Design
Louisiana is home to swamps, marshes and hot, humid weather.

Rules and Regulations
Before you take the plunge into pool ownership in Louisiana, it’s important to understand some of the responsibilities and regulations for owning a pool in the Bayou State. Because state and local laws change over time, it’s important to do some of your own investigation around rules and regulations for installing a new pool.

And while Louisiana has several pool laws that blanket the state, your parish, city, or municipality may have their own set of regulations around pool ownership that may be more stringent than those at the state-wide level. Consult with your local building office to get more information on these laws and ensure your pool is compliant. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you better understand these laws and ensure your pool is up-to-code.

To help you get a leg up on your research, here is a list of some of the most common questions we get around pool rules and regulations in Louisiana.

Do I have to have a fence around my pool in Louisiana?

Louisiana state pool laws require that all pools deeper than 2.9 feet must be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 4 feet high. This barrier should be self-latching with latches placed no lower than 3 feet high, out of reach of children. This fence or barrier should not be climbable, having no footholds.

How tall does a fence around a pool have to be in Louisiana?

While Louisiana requires a 4-foot fence or barrier around all residential pools deeper than 2.9 feet, individual parishes, cities, and municipalities throughout the state may have their own requirements. These requirements are often stricter than those at the state-wide level.

While (presently) both the city of Lake Charles and Covington, LA in St. Tammany Parish require a 4 foot high fence around pools, Covington has specific rules around set back lines. In Covington, swimming pools can only be located in a side or rear yard, at a minimum of 5 feet from the side property line and 10 feet from the rear property line.

Other Louisiana cities – such as Monroe, LA – have even more rigid requirements. In Monroe, every pool that can hold 5,000 gallons or more must be surrounded by a fence at least 6 feet high. In addition, the city requires a walk space of at least 3 feet wide between the pool and the barrier.

Seasonality
Seasonal Tips for Fiberglass Pool Owners in Louisiana

Louisiana is known for long, languid summers, mild winters, and relatively balmy weather year round. And while Louisiana only sees a fraction of an inch of snow each year, winters aren’t quite warm enough to keep your pool open past October. Although a heated pool or spillover spa can help you enjoy your pool in cooler temperatures, you’ll likely need to bid your pool adieu before November. But don’t worry! Taking care to properly close your pool for the season can make for a much easier reopening come springtime.

Beyond incorporating features that can help you get in as much pool time as possible, here are a few seasonal pool maintenance tips for Louisiana pool owners:

• Spring: While Louisiana has a reputation for flat land and swamps, at least 55% of the state is covered in beautiful forests. These trees can translate to heavy pollen when spring is in bloom. If left untended, these tiny pollen grains can clog your pool filter. Be sure to skim your pool weekly, as these tiny yellow or green granules can also contribute to algae growth.

• Summer: Between spring and early fall, Louisiana is often in the path of tropical storms and tornadoes, with areas along the Gulf Coast at risk of flooding. Take proper precautions to protect your pool against falling debris – such as tree branches or lightweight items that can become projectiles in high winds. Falling debris that lands in your pool can potentially scratch your pool’s fiberglass coating or vinyl liner. In addition to helping safeguard your pool against natural disasters, Louisiana residents should also keep up with weekly pool maintenance during summer months Louisiana’s hot, humid climate can create less-than-ideal conditions for algae to develop. Regular skimming, balancing your water chemistry, and a gentle scrub can help to keep algae at bay.

• Fall: A heated pool can help you enjoy your pool during early fall in Louisiana. Consider a heated pool or spillover spa. However, be prepared to continue to skim and balance your water, given that Louisiana’s high humidity can contribute to algae growth if you’re not properly maintaining your pool. Regularly skim any fallen leaves from your surface, as they can contribute to algae growth. An autocover can also help prevent leaves from accumulating on the surface of your pool.

• Winter: When it’s time to close your pool for winter, make sure to remove all air from water lines and pool equipment. Although many Louisiana pool owners close their pool themselves, you can also enlist a professional to help you properly winterize your pool.

Preparing for a new pool is an exciting time. However, to make the dream of a breathtaking backyard oasis a reality, some well-thought logistics need to come into play. Regardless of whether you want a fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, it’s helpful to know what to expect during the installation process.

Do I need a winter pool cover in Louisiana?

Given that Louisiana typically receives an annual average snowfall of 0.2”, pool owners in the Bayou State don’t have to worry about a winter pool cover. Winter covers are specially designed to withstand the weight of heavy snow and provide your pool with protection during colder months, as large snow drifts could potentially harm the mechanics of an autocover.

While Louisiana doesn’t get much – if any – snow, winter temperatures are still too low to regularly use your pool during colder months, falling within the mid-50s and low-50s statewide. That said, a heating element or spillover spa can help you use your pool during colder seasons, as Louisiana’s coldest temperatures don’t fall within the freezing range. However, if you don’t have a heated pool or spillover spa, it’s important to follow best practices to close your pool over the winter and re-open in spring.