Do Swimming Pools Need a Fence Around Them?

Girls dangle their legs in a pool.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates that 69 percent of the children who become victims of swimming pool accidents were not expected to be at or near the pool in which their accident occurs.

Laws

No federal laws exist in the United States requiring that swimming pools need a fence around them. However, a large number of states, counties and municipalities have enacted legislation requiring that protective measure. While the laws are mostly similar, consumers and contractors should consult their local governments for specific mandates that vary substantially.

Guidelines

The CPSC maintains a set of guidelines intended to establish a baseline of recommendations. Chief among those is the suggestion that swimming pool barriers be at least 48 inches in height and be made in such a way that small children are prevented from getting over, under or through the fence.

Considerations

Aside from the presence of any laws, the question of whether swimming pools need a fence around them may be up to the safety-consciousness of individuals. "CPSC has estimated that each year about 300 children under 5 years old drown in swimming pools," states the governmental agency. Two thousand more children require emergency room treatment.

References

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