Every family waits with eager anticipation the installation of their new pool. However, before taking the first dip in your new pool, there are fencing laws to which you must adhere under the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act. Failure to do so has stiff penalties.

Enacted in 2009, the law is designed to reduce the number of accidental drowning of children. Prior to passage of the law, drowning was the No. 1 cause of accidental death in children of all ages. Now pool owners are required by law to erect a barrier around their pool that adheres to stringent specifications.

Swimming Pools

Outdoor swimming pools are required to be encircled by a fence or other suitable barrier of at least 4 feet in height. It must be low enough to the ground so children can’t crawl under it and include no outcroppings that small children can use to crawl over it.

The fence is required to be a specified distance from the edge of the pool in the event that a child manages to infiltrate the barrier to prevent them from immediately falling in the water. The fence must have a gate that opens outward, be self-closing, and be equipped with a self-locking device.

Indoor Pools

There are some exceptions for indoor pools. If the pool is inside a screened in area, a fence isn’t required as long as the windows and doors that give access to the pool have a wired safety alarm. A fence also isn’t required if there’s a self-closing, self-latching device installed at least 54 inches above ground level.

Kiddie Pools

Small, shallow wading pools are popular for younger children at home. They’re designed to be temporary in nature and aren’t subject to fencing laws. Private community pools and public pools located in condos and apartment complexes are also exempt from the fencing law, but also have more rigorous laws to ensure the safety of children around water. Public swimming pools must be in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Sap Safety Act.

Summer has arrived and for many people that means the installation of a swimming pool. There’s far more involved in having a pool than simply filling it with water and enjoying a refreshing dip. Florida has very specific fence laws for pools to which every owner must adhere for the safety of anyone that might enter the pool area.

Drowning is the leading cause of death in young children, older individuals, and those with disabilities. The deaths typically occur in swimming pools, but they can also happen in environments with hot tubs, backyard spas and wading pools that are fixed in place. For purposes of the law, any structure that holds 24 inches of water is considered a pool whether it’s above-ground, in-ground, or on-the-ground.

Any pool must be completely surrounded by a fence, wall, or similar barrier of at least four feet in height. The rule is true whether the pool is located in the backyard or indoors. The exception to this is if an approved pool cover is used that prevents an individual from sinking below the surface of the water.

There can’t be any gaps in coverage where a child could crawl between fence rails and the barrier can’t be more than two inches off the ground to prevent a child from crawling under it. A pool fence must also be one in which no protrusions or other handholds are available that would allow a child to climb over it.

The door or gate for entry has to face outward and have a self-locking device or other locking mechanism that can’t be reached by a curious child. While an alarm system for the gate isn’t mandated, it’s a good idea to invest in one. Mesh fencing is a good choice for pool barriers, but wood, PVC, and SimTek® materials are also available that can be fashioned to meet Florida’s safety guidelines.

It’s essential to hire a fencing professional that’s cognizant of all pertinent regulations. As an expert, they can provide assistance in creating a fence that’s attractive and complements surroundings that also meets all applicable safety laws.