How Tall of a Fence Is Required for a Swimming Pool?

States enact pool fencing laws.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises that in California, Arizona and Florida the leading cause of accidental death around the home for children under five is drowning.

Federal Law

The U.S. federal government has not established any specific laws concerning how tall a swimming pool fence is required to be. However, a significant number of states, counties and cities have enacted legislation requiring homeowners and businesses that install swimming pools -- both in and above-ground -- to adhere to certain laws.

How Tall?

Homeowners should consult their state or local governments to determine what mandates must be followed. A number of states require pool safety barriers to be at least 48 inches in height, while California demands a minimum height of 5 feet. Most laws require the barrier to be erected a certain distance from the edge of the pool -- so that a child will not immediately fall into the water should she scale the obstruction.

Considerations

Although only a guideline, a minimum height of 4 feet is also the suggestion of the CPSC. Both horizontal and vertical fences are acceptable. "The spacing of the vertical members should not exceed 1-3/4 inches. This size is based on the foot width of a young child," advises the CPSC.

References

• California Swimming Pool Safety Act: California Codes
• CPSC: Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools