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Resident asks West Des Moines to align pool‑barrier rules with international standard
Summary
Brandon Bolton urged the council to allow approved power safety covers in lieu of five‑foot perimeter fences under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; the mayor referred the idea to the Development and Planning subcommittee for study.
At the citizens forum, West Des Moines resident Brandon Bolton asked the council to update city regulations governing residential pool barriers to match the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) section 305.1. Bolton said power safety covers that meet performance standards can serve as impenetrable horizontal barriers and are engineered to support the weight of multiple adults, reducing the climbing risk associated with traditional fences.
"What I'm asking specifically is that the city council consider adopting the ISPSC provisions to allow City of West Des Moines residents more flexibility in how they protect their families and their neighbors," Bolton said. Mayor Russ Trimble thanked Bolton for bringing the matter back and asked staff to place the item before the Development and Planning subcommittee so Bolton will have an opportunity to present there.
Why it matters: The change would alter local building code options for homeowners with pools and could affect safety requirements and enforcement. Council did not vote on code changes; the referral places the proposal into the subcommittee review process.
Next steps: Staff will present the proposal and any historical background the council has previously considered to the Development and Planning subcommittee and notify Bolton of the meeting date.
