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Exeter · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Exeter

Exeter requires a fence at least 4 and no more than 6 feet high completely around a pool, its lot or premises. Pool gates and doors need self-closing, self-latching devices, and the enclosure may have no opening larger than 6 inches square.

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Key points

  • Pool fences: Exeter requires a fence at least 4 and no more than 6 feet high completely around a pool, its lot or premises.
  • Pool gates: Pool gates and doors need self-closing, self-latching devices, and the enclosure may have no opening larger than 6 inches square.

Each rule below links to the section of the Exeter Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Exeter's code says

Exeter code What Exeter's code adds
Pool barrier
  • No opening larger than 6 inches square, other than doors or gates.
    § 8.28.010 · code text
    with no opening therein, other than doors or gates, larger than six inches square.
  • The fence or other solid structure must be maintained at all times and fully surround the pool, lot or premises.
    § 8.28.010 · code text
    shall at all times maintain on the lot or premises upon which such pool is located and completely surrounding such pool, lot or premises, a fence or other solid structure
Barrier height
  • At least 4 feet and no more than 6 feet high.
    Applies: The fence or other solid structure around a swimming pool.
    § 8.28.010 · code text
    a fence or other solid structure not less than four feet nor more than six feet in height
Gates
  • All gates and doors need a self-closing, self-latching device that keeps them securely closed when not in actual use.
    Applies: A dwelling door that forms part of the enclosure is exempt.
    § 8.28.010 · code text
    All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designed to keep, and capable of keeping, such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure required in this section need not be so equipped.
Permit
  • Pool plans must show the barrier rules are met; final inspection and approval are withheld until they are.
    § 8.28.020 · code text
    All plans hereafter submitted to the city for swimming pools to be constructed shall show compliance with the requirements of Section 8.28.010 of this chapter, and final inspection and approval of all pools hereafter constructed shall be withheld until all requirements of Section 8.28.010 shall have been complied with.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Exeter?

Exeter requires a fence at least 4 and no more than 6 feet high completely around a pool, its lot or premises. Pool gates and doors need self-closing, self-latching devices, and the enclosure may have no opening larger than 6 inches square.

General information, not legal advice.

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Ask GoCodebook how Exeter's swimming pools rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

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