Do You Have To Fence In Your Backyard Pool? Here Are The Details

While designing the perfect pool for your backyard can be a fun experience, there are a lot of details you must consider. Will it be above ground or below? What size and shape will it be? What work needs to be done before installing the pool? One of the more essential facets to think about is the safety concerns that a new pool poses. Many homeowners wonder if it's necessary to fence in their backyard pool, and the short answer is yes, in most areas.

Most local and state regulations require a backyard pool to be fenced in, but the specifics about the fence, like minimum height, gate requirements, spacing between fence pickets, and even materials allowed, are up to each jurisdiction. In most areas, temporary pools (like the inflatable kind) do not need any fencing. But the International Swimming Pool And Spa Code, which U.S. jurisdictions generally adhere to, states that a fence or barrier is needed for all in-ground pools and partially in-ground pools, regardless of depth. If you have an above-ground pool that is at least 18 inches deep, you'll also most likely need a fence surrounding it.

Building a fence around your pool is one of the best ways to ensure a safe pool environment with children, but it's crucial to check with your local city or county building department to determine the exact requirements in your area. For example, in San Diego County, California, pool fences must be at least 5 feet tall, with no spaces more than 4 inches apart, and they must be no more than 2 inches off the ground. However, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, swimming pools require a fence of at least 6 feet tall.

Pools are wonderful to cool off with during the summertime heat and provide an excellent place to have a social gathering, but they are inherently dangerous for children and pets. Even the most well-behaved and closely watched child can quickly slip away from a parent and head to the pool unattended, leading to slips and falls around the pool's surface and even drowning incidents. These same risks apply to pets, who can easily panic in a pool and struggle to exit. A fence provides a barrier to prevent young children and pets from accessing the pool unsupervised.

There are many DIY pool fence ideas that are both stylish and safe if you want to take on this project yourself, but you'll want to make sure you do your homework first. Check with your local city's website or building department to verify important information before you purchase materials. If you're unsure about getting into the nitty-gritty of this DIY project, a professional fence installer can take it off your hands. They'll know the ins and outs of what your pool fence will need and can even take care of getting the appropriate permits for the job. 

Again, depending on location, you may or may not need a zoning or building permit — this is generally based on the size and material of the fence. For example, in Houston, Texas, any fence that is at least 8 feet tall or that is made of masonry or concrete must have a permit before building, whereas in Collier County, Florida, all fences require a permit to build.