Pool Gate Laws

A properly functioning pool gate can prevent unwanted accidents.

Anyone who owns a swimming pool should be aware of pool safety, including pool gate laws, which are designed to prevent accidents. While laws vary from state to state in regards to pool gates, most states require the gate to meet certain requirements in order to be legal.

The Law

Those who wish to build a gate around their home swimming pool should know the laws that apply. For example, according to the California Health and Safety Code Section 115923(b), all gates must be at least 60 inches in height. Section 115923(e) of the California Health and Safety Code states that the gate itself cannot have any physical characteristic that would allow someone under the age of five to climb over it, such as a foothold.

Texas

Under the guidelines of the Texas Pool Barrier Code, all gates must be at least 4 feet in height and no part of the gate can be constructed out of a tree, shrub or any other form of vegetation. If the gate has any gaps, the gaps cannot exceed 4 inches in any direction.

Open and Close

The Arizona State Legislature has passed a series of laws in regards to pool gates and pool safety. For example, under the guidelines of Section 36-1681(B)(3) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the entrance to the pool gate must open outwards and have the ability to close and lock on its own with a self-locking latch.

References

• Co: Pool Barrier Requirements
• Sonar Guard: Pool Barrier Codes - Texas
• AZ DHS: An Important Notice About Pool Safety

Resources

• Pool Safety: Swimming Pool And Spa Safety Starts With You