There is no federal pool fence law currently in place within the United States. However, several states, including Florida, and Arizona, have created their own individual pool fence laws.
The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals has developed a model barrier code for residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs; this code has been approved by the American National Standards Institute.
The International Code Council (I.C.C.),outlined strong safety standards for swimming pool fences. In an effort to eliminate or reduce the accidental drowning of children, these standards have been recognized by many communities throughout the world. Certain states are more strict with their laws and the most populated states with Pools such as Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas have special statutes in place that discuss all pool fencing types including frameless glass railings.
In 2006, 283 children under the age of five drowned in swimming pools in the United States.
The I.C.C. pool safety standards specify that:
- The fence must be a minimum of 48 inches tall
- The middle horizontal rail must be at least 45 inches above the bottom horizontal rail
- The spacing between pickets must be less than 4 inches.
- The space between the bottom horizontal rail and the ground must be less than 2 inches.
- The gate(s) must be self-closing and self-latching.
- The gate(s) need to open outward (away from the pool area).
- The operating mechanism of the latch must be at least 54 inches from the bottom of the gate or it shall be on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top AND shall not have any opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
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