Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Georgia minimum standards per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
Additional Requirements for Lake Park
Barrier: 48 in tall minimum, measured from the outside. Gap under it: 2 in max, or 4 in between the top of an above-ground pool and a barrier mounted on it. Gate: opens outward, self-closing and self-latching. Openings: 4 in max. Vertical bars 1 3/4 in apart where the rails are under 45 in apart, with the rails on the pool side; 4 in apart where the rails are 45 in or more apart. Lattice openings 1 3/4 in max. Chain link: the city allows 2 1/4 in mesh, or larger with slats that close the gaps to 1 3/4 in. Georgia's state pool code caps chain-link openings at 1 3/4 in, so build to 1 3/4 in. A latch less than 54 in above the bottom of the gate goes on the pool side, 3 in below the top, with no opening over 1/2 in within 18 in of it. Nothing that can be climbed may stand next to the barrier. A spa or hot tub with a safety cover meeting ASTM F 1346 is exempt. A city pool permit from the city clerk comes first, minimum fee $20. Lake Park Code Sec. 5-49
These requirements are in addition to the state minimums shown below.
Georgia adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as the state minimum standard. All residential pool barriers in Georgia must meet these requirements. Local jurisdictions may impose stricter standards.
The purpose of a pool barrier is to prevent unsupervised access by young children. A successful barrier prevents a child from getting over, under, or through the enclosure.
Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum barrier height | 48 inches (4 ft) above grade |
| Maximum opening size | Cannot pass a 4-inch diameter sphere |
| Picket spacing (rails < 45" apart) | 1-3/4 inches max; horizontal rails on pool side |
| Picket spacing (rails ≥ 45" apart) | 4 inches max |
| Ground clearance (solid surface) | 4 inches max |
| Ground clearance (grass/gravel) | 2 inches max |
| Chain link mesh | 1-3/4 inches max opening |
| Gate operation | Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward |
| Gate latch height (exterior) | 54 inches min above ground |
| Clear zone outside barrier | 36 inches from climbable objects |
| Setback from water | 20 inches minimum |
| House wall as barrier | Doors require alarms or self-closing/self-latching hardware |
Detailed Requirements
Barrier Height
- Minimum 48 inches (4 ft) above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool
- Height must be maintained for the entire perimeter
- Some jurisdictions require 60 inches (5 ft). Check your local requirements
- Eliminate handholds, footholds, and minimize openings in the barrier's construction
Openings & Picket Spacing
- No opening may allow a 4-inch diameter sphere to pass through
- When horizontal rails are less than 45 inches apart: maximum 1-3/4 inch picket spacing, and horizontal members must be on the pool side
- When horizontal rails are 45 inches or more apart: maximum 4-inch picket spacing
- Decorative cutouts within the barrier: maximum 1-3/4 inch interior width
Ground Clearance
- Maximum 4 inches above solid surfaces (concrete, pavers)
- Maximum 2 inches above non-solid surfaces (grass, gravel, mulch)
- Measured on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool
Gates
- Must be self-closing: returns to closed position automatically
- Must be self-latching: latches automatically when gate closes
- Must open outward, away from the pool area
- Exterior latch release mechanism must be at least 54 inches above ground
- If latch is on the pool side, it must be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, with no openings greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch
House Wall as Part of the Barrier
- When the house wall forms part of the pool enclosure, doors with direct pool access must have one of:
- Door alarms that meet UL 2017 standards (must sound for 30+ seconds, be distinct from other alarms, deactivation switch at least 54 inches above floor)
- Self-closing, self-latching door hardware
- An ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover on the pool
Reference Documents
For specific questions about your property, contact your local building department.