Missouri Family Pool Rules Every Resident Should Know

Part of the American dream is having a pool of your own in the backyard. Well, if it's not officially a part of the American dream, it should be. If you live in Missouri and either have or plan to put a pool on your property, there are rules and recommendations that you should not ignore.

Let me begin by emphasizing again that I am NOT a lawyer. If you're relying on me to make serious legal decisions, you're living your life in peril. However, I do work hard to research topics I find interesting and that includes Missouri pool laws. The first thing I learned is that Missouri does not have any statewide laws governing pools as those tend to be local city or county building codes. Most cities and towns in Missouri support the guidelines from the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC). I've seen towns like Festus and Republic that have specific guidelines for pools. When in doubt, check with your city regulations. Consider these good jumping off points for your own pool research (no diving board pun intended):

• Pools deeper than 24 inches typically require a permit and safety barrier
• A fence or barrier usually must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) high
• Gates generally must be self-closing and self-latching
• Openings in the fence cannot usually allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through
• Above-ground pools with walls at least 4 feet tall can sometimes count as the barrier if ladders are removable or lockable
• If the house forms part of the enclosure, doors leading directly to the pool area may need alarms
• Pools usually must meet setback requirements from property lines, houses, and utility easements

Here's something else to keep in mind. If the pool can hold more than about 24 inches of water, many Missouri cities still treat it like a regulated swimming pool requiring fencing/barriers. Small kiddie pools under 24 inches are normally exempt. Please remember that local city codes can vary wildly so make sure your family pool follows those regulations.