Pool Fence Safety Requirements
Georgia minimum standards per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC)
Additional Requirements for Unincorporated Bryan County
Barrier: 4 ft minimum for a single-family pool on farm, rural residential or residential land. Every other pool: 5 ft, 100 ft from any property line. Gate: opens outward, self-closing, positive latch. Openings: 4 in max, 1 3/4 in for chain link and lattice. Gap underneath: 2 in over grass, 4 in over concrete. An above-ground pool's own wall may count toward the barrier height, and its ladder or steps must lock or come off. The gate, opening and gap figures are Georgia state pool code (International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2024 with Georgia amendments), adopted by the county effective January 1, 2026. The barrier heights are the county rule. Bryan County UDO Sec. 114-745 A gate latch you can reach from outside the fence, and that does not lock itself, goes at least 54 in above the ground.
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.