Do I Need a Fence Around My New Swimming Pool?

Are you considering installing a brand new pool in your backyard to enjoy during the summer? Or are you currently in the process of getting a pool installed? There are a lot of things to know and consider when building a swimming pool, and getting a pool can be a big responsibility to take on as a homeowner. One important thing to be aware of when installing a pool is the rules and regulations surrounding pool fencing. Read on to learn more about fencing requirements when it comes to new swimming pools.

Can I have a pool without installing a fence?

Fencing requirements around pools vary by state to state and even county to county. That said, in New York State, it’s required for all swimming pools to be enclosed within a fence or other barrier.

The term “swimming pool” means any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or wading that contains or is designed to contain water over 24 inches deep. This means that along with in-ground and above-ground pools, indoor pools, hot tubs, spas, and fixed-in-place wading pools should all be enclosed by fencing or some other type of barrier.

What kind of fence do I need to install around my pool?

New York requires that pool fences be at least four feet high. Any fence that does not meet these standards could be subject to penalty.

In the case of above-ground pools, the fence may be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure. If the fence is mounted on top of the pool structure, the space between the top of the pool structure and bottom of the fence cannot be more than 4 inches.

However, county and city laws, insurance companies, and homeowners associations all might have specific standards regarding fence height, material, spacing, gate specifications, and more, so it’s important to understand the regulations set forth by any and all governing bodies that have a bearing on your property.

What kind of gate does my fence need?

New York State requires that pool fence doors or gates be self-closing and positive self-latching. Positive self-latching means that the door or gate must be equipped with an active latch bolt so that when the door or gate closes, it will latch. The knob or handle controlling the latch must be at least 40 inches above grade, and the state requires that the gate or door be locked and access to the pool prevented when the pool is unsupervised.

Can the side of my house serve as a part of the fencing?

Yes, a building wall can form part of the required barrier around your pool. But when a wall of your home serves as part of the barrier, either the pool must be equipped with a powered safety cover, or all doors with direct access to the pool through that wall must be equipped with an alarm.

Adhering to proper safety guidelines and rules is critical to practicing proper pool ownership. Now that you know the basic pool fencing guidelines in New York State, you can make the proper decisions when installing your new pool. And if you’re in need of a pool fence installer, contact us today for a free estimate!