We build pool enclosures for homes in Chicago and the nearby suburbs. Plan the fence together with the pool, because the enclosure has to be complete before the pool is used.
Chicago has its own rule for home pools, and it is stricter than what many suburbs use. The Department of Buildings guidance for private residential swimming pools covers pools more than 48 inches deep at a home with one to three units. The pool deck has to be fully enclosed by a fence or wall, and that enclosure, gates included, must be at least 5 feet high. Gates need hardware that closes and latches the gate by itself, mounted where small children cannot reach it.
Two details catch owners out. First, a metal pool fence has to be electrically grounded under the city's guidance, so aluminum and steel fences involve a licensed electrician as well as a fence crew. Second, any fence taller than 5 feet needs a city permit, so decide the exact height before the application goes in. Aluminum picket is the common choice because pool water and winter salt do not rust it. Vinyl privacy panels suit a pool that neighbors' upper windows look down on.
Yards here are small, and the pool barrier often has to share space with a garage, a porch stair and a gangway gate. We walk the yard and mark where each gate swings before anything is ordered. In the suburbs we serve, each village or city applies its own pool barrier rule through its building department, and the numbers are not always the same as Chicago's. Give us the address and the pool plan and we will check the rule that applies before we quote.
Pool fences in Chicago: common questions
How high does a pool fence have to be in Chicago?
At least 5 feet, including the gates, for a private residential pool deeper than 48 inches. That figure comes from the Department of Buildings guidance on residential swimming pools. Suburbs set their own heights.
Does a small above-ground pool need a fence?
The city's guidance treats pools of 48 inches or less in depth and no more than 5,000 gallons differently from deeper pools, and they do not need a building permit. Confirm your pool with the Department of Buildings before you buy it, because size and depth both count.
Can my existing back yard fence serve as the pool enclosure?
Only if it meets the pool rule all the way around. Many Chicago yard fences are 5 feet or lower to stay under the permit line, and their gates do not close on their own. We can raise sections, change gates and add latches where the fence is otherwise sound.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.