Rules and Regulations
If you live in Mississippi and are thinking of buying a new pool, it’s important to educate yourself on state and local laws concerning pool ownership. This can ensure your pool is compliant with these laws and meets all safety requirements.
Because state and local laws can change, it’s important to check with your local building office to ensure your pool meets the most recent regulations. Although there are laws that blanket the state of Mississippi, your city, town or county may have more restrictive regulations that take precedence. Check with your local building office to be sure your pool meets these standards. Working with a professional builder can also help you gain a firmer understanding of what you are responsible for and ensure your pool is up-to-code.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear around state and local regulations for pools in Mississippi.
Do I need to have a fence around my pool in Mississippi?
In Mississippi, all residential pools must be fully surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. However, different localities throughout the state may have more stringent requirements.
As laws can vary throughout the state, be sure to check with your local building office to get a handle on specific codes your pool must meet. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these codes.
How tall does a fence around a pool have to be in Mississippi?
Although Mississippi is blanketed by a law that requires fencing around a pool that is a minimum of 4 feet high, different cities and municipalities throughout The Magnolia State have more restrictive laws.
For instance, D’lberville, MS (near Biloxi), requires all public and private pools to be enclosed by a fence or barrier that is a minimum of 6 feet high on the side of the barrier facing away from the swimming pool. These barriers must have self-latching and self-closing gates. This rule applies to all vessels that can contain over 24 inches (2 feet) of water, including a spa or jacuzzi.
Be sure to investigate any laws surrounding pool fencing in your local area to be sure your pool meets all applicable codes.
Seasonality
Seasonal Pool Maintenance in Mississippi
Mississippi winters are short and relatively mild, with temperatures along the Gulf Coast sitting between 40 F and 60 F. On rare occasions, typically only once every five years, Mississippi experiences freezing temperatures. On the off chance that a cold snap hits, it’s important to winterize your pool after you’ve closed your pool for the season. If you own a pool in Michigan, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help you get more enjoyment out of your pool through the seasons. .
Mississippi has long hot summers and short, mild winters with very little snowfall. Areas such as Southern Mississippi, the Gulf Coast and Central MS receive under an inch of snowfall each year. Northern Mississippi receives a bit more snowfall – although it’s not much! Holly Springs and Tupelo, MS top the list, having received 2.3 inches and 1.5 inches of annual average snowfall, respectively.
The Magnolia State’s climate means good news for pool owners, giving them more time to enjoy their pool throughout the year. In Mississippi, pool season can as early as March or April. If you have a heated pool or spa, it can extend your pool time well beyond summer, allowing you to enjoy your pool until October or early November. However, once daylight savings time kicks in, you may want to consider pool lights or attractive recessed patio lighting to add more visibility after sundown – and also create a more lively atmosphere!
To help you make the most out of your pool through all Mississippi seasons, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• Spring: Mississippi is heavily forested, with over 60% of the state covered in rich greenery – and the timber industry accounting for a significant part of MS’s economy. Trees can generate heavy pollen when spring is in full bloom, which can potentially clog your pool filter, if left to accumulate. Be sure to regularly empty your filter and skim your pool to minimize pollen build-up and prevent it from contributing to algae growth.
• Fall: A heated pool can help you keep the pool parties jumping into October and November, as can a spillover spa. In addition to keeping up with routine maintenance as you would during summer months, be sure to fish fall foliage out of your pool, as leaves can contribute to algae bloom if left untended. An autocover can also prevent autumn leaves from landing in your pool. In addition to staying on top of routine pool maintenance, Mississippi residents will also want to be on high alert to prep their pools in the event of a hurricane, as the state endures a hurricane season that spans June through November. (More on preparing your pool for a hurricane below!)
• Winter: All good things must come to an end, including pool season in balmy Mississippi. Although winter temperatures typically fall between 40 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s not quite warm enough for a dip in a heated pool. When closing and winterizing your pool for the season, remove all air from water lines and pool equipment to prevent cracks or leaks should freezing temperatures break out. Many pool owners close their pools themselves, but you can also opt to hire a professional to help you winterize your pool, too!
Preparing Your Pool for Hurricane Season in Mississippi
• The bulk of Mississippi is flat land and its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico often puts The Magnolia State in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms. As a flat plains state, Illinois experiences a “tornado season.” Mississippi ranks among the top 10 states in the US most prone to hurricanes, with “hurricane season” falling between June and November.
• Although you can’t prevent a hurricane, it’s important to know how to prepare your pool and backyard to help minimize any damage.
• Perhaps the most important tip to prepare your pool in advance of a hurricane is to turn off all power to pool equipment, including your pump and filtration systems, pool lights, and heaters. This may not prevent damage to the equipment itself if your home is in the path of a hurricane or intense tropical storm, however, it can help prevent electric-related dangers from occurring. If possible, move your pool equipment to a basement storage unit or protect them with a secure waterproof covering.
• When bracing for a hurricane, do not drain your pool water. While it may seem like a good idea in terms of preventing your water chemistry from becoming tainted, draining your pool actually leaves it more vulnerable to scratches and scrapes.
• Additionally, do not store pool or patio furniture in your pool in the event of a hurricane. Instead, store any items that are not able to be secured indoors or in a safe outdoor enclosure.
• After the storm has passed, be prepared to clean up any debris in or around your pool. You’ll also need to rebalance your water chemistry or even shock your pool.
