets "reasonable requirements which prevent easy access by unattended or unauthorized persons or children" that bind every owner, contract purchaser, lessee, tenant or licensee in possession of the property. 060, requires water clarity be maintained well enough that a six-inch black disc placed on a white tile at the deepest point remains readily visible, or the pool must be treated, filtered or drained.
Violations & Fines
Any violation of the access-limitation requirements in Chapter 15.26, including a missing, undersized or non-self-latching pool barrier, subjects the responsible person to "the general penalty provisions of this code" under Section 15.26.080, and the city may have the pool or body of water "removed or safeguarded by the city with the cost of such being placed on a special charge against the property."
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Wauwatosa?
Do pool gates need special locks?
Can I use a hedge instead of a fence around my pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wauwatosa
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Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle fencing & safety requirements.