Swimming Pool Fence Codes and Regulations
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code – Fence-related section
While Fence Supply Inc. recommends reading through all of the specific rules and regulations in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, here are some of the important highlights to help get you started.
Fence Height and clearances
The top of the fence should be at least 48 inches above the ground. The maximum clearance between the ground and the bottom of the fence is 2 inches for non-solid surfaces, like grass or gravel. For solid surfaces the maximum clearance is 4 inches.
Openings
Vertical Fence openings must be less than 4 inches. A 4” Sphere cannot pass between.
Rails
All rails should be located on the poolside of the fence, making the outside of the fence un climbable. When spacing your horizontal less than 45 inches from one another, spacing between vertical rails should not exceed 1.75 inches in width. When spacing your horizontal rails more than 45 inches from one another, spacing between vertical rails should not exceed 4 inches in width.
Chain link
The maximum opening formed by a chain link should be no more than 1.75 inches.
Clear Space
There should be a minimum of 36 inches of clear space around the exterior of the fence, and any permanent structures.
Poolside fence setbacks
The poolside of the fence should be more than 20 inches away from the water’s edge.
Gates
All gates must comply with the above fence codes, as well as a few extra regulations. Gates must be self-closing and self latching, equipped to accommodate a lock, and should open outward from the pool. The gate shouldn’t have openings larger than .5 inches within 18 inches of the gate’s release.
Fence Supply Inc. can help suggest approved swimming pool products. However some local codes supersede the national codes. Always check with your local code authority for the appropriate code to use.
Resources:
Pool Safety Council http://www.poolsafetycouncil.org/index.html
Association of Pool and Spa Professionals http://www.apsp.org/Public/Safety/ConsumerResources/index.cfm
Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home pools http://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/362.pdf
Swimming Pool and Spa Codes http://www.nspf.org/en/resources/news_statecodes.aspx
Texas Code http://info.sos.state.tx.us/pls/pub/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=25&pt=1&ch=265&sch=L&rl=Y
