Building Codes for Pool Fences

Swimming Pool Fences

• The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides guidelines for safety barriers to swimming pools and hot tubs, though hot tubs with covers to a certain standard may be exempted. State or local swimming pool fence regulations may follow the CPSC guidelines or not, but swimming pool fences are typically mandatory. A building permit is usually required for a swimming pool fence, often before excavation can begin. The pool can't be filled until the fence is approved. Temporary fencing for construction is also strictly regulated.

Access

• Access is a key consideration for swimming pool enclosures. A study conducted by CPSC of drowning accidents in California, Arizona and Florida showed almost half of the children who drowned were last seen in the house. Regulations specify that entrances to the house should be outside the enclosed area. If part of the enclosure is a wall, there should be no access opening in the wall to the enclosed pool area. The CPSC guidelines recommend as an alternative a security alarm for any door access to the pool enclosure.

Gates

• All access points to the enclosed pool are usually required to be controlled. Gates need to be self-closing and self-latching, and electric gates are required to have a back-up system in case of a power outage. Access is further prevented by installing latch hardware at the top of the inside of the gate, and locking the gate at all times except when the pool is in use. Gates should open out from the pool area to make them difficult for a young child to open from the outside.

Barriers to Climbing

• Fence height should be 4 feet minimum; multi-residential housing may require a higher fence. A gap between the ground and the bottom of the fence should be no more than 4 inches high. Openings are limited in size to prevent footholds. The side of the fence facing out from the pool should be smooth, with no protrusions for climbing. Fences should be located away from outbuildings, equipment or structures that can be used to climb the fence.