Do I Need a Fence Around a Hot Tub?

Why

• Fences or other barriers often are required around hot tubs in accordance with city or county codes. The purpose of a fence around a hot tub is to prevent drownings. A homeowner's insurance policy might require a barrier installation around a hot tub, and the insurance company might charge higher premiums if your spa does not have a fence around it.

Barriers

• City or country codes might not specifically state that a hot tub must be enclosed by a fence. More often the codes state a hot tub must be enclosed by a barrier. A barrier is considered a wall, fence, building wall or a combination of barriers. The code more often than not requires a hot tub to be completely enclosed to prevent access to it. Barriers should measure at least 4 feet high and sit at least 4 feet from the outside wall of the hot tub. Some codes might specify the enclosure cannot offer direct access, such as a door, from the home to the tub.

Depth

• The depth of the tub is considered in barrier requirements. Regulation codes might only require a barrier if the depth of the water is more than 2 feet. Most hot tub users require a depth of about 3 feet for the water to sit at shoulder level. The average hot tub has a depth greater than is exempt from requiring a barrier around it.

Types

• Appropriate barriers for smaller portable hot tubs are sometimes different than for fixed models. A fixed hot tub is typically assigned the same regulations as a pool. It most often requires a barrier around it. Portable hot tubs might only require a UL approved safety cover as a barrier.