The information contained on this page is a general overview of swimming pool fence codes and may not apply to your local codes. Please, before ordering, check your local laws and regulations as they may vary from the B.O.C.A. or I.B.C. standards. Aluminum Fences Direct cannot be held responsible if the fencing you order does not meet your local codes.
The most important pool fence codes
- The pool fence must be at least 48″ tall
- The minimum distance between the bottom rail and the next existing horizontal rail must be at least 45″. So most 3-horizontal rail fence styles must be either 54″ Drop Rail ( No pickets extending below the bottom rail ) or 60″ depending if there are spears above the top rail.
- The spacing between pickets must be less than 4″
- The space between the bottom rail and the ground must be 2″ measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool.
- The gate(s) must be self-closing, self-latching (The opening mechanism of the latch must be at least 54″ above ground.) And all gates, that are accessible to the pool area, MUST open out, away from the pool area.
Pool Fence Installation
Please keep in mind when installing your pool fence, that any objects within 48″of the fence, on the outside of the fence (ex. pumps, deck piers, lights, large rocks, retaining walls etc.), could technically be used as a “stepping-stone” making it easily accessible to your pool area.
These codes are in place with the frame of mind to keep people from “getting-in” to the pool area, not “getting-out”. So you are always safer to enclose the objects in the fenced in portion of the yard.
Boca Pool Code
What aluminum fences meet the BOCA code for swimming pool enclosures?
Here are the heights and styles of pool fences that meet building code requirements for fences that need to have less than 4” between pickets and 45” between rails, or less than 1 ¾” between pickets with any railing spacing:
*Needs bottom rail flush with bottom of pickets in 54″
**Needs bottom rail flush with bottom picket in 60″