Mark Casto | July 15, 2025 | Georgia Law
It is no secret that Georgia’s summers are hot. Many residents turn to swimming pools to cool off during the warm summer months. Traditional in-ground pools are still very popular in Georgia, but above-ground pools have gained popularity in recent years.
Many homeowners use the ease and convenience of above-ground pools to beat the summer heat. However, these above-ground pools are not exempt from local laws and regulations in Georgia. Dive into all the details below to learn more about which laws may apply to your above-ground pool before you start swimming.
Building and Construction Rules
The regulation of above-ground swimming pools is handled almost exclusively at the local level. This means that there are no Georgia state laws that require certain building or construction regulations. However, local cities and municipalities are allowed to set their own building codes for pools.
While these codes may vary from city to city, some rules are pretty universal. Those include:
- Setback rules: A pool may be installed no closer than 10’ to your property line in most cases.
- Front yard prohibition: Most municipalities prohibit the installation of an above-ground pool in your front yard.
- Buried utilities: Above-ground pools generally cannot be installed on top of buried utility lines, such as electrical, water, or sewer.
- Draining requirements: Many local municipalities also require proper drainage to be established around the pool.
Keep in mind that some rural areas may not have as many rules concerning above-ground pools as cities and municipalities. However, there may still be some rules that apply to your situation. Before setting up that above-ground pool in your yard, make sure that you are familiar with all the regulations in your area.
Above-Ground Pool Fencing Requirements
Putting a fence around your pool is crucial for safety purposes. Plus, most municipalities in Georgia require pools to be fenced.
If your pool is more than 24” deep, it must generally have a fence that is:
- At least 4 feet high
- Self-closing and self-latching
- No gaps or spaces more than 4 inches, except for gates and doors
Depending on the layout of your home and property, pool alarms might also be required in your area. Above-ground pools are very easy to set up and install, so many people never consider these requirements before putting one in their yard.
In addition to fencing requirements, some areas require certain safety equipment in the pool area. This may include life preservers, warning signs, and even an emergency telephone. While the rules differ between public and private pools, you should always know the rules that apply to your situation.
Homeowner’s Insurance Considerations
One essential aspect of owning an above-ground pool is checking with your homeowner’s insurance before installing it. Pools are generally considered to be an attractive nuisance to children, and children are especially likely to come onto your property to access or get into the pool.
Unless a pool is explicitly mentioned in your insurance coverage, any accident involving the pool would likely be excluded from coverage. This could lead to some very unfortunate situations. If a child or someone else got injured or drowned in your pool, you might face personal liability for all the damages in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.
You will likely have to purchase additional coverage with your homeowner’s insurance. This can ensure that the pool is included in your policy so that any accidents involving the pool are covered. This can help shield you from personal liability if a personal injury case arises out of any pool-related accidents.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for Help Today
If you were injured in someone else’s above-ground pool, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm for a free consultation with a Columbus personal injury attorney today.
Contact the Columbus Personal Injury Lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Columbus, GA, and need legal help, contact our Columbus personal injury lawyers at Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm to schedule a free case review today.
Mark Casto Personal Injury Law Firm
233 12th St #808
Columbus, GA 31901
(706) 940-4030
