What is the best swimming pool fence?
When choosing a swimming pool fence, many homeowners prefer ornamental steel or aluminum. These options provide reliable security while enhancing the overall look of your pool area. They are available in both flat-top and extended-top styles to suit different design preferences.
To meet pool safety codes, we offer multiple fence heights, including 54, 58, and 70 inches. This range helps ensure regulatory compliance while allowing you to select a style that fits your needs.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly solution, we also offer a special tightly woven chain-link fence designed for swimming pools. This option is fully code-compliant and more affordable than ornamental steel or aluminum, making it a practical choice for maintaining safety without exceeding your budget.
For additional information, visit our "Ornamental Aluminum and Steel Fencing Guide (2026)."
Swimming Pool Fence Code
The following is a general overview of Georgia’s swimming pool fence code; however, it may not reflect the specific requirements of your local county. Always confirm with your local City Hall Zoning Department for the most current pool code laws and regulations, as local rules can differ from B.O.C.A. or I.B.C. standards.
Pool safety is a serious concern. Drowning in swimming pools remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children under five years old in the United States. Taking appropriate safety precautions—such as installing a compliant fence—is essential to reduce risk and help prevent these tragic incidents.
The most important codes are these:
- Gate and fence height no less than 48″.
- Gap between vertical members no more than 4″.
- Gap under bottom member no more than 4″.
- Release mechanism of the self-latching device shall be located no less than 54″ from the finish floor or ground.
- Self-closing hinges positioned, so the gate opens outward, away from the pool.
- Distance between any horizontal members more than 45″ apart; if the lower hinge is positioned within the area, use a dedicated safety cap (see number 6 at right) to prevent the hinge barrel from being used as a foothold for toddlers.
Objects Outside of the Fence:
Any objects located within 48 inches of the fence on the outside, such as pool pumps, decks, lights, large rocks, or retaining walls, could potentially be used as steps, providing easy access to the pool area. Pool safety codes are designed with the intention of preventing unauthorized entry into the pool area, rather than focusing on individuals attempting to exit it.
A pool fence must be at least 48" tall
When considering the Ornamental Wrought Iron style fence, it is important to note that the minimum distance between the bottom rail and the next horizontal rail must be at least 45 inches; this is illustrated in the accompanying diagram. Furthermore, most styles of fences featuring three horizontal rails typically have heights of either 54 inches or 60 inches, depending on the specific style and manufacturer. Thus, understanding these specifications is crucial for ensuring compliance and aesthetic appeal in your fencing project.
Spacing:
Ornamental Pool Fence:
- Distance between vertical pickets must be less than 4".
- Space between the bottom of the fence and the concrete pool deck must be less than 4".
Chain Link:
- If you choose a chain link fence for your pool enclosure, a tightly woven 1-1/4 inch mesh chain link fence fabric is required.
Gate:
- Gates to have a minimum height of 48″ from the finish floor or ground.
- Maximum ground clearance between the bottom of the fence and the ground is 4″.
- To prevent a finger crush, the gap between the gate and post is no less than ½″; otherwise, a safety covering guard is required.
- Single-leaf pedestrian access gates shall open outward, away from the play environment, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device.
- The release mechanism of the self-latching device must be located no less than 54″ from the finish floor or ground.
Chain Link Fence Pool Code:
Chain Link Fence is another excellent swimming pool enclosure solution and is available in a tight 1-1/4 inch weave that meets pool code requirements.
The tight weave prevents a child from getting a foothold, hampering them from climbing over.
A chain link fence with tightly woven fabric is, in fact, an affordable option for a swimming pool fence. However, it is important to note that standard chain link fence fabric is not acceptable. This is because it allows children to find a foothold, which, consequently, enables them to climb over the fence.
