Knowledge Base

The upkeep and safe-keeping of private swimming pools is outlined in the Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances. Although a property owner may own the swimming pool and the property on which it resides, there are still regulations that he or she must follow as part of that ownership.

Swimming pools are required to be maintained in such a way that:

1. The pool shall not harbor or become infested with reptiles, mosquitoes, vermin or other pests;
2. The pool shall not harbor or support submergent or emergent vegetation; and
3. The pool shall not collect scum, film or debris to such an extent that the water is not clear enough to permit a black disk six (6) inches in diameter on a white field, when placed on the bottom of the pool at the deepest point, to be clearly visible from the deck around the pool at all distances up to ten (10) yards measured from a line drawn across the pool through said disk.

Every owner of a swimming pool with a depth greater than eighteen (18) inches is required to keep their pool completely enclosed with fences or walls no less than five (5) feet in height with no openings greater than four (4) inches and composed of rigid, sturdy material. Every swimming pool owner is required to equip gate or door openings to the pool with self-closing and self-latching devices capable of keeping such gate or door securely closed at all times. All gates and doors shall be securely closed at all times, and the owner of a swimming pool much keep said fences, gates and doors in a state of repair. If you notice a property in violation of these requirements, please contact 311 to report the issue and we will inspect it accordingly. Any owner of a swimming pool found to be in violation of these regulations, also represented by Secs 12:406-406.6 in the Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances, is required to abate what is considered as a “public nuisance” within fifteen (15) days. If the issue is not addressed within the allotted fifteen-day timeframe, the property owner will be liable for a penalty of $125.00 for a first violation; $250.00 for a second violation within a two-year period; and $500.00 for a third and any subsequent violations within a two-year period. If the City-Parish is forced to remedy the violation due to inaction of the property owner, a lien and privilege for the cost of such remediation will be attached to the property tax rolls for the homeowner in question.

It is also important to note that the Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances allows for City-Parish public works personnel to enter private property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, for inspection and testing of the swimming pool and/or its contents.

If you are interested in installing a swimming pool on your property, please note all plans submitted to the City-Parish for approval must comply with the regulations as outlined in Secs. 8:4 and 12:406 in the Baton Rouge Code of Ordinances. For more information, please contact the City-Parish Inspection Division at (225) 389-3226.