Swimming Pool Fencing & Gates

When installing a fence or gate to go around a swimming pool, remember there are code requirements that need to be adhered to. These requirements may vary from city to city. Be sure and contact your city representative to find out what is required in the area that you live. Often, a city's code requirements are listed on their website too, so check it out.

In many instances, a swimming pool barrier must be at least five feet or higher and sometimes six feet is the minimum. There shouldn't be any climbing hazards. The picket spacing should not exceed 4" on center. The gate must be self closing and swing outward, away from the pool. There are also requirements for where the gate latch should be installed and how wide a gap can exist at the bottom of the fence.

Before getting too excited about designing a fancy pool fence, check with the officials. In most cases, you won't be able to install scrolls or interior horizontal railings. All this can create a climbing hazard. Be sure and educate yourself about swimming pool barriers at the onset of your swimming pool project. Talk with your swimming pool contractor about codes; he might be a wealth of information.

I often receive calls from distraught home owners who have put in a pool but cannot fill it until a swimming pool barrier is installed. Knowing this beforehand will allow time you to collect different pricing quotes, contact different fencing contractors, and have a date of installation set so that you can enjoy your new pool the minute it is completed.