Above Ground Swimming Pool Laws

Laws that apply to your home swimming pool are designed to provide a safe recreational environment for everyone who might use or be tempted to use your pool. While most statutes vary significantly from state to state, there are federal laws that govern home swimming pools as well. However, the most important laws from a practical standpoint are the safety rules you enforce yourself every day.

  1. Federal

    • There are a variety of federal laws governing both in-ground and above-ground swimming pools on private property in the U.S., most governing requirements for state law compliance. The most specific law, however, governs covers on in-pool filtration systems to guard against swimmers, particularly young swimmers, from getting injured when drawn into the pool filter. The suction of the filter can cause severe damage and in some cases even death.

    State

    • Most other swimming pool laws vary from state to state and even by municipality. Some of the more common laws require pool owners to erect a fence around any swimming pool to keep people, particularly children, away from an unattended pool. Most of these laws require the owner to keep the gate locked when the pool is not attended by an adult.

    Construction

    • There are many common construction code laws on the books regulating how pools are built and installed. Ungrounded or incorrectly wired pool lighting or heating can result in accidental electrocution so it is extremely important to have any electrical power installed up to code by a licensed professional.

    Practical Rules

    • While state and federal laws are important requirements to have on the books, the day to day safety rules you follow are, from a practical standpoint, the most important to keeping your swimming pool safe for family and friends. The most important aspect of these rules is making them clear to anyone and everyone who uses your pool and enforcing them every single day.

    Tips

    • Keep these rules in mind to make sure your pool is safe:
      1. Never leave or allow children to play anywhere near your pool unsupervised.
      2. Keep a head count of children near the pool. If one is missing, start your search immediately in the pool.
      3. Install a fence with a locked gate around your pool. This is perhaps the most important safety device of all.
      4. Never leave the gate to your pool fence open or unlocked when you are not around.
      5. Make sure your baby sitters understand all safety procedures, especially those in the event of a pool emergency. Being certified in CPR is particularly helpful.