Hartley council ponders personal pools

There won't be a pool open in Hartley this summer, but city officials are still expecting local kids to take a dip.

The council on April 12 discussed the anticipated increase of aboveground pools on private residential property this summer. With the city's swimming pool closed to allow for construction of its replacement, city officials are expecting many local residents to erect their own personal pools to cool off during the hotter months.

According to discussion, zoning ordinance outlines a variety of requirements for aboveground pools, like fencing and the removal of entrance ladders at night. The council believed most requirements should be temporarily waived this summer, with the exception of nighttime ladder removal.

The rule is a safety precaution that reduces the risk of young children entering someone's pool without their knowledge and possibly having an accident.

"If you don't pull your ladder, then we'll have to have a talk with you," said Council Member Brian Myers. "It's a good faith move. We just have to remind them, just like we remind them to shovel their sidewalks or mow their yard."

City Administrator Erica Haack said that most residents with aboveground pools have been responsible and cooperative in the past. Council Member Mary Westphalen encouraged Hartleyites to put their pools in the backyard to reduce the temptation for neighbor kids taking a dip without the homeowners' knowledge.

"It's just too inviting for the young [kids]," she said.

Council Member Jerry Olson was in favor of waiving the fence requirement. According to the city's zoning ordinance, private swimming pools in residential districts must be completely surrounded by a fence or wall six feet tall or higher and at least four feet from each side of the pool. The fences are to be non-climbable and strong enough to make the pool inaccessible to small children.

Olson pointed out that 84 percent of voters approved the bond issue for the new aquatic center, and he believed the city should throw residents a bone when it comes to at-home pools this summer.

"Don't come down hard," he said. "There needs to be some give."

Though the fencing requirement will be waived, the city is reminding homeowners that they are still liable for accidents if they fail to take proper precautions with their pool.

"Residents are also encouraged to make sure they are in compliance with their homeowner's insurance coverage regarding pool fencing and other safety requirements," Haack said after the meeting.