A DIY aluminum pool fence from Aluminum Fences Direct is built to pass inspection. As long as you order the right height and hit a few key measurements.
What does a pool inspector actually check for?
Pool inspectors follow a shortlist created under federal standards. However, your municipality or HOA might have specific rules on top of these:
- Height: at least 48 inches tall, which is only 4 feet. But most people feel safer with a 5 foot fence.
- Picket spacing: less than 4 inches between pickets, so a child can’t squeeze through.
- Middle rail: at least 45 inches above the bottom rail, so the rails can’t be used like a ladder.
- Bottom gap: less than 2 inches from the bottom rail to the ground, measured on the side facing away from the pool. This keeps kids and pets from crawling under.
This is probably the hardest part to pass pool inspections?
In our experience the hardest part of passing pool inspection with a DIY aluminum pool fence is the bottom gap requirements. This is simply because the ground can be uneven.
Ideally, you would build your pool fence into the concrete or decking surrounding your pool. So you have a hard, smooth, and consistent surface.
Just be aware of the 2 inch rule when you’re setting your posts. Check out our installation guide for more tips and tricks on doing the job right.
How do I get my pool gates to pass an inspection?
Your pool gate must be:
- Self-closing
- Self-latching
- At least 54 inches (4.5 feet) above the ground to prevent children from reaching them.
- And open outwards, away from the pool.
Our pool gates are designed with these rules in mind. So our gates are safe right out of the box.
What HOA and local codes do I need to follow to pass a pool inspection?
Codes vary from town to town, so always check with your municipality and HOA before you order. However, many areas follow the BOCA pool-code guidelines, and so do we. These are industry-standard safety rules that have saved lives.
What’s something people often forget about pool safety?
One rule people forget about pool safety is to keep objects at least 48 inches away from the outside of the fence. Objects like planters, chairs, and AC units can be used as “stepping-stones” for troublesome kids. And we don’t want them climbing over your pool fence.
How Aluminum Fences Direct makes passing your pool inspection easy.
Our pool fence panels arrive pre-assembled and American-made. So you can spend your weekend getting the job done, instead of sorting through hardware with a headache. Every style is built to meet common pool-safety requirements. And our team is a phone call away if you’re unsure about anything.
If you want your private pool to feel… well… private, explore our privacy fencing options.
Ready to pass on the first try?
*This blog post is by no means an exhaustive list of all pool requirements for every area. These are the broad strokes. Always check your local authorities for specific rules.*