The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code is a set of standard codes to ensure pool safety. According to the International Code Council’s website, it encompasses “the design, installation and inspection of… public swimming pools, public spas, permanently installed residential spas, above-ground/on-ground residential swimming pools, residential in-ground swimming pools, portable spas, aquatic recreational facilities, barriers for all residential pools and spas, water quality, and suction entrapment avoidance for these facilities.
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
Fence openings should be less than 4 inches.
Rails
All rails should be located on the pool side of the fence, making the outside of the fence unclimbable. When spacing your horizontal rails 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 pool side 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.
