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Swimming pools in Anderson

Anderson's own rules on swimming pools, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Anderson Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Anderson's code says

Anderson code What Anderson's code adds
Pool barrier
  • No more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the barrier.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    A maximum vertical clearance from grade to the bottom of the barrier of two inches.
  • No gap or opening that lets a 4-inch sphere pass.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    No gaps or voids which will allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches.
  • The outside of the barrier must be nonclimbable, with no gaps or features that serve as handholds or footholds.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    The outside surface of the barrier shall be nonclimbable and free of gaps or voids or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds.
  • A barrier that keeps small children out is required.
    Applies: Applies to any swimming pool, fish pond or other body of water 18 or more inches deep.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    No person shall construct, use, permit, maintain, operate or control any swimming pool, fish pond or other body of water eighteen or more inches in depth on any land owned by them or under their possession or control, without creating and maintaining a barrier to make such body of water inaccessible to small children.
  • The building official may accept an approved locking safety cover (ASTM F1346-91) instead of a fence.
    Applies: Applies when the building official permits a substitute protective device or structure.
    § 8.56.020 · code text
    The building official may determine that, as a substitute device or structure, swimming pools or hot tubs may be protected by an approved, locking safety cover that meets all of the performance standards of the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), in compliance with standards F1346-91.
Barrier height
  • At least 60 inches above the ground, measured on the side away from the pool.
    Applies: Applies to pools, fish ponds and other bodies of water 18 or more inches deep.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    The top of the barrier shall be at least sixty inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier, which faces away from the swimming pool.
Equipment and alarms
  • Filters and heaters at least 30 feet from any nearby dwelling, or enclosed to keep noise within Table 7-1 limits.
    Applies: Applies to pools built after January 1, 1998.
    § 8.56.030 · code text
    When constructed after January 1, 1998, filtering systems and heating equipment for all pools shall not be located closer than thirty (30) feet to any adjacent dwelling or shall be enclosed or housed to attenuate noise levels on abutting properties to within the limits allowed in Table 7-1 of the code.
  • Doors with direct pool access need an exit alarm, or a self-closing, self-latching device released at least 54 inches up.
    Applies: Pools or ponds built on or after January 1, 1998, where a Group R-3 dwelling wall with pool-access doors forms part of the barrier.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    the door shall be provided with either: an exit alarm with an audible, continuous alarm sound when any door is open; or the doors providing direct access to the pool are equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than fifty-four inches above the floor.
Gates
  • Gates open away from the pool and are self-closing, with a self-latching device at least 60 inches above the ground.
    Applies: Applies to access gates in the barrier.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    Access gates shall open away from the swimming pool, and be self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than sixty inches from grade.
  • Must have lockable hardware or padlocks and stay locked at all times when the pool is not in use.
    Applies: Applies to gates other than pedestrian access gates.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with a lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when the pool is not in use.
Permit
  • The barrier and all gates must be installed, inspected and approved before plastering or filling with water.
    Applies: Applies to swimming pools, fish ponds or other bodies of water 18 or more inches deep.
    § 8.56.010 · code text
    The barrier, including all gates, shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water.
Setback from property lines
  • At least 50 feet from the front property line.
    Applies: Applies to swimming pools in any R or PD district. Indoor pools are not included.
    § 8.56.030 · code text
    Swimming pools in any "R" or "PD" district shall not be constructed within fifty feet of the front property line.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Anderson?

Anderson's code: No more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the barrier. (§ 8.56.010); No gap or opening that lets a 4-inch sphere pass. (§ 8.56.010).

General information, not legal advice.

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