Local News
Safety rules for home swimming pools
OTTUMWA — There’s a song about “hot fun in the summertime” and for many Ottumwans that means using their own swimming pool.
Within the city, swimming pools 24 inches deep or deeper must be in a fenced area, according to city officials. The barrier fence must be at least 48 inches high and should be made of standard wood, metal or plastic fencing materials.
Pool fencing has dramatically reduced accidental drowning, officials said. The gate to the fenced area must be self-closing and automatically latch when closed.
When an adult isn’t supervising the pool at home, the pool gates must be locked with a key, combination or childproof lock.
A successful pool barrier prevents children from getting over, under or through the fence and keeps them out of the pool except when supervising adults are present.
Also, pool fencing shouldn’t present handholds or footholds so that a child on the outside can climb over. The fencing requirement is for all in-ground, above ground and inflatable pools 24 inches deep or deeper.
All pool owners are required to ensure that a compliant safety fence is in place and maintained regardless of when the pool was installed. Hot tubs and spas are exempt from the fencing requirement if they are equipped with a standard safety cover.
All pools that will hold 5,000 gallons of water or more do require a building permit prior to construction. A round pool 15 feet across and 4 feet deep holds over 5,200 gallons.
When draining pools, residents are asked to let pool water sit without treatment for two to three days to allow chlorine to evaporate before emptying. Old pool water should not be allowed to drain to the street or storm sewer.
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