West Allis, WI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- At least 4 feet above grade
- Openings
- No gaps over 5 inches
- Gates
- Self-closing and self-latching
- Alternative
- House wall may count as fence
- Penalty
- $25-$500 forfeiture per day
Summary
West Allis requires every outdoor swimming or wading pool to be surrounded by a fence at least 4 feet tall with no gaps wider than 5 inches, plus self-closing, self-latching gates at every entry point.
Every permanent or temporary swimming or wading pool which is not enclosed in a permanent building or like structure shall have erected around it a fence of a height not less than four (4) feet above the grade level and shall be so constructed so as to have no voids, holes or openings larger than five (5) inches in width or diameter. All points of entry into the pool area enclosure shall be equipped with gates. All gates shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices placed at the top of the gate. The wall of a dwelling or building faced to a pool may be incorporated as a portion of the fence. An above ground pool where the top of the pool is more than four (4) feet above the grade at any point around its perimeter is permitted without separate additional fencing; provided, however, that permanent access from grade to above ground pools having stationary ladders, stairs and ramps shall have safeguard fencing of minimum height and design as specified in (a) above. Location of Fences. Location of the fence required in subsection (3) above, shall be subject to any other ordinances regulating the location, construction, and maintenance of fences in the City, in addition to one or more of the following: No fence shall be located, constructed, or maintained closer to said pool than three (3) feet. No fence shall be located, constructed or maintained closer to any house or building, detached garages excluded, than as follows:
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: ?).
Full Breakdown
West Allis Revised Municipal Code § 13.35(3)(a) requires any permanent or temporary swimming or wading pool not already enclosed inside a building to have a fence at least 4 feet high with no voids, holes, or openings larger than 5 inches wide. Every entry point into the pool enclosure needs a gate, and every gate must carry a self-closing, self-latching device mounted at the top. A house or building wall facing the pool can count as part of the fence. The Building Inspector enforces the section, and Chapter 13 violations carry forfeitures of $25 to $500 per day under § 13.26.
Violations & Fines
Building a pool without the required fence, leaving gaps wider than 5 inches, or skipping self-closing, self-latching gate hardware can draw a $25 to $500 forfeiture for each day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a pool fence be in West Allis?
Do West Allis pool gates need to close on their own?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Allis
Compare West Allis to another location·View the Wisconsin swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle fencing & safety requirements.