As a new pool owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your pool is a safe environment for all swimmers. A pool safety barrier is the best way to do this. There are a number of different types of pool safety barriers available and it’s important to choose the right one for your needs and your city. Consider factors such as the type of pool, the material that the barrier is made from, and the amount of maintenance the barrier will require.
Pool safety barriers are an essential part of keeping the pool area safe. They help prevent accidental drownings and other injuries. Pool barriers are well worth the investment, as they provide an extra layer of protection for both children and adults.
Most cities in Arizona require one of the following barriers:
- Wrought iron pool fencing: A welded iron fence that is at least 5ft high that surrounds a pool with a self locking gate
- Automatic door closers: A mechanism added to a standard door or sliding glass door that automatically closes the door behind you that includes a safety latch 54” from the floor
- Window locks: Locking equipment installed 54” from the floor on windows that open to the backyard
- Gate springs: A spring added to a gate that makes it self closing
- Alarms on door & window: Outdoor alarms installed on any door or window that leads out to the backyard that sets off an alarm once opened
- Mesh pool fencing: A fence made out of 4ft or 5ft tall mesh panels set between aluminum poles. This type of fence is removable but will not meet pool safety barrier code in all cities.
While Arizona law only requires residential properties to comply with these requirements if there are children under the age of six living in the home, all homeowners are advised to install proper pool barriers in order to protect kids who may visit the home, pets, and anyone else who may be vulnerable to drowning. Additionally, cities and towns within Arizona may impose more stringent requirements.
Arizona city by city guide for safety barrier requirements for the areas with the most pool permits issued in Arizona.
Phoenix pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* 5’ high wrought iron pool fence
Scottsdale pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* Pool fence (mesh fence allowed)
Chandler pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 6′
* Gate latch must be 54″ above grade
* RV gate must have padlock
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* Wrought iron pool fence holding 5′ from waters edge OR
* Power safety pool cover
* Windows require key lock latch 54″ about the floor or mesh screens that are screwed into place
Gilbert pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5’
* Gate latch must be 54″ above grade
Mesa pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* Wrought iron pool fence holding at least 2′ from the water’s edge.
* Glass panel doors have special hardware required depending on number of panels
Queen Creek pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* 5’ high wrought iron pool fence
Goodyear pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′, Maximum Height 6′ (No chain link)
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
* 45″ minimum between horizontal members
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms
Peoria pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* 5′ high wrought iron pool fence (exempt if no children under 6 residing within an age restricted community)
* Door alarms not accepted
* Pool fence required if there are more than 3 glass panels in the slider
* No mesh fences allowed
Surprise pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 4′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* 5’ high wrought iron pool fence
Maricopa County pool barrier requirements
Exterior Barrier:
* Minimum height 5′, Maximum 6′
* Gates self-closing/self-latching, latch 54″ above grade
Interior Barrier:
* Doors must be self-closing/self-latching OR
* Install door alarms OR
* Wrought iron pool fence holding 5′ from the water’s edge.
* Windows require key lock latch 54″ about the floor or mesh screens that are screwed into place
Make sure your pool meets safety requirements
The importance of a pool safety barrier cannot be stressed enough. To learn more about pool safety, check out The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona website. They’ve created a free pool & spa safety checklist program and barrier code map that are great resources to help pool and spa owners make safer decisions about their backyard environments. Keep in mind, pool barriers can delay your project and final inspection. It’s important to research and plan in advance.
At Unique Companies, we not only love designing beautiful backyards but we also make sure that your pool is safe. Our designers are well-versed in safety barriers and city requirements and can make sure your new pool is compliant with local codes.