Pool fences - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

RobertCDF · 02-11-2008, 10:47 PM

Hey can someone tell me the codes on fences for a retard. I need it in simple terms that I can understand.

We are building a deck around this pool and hot tub and now the inspector wants a fence or 1 of a dozen other options. I am going to try and upsell the customer on a "rail" that will match the composite deck but I need to know how to design it.

I know it has to be 5' above grade and most of the deck is at least 16" above grade except 1 corner that is at grade. So I was figuring on building a 4' high railing (except in that one corner). But if I build a railing with a gap between the decking and the rail bottom will they count that as the grade since they could step up onto the deck and then climb the rail? How about steps going up to the gate? Will it have to be 5' from the top of the steps then?

I also have a staircase 2.5' from the edge of the deck coming from the upper deck, it will have a railing on it as well but you "could" climb over the 3' stair rail and climb onto the 4' pool deck rail. So do you think this could be an issue?

Thanks for any advice on this.

DecksEtc · 02-12-2008, 08:14 AM

Robert, I'm not completely getting exactly what it is the inspector wants but from the picture I see there is a fence already on the exterior of the property. In my area, that is all that's needed, as long as it's high enough, of course. Any railings around on the deck around the pool would have to be the correct for the deck. Not sure if this helps but I'm guessing by your question that the inspector wasn't much help either.

RobertCDF · 02-12-2008, 09:05 AM

The fence does not go around the entire yard and if it did they would have to do the following. All gates need to be self closing, including the huge drivethrough one. All doors in the house would need to be self closing as well. Owner does not really want to fence the entire yard either.

Its all his problem to figure out what to do to pass the pool inspections I just want to get some of the money that is going to be spent. I would rather just build a larger rail and make some money there.

DecksEtc · 02-12-2008, 09:38 AM

That makes sense - of course, I couldn't see the whole yard. The double gate would be a pain. I am surprised at the doors to the house having to be self closing though. I've never heard that before - what would people do for a sliding patio door???

As to your problem, I would assume that as long as everything around the pool was 5' above grade that you'd be okay. Sounds like you have to wait for them/the inspector to come back to you.

**Teetorbilt** · 02-12-2008, 10:28 AM

1. Minimum four (4) feet high fence, screen or barrier enclosure with self-closing, self-latching, lockable gates. All access gates shall have a self-latching device and be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Gates forty-eight (48) inches in width or less shall be self-closing.

2. Maximum vertical clearance from the bottom of the fence to grade is four (4) inches measured on the side opposite the swimming pool.

3. New fencing that is constructed of horizontal and vertical members shall have no less than forty-five (45) inches between the horizontal member and the grade providing the horizontal member shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Any existing fence with horizontal members less than forty-five (45) inches apart shall be allowed if the fence is properly maintained and if a four-inch diameter sphere cannot be passed through the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed four (4) inches. The fence or barrier must be constructed so as not to provide footholds or other physical characteristics, which would enable a child to climb over the fence or barrier. Chainlink fence openings shall not exceed two and one-half (2 1/2) inches.

4. All access gates shall have a self-latching device and be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Gates forty-eight (48) inches in width or less shall be self-closing.

5. The self-latching device shall be no more than thirty-eight (38) inches from the bottom of the gate and must be placed on the swimming pool side of the gate and have no openings greater than one-half (1/2) inch within eighteen (18) inches of the release mechanism.

6. Unscreened windows leading to the pool area shall have a latching device at least fifty-six (56) inches above the floor.

7. All doors, including sliding doors, leading to the pool area shall have a self-latching device. Hinged doors shall be self-closing.

8. In lieu of the self-latching and self-closing doors leading to a pool, all doors with direct access to the pool area may be equipped with an alarm device which produces an audible warning when the door or screen door is opened. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house under all conditions. The alarm shall be equipped with a manual means to temporarily deactivate the doors for a single opening and such deactivation shall last no more than fifteen (15) seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least forty-five (45) inches above the bottom of the door.

9. In lieu of the self-latching, self-closing or alarm on door leading to a pool, the pool may be equipped with a power safety cover which complies with ASTM F1346 New Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for all covers for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs.

10. All fence, screen or barrier enclosures shall be continually maintained so as to provide the protection of restricted and secure access to the pool area.

11. The approved alarms are from Home Depot - Intermatic model SP130 or from Radio Shack - model # 4924A or if you have a security alarm in your home it must ring for a minimum of thirty (30) seconds continuously.

GunitePoolGuy · 02-12-2008, 03:53 PM

I would talk with the inspector again and ask him as the reqs are different everywhere. Although im pretty sure a self locking fence is required everywhere.