Menu
New popular inflatable pools may be violating cities' rules
SIKESTON -- Manufacturers say it's as easy as 1-2-3.
And Hope Chadd of Sikeston would agree. It only took her about 15 minutes to set up her inflatable vinyl swimming pool last summer. Chadd purchased the 18-foot-by-3.5-foot pool for only $175 -- and her kids love it, she said.
"It's easy to keep up and it's not that expensive," Chadd explained.
Miner resident Jay Eckert agreed. He just put up his 18-foot-by-4-foot-deep pool this summer.
"They're easy and convenient," said Eckert. "I like the idea of taking it down in the winter, and if you move, you can take it with you. Plus, the whole set up was less than $400."
Inflatable swimming pools like Eckert's and Chadd's are popping up all over towns this summer, but as many residents are finding out, there are certain rules they must follow when it comes to owning their own pool.
In the City of Sikeston, a pool that is more than 2 feet deep must be enclosed by a 4-foot fence with a lockable gate.
"I think everybody thinks it's something we dreamed up all of a sudden, but this is something we've always had," said Tom Burns with Sikeston Code Enforcement.
While Burns said code enforcers are on the lookout for violators of the code when they're out, it's not something that is their main focus.
"I've actually noticed more (inflatable pools) going up in this past week than I have in the whole summer," Burns commented. "I guess it's getting hotter and all of a sudden everybody's getting these pools."
On Monday, Burns said he stopped and talked to several people who have the 3-, 4- and 5-feet deep inflatable pools, but who weren't following the city's ordinance.
"Most people know about the code, but they may not know the specifics. I was talking to a woman (Monday) and one lady had told her the cut off was 4 feet instead of 2 feet," Burns said.
In Miner, the ordinance calls for a fenced area for all pools, including the 2- or 3-feet inflatable pools people have in their backyards, said Benny Thurston who works with Miner's Code Enforcement. They must also have a 6-foot fence and a lockable gate to comply with the ordinance.
Those who do not comply with the Sikeston code are not fined immediately, Burns said, adding that so far, no one has been fined.
"We give them normally so many days to comply with the law," Burns said. "I've been trying to be a little lenient with them and tell them the main thing is to protect themselves and children. If I go back by and they're not making an attempt to drain the pool or put up a fence, I'll stop and have further conversation with them."
However, the minimum fine on public nuisance is $100 in court costs, but it could vary depending on the judge, Burns said.
"So far everybody has been real compliant, and they're willing to get done what they need to do," Burns noted. "After I talked to them, most just went out and drained the pool." Miner residents will receive a warning if they don't comply with the law, but Thurston said he hasn't had to issue any fines.
"I've only had problem with one woman's pool, and now she took it down -- It's really no big deal," Thurston said. "It's nothing that's new. You've got to have security around the pool."
In general, residents should check with their city's code enforcers to determine swimming pool regulations in places where they live.
Burns explained the reason behind the enforcement of the rules is simply to protect everyone's safety.
"A small child could wander up in there and drown and nobody knows he's there until it's too late," Burns pointed out.
And for insurance purposes, Eckert admitted he wouldn't put his pool up until his fence was completely finished. While his 6-foot wooden fence wasn't cheap, Eckert said it was well worth the money.
"It doesn't seem like it's that big of a deal (to not have a fence)," Eckert said. "But when a kid whose not being supervised -- and it could be a neighbor's kid -- comes over and drowns in your pool, you are responsible."