There is an International Code Council code for swimming pool barriers. A swimming pool is defined very broadly to include “any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 24” (610mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools, hot tubs, spas and fixed-on-place wading pools.” Please see the resource for a complete explanation.
The code specifies various dimensions of a fence intended to prevent or control access to a swimming pool:
- Height: At least 48” above grade, measured on the side of the
- Vertical clearance between the bottom of the fence and grade: A maximum of 2”, measured on the side of the fence away from the pool.
- Openings in the fence shall not allow passage of a 4” diameter sphere.
If the fence is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the fence shall be 4”.
If the fence is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45”, the horizontal members shall be located on the pool side of the fence.
- Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1.75” in width.
- Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75” in width.
If the fence is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45” or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4”.
Gates
The code also contains specifications for access gates within the fence. The same rules already stated for the fence also apply to the gate. In addition:
- The gate is to be equipped to accommodate a locking device.
- The gate has to open outward away from the pool.
- The gate has to be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54” from the bottom of the gate:
- The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3” below the top of the gate, and
- The gate and fence shall have no opening greater than 0.5” within 18” of the release mechanism.
Which CertainTeed fences meet the requirements for swimming pool applications?
Baron Smooth 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Baron with Select Cedar texture 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Countess 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Princeton 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Imperial 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Imperial with Select Cedar texture 4’H*, 5’H, 6’H
Chesterfield 5’H, 6’H
Chesterfield with Lattice Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with Huntington Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with Victorian Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with Westminster Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with CertaGrain texture 4’ H, 5’H, 6’H
Chesterfield with CertaGrain texture with Lattice Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with CertaGrain texure with Victorian Accent 6’H
Chesterfield with CertaGrain texture – Concave 6’H
Chesterfield with CertaGrain texture – Convex 6’H, 6-1/2’H
Chesterfield with CertaStucco texture 4’H, 5’H, 6’H
Brookline with CertaGrain texture 4’H, 5’H, 6’H
Brookline Smooth 4’H, 5’H, 6’H
*Must use MagnaLatch® to meet pool codes
