Cactus Village Community

SWIMMING POOL ENCLOSURES - REQUIRED

Jul 19, 2003

Development Services Department

With swimming season in full gear, it?’s a good time to review the City of Phoenix requirements for swimming pool enclosures. Since 1990 the City of Phoenix has required complete enclosure of all swimming pools, spas and hot tubs with a permanent fence, wall or barrier to restrict access from adjacent property, along with an inner yard barrier to completely separate the pool from houses or apartment units.

Pools built prior to May 4, 1990 do not require an inner barrier unless the pool is accessible to children under age six. However, the owner remains responsible for providing a temporary barrier whenever children visit. If a pool had an inner barrier before 1990, the barrier will meet code specifications if it is at least four feet high and otherwise meets prior barrier standards.
Any alterations or repairs to the barrier must meet the new requirements.

The exterior pool barrier must meet these requirements:

1. Must be five feet high measured from the exterior side of the fence.
2. Must Not have holes or openings that would allow a four inch ball to pass through.
3. The maximum vertical clearance between the grade and the bottom of the barrier must be two inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool, or four inches when the grade is a solid surface such as concrete.
4. The minimum space between horizontal bars, toeholds or handholds must be 45 inches to prevent climbing, or, a maximum of 1 3/4 inches between vertical bars.
5. Wire mesh or chain link can have a maximum opening size of 1 3/4 inches measured horizontally.
Gates must meet these requirements:

1. Must be self-closing, self-latching and able to accommodate a lock.
2. Must swing outward from the pool area.
3. The latch must be a minimum of 54 inches above the ground.
4. Must meet same construction requirements as barrier fence.
5. Gates over four feet wide, such as double-gates for vehicles, must be padlocked if not self-closing and self-latching.

Pool owners have three options available to provide a physical barrier between a house and a swimming pool:

1. Completely fence the pool.
2. Use the wall of the residence within the pool enclosure as part of the approved barrier (provided all doors and windows meet pool barrier standards).
3. Use a motorized key-operated safety-approved pool cover.

To use the wall of the house as part of the barrier, pool owners must meet these requirements:

1. All doors must be self-closing and self-latching.
2. Install a simple latch or lock at a minimum of 54 inches above the floor.
A double keyed dead bolt at any height is also acceptable.
3. Animal or doggie doors are Not allowed.
4. All sliding doors must be self-closing and self-latching, with an approved automatic door closer or provide a separate fence.
5. Window latches must be 54 inches minimum above the floor.
6. Windows, where the bottom edge is less than 60 inches above the pool deck and within five feet of the water?’s edge must be tempered glass.
The property owner and any other person in responsible charge of a swimming pool must ensure that the required enclosures, including gates, doors, locks, latches and other parts of the barrier are maintained in safe working order.

These requirements help ensure swimming pool safety. If you have questions or would like more information about pool barrier policy, contact our Development Assistance Center at 602-262-7888.

To report a dangerous situation or a potential violation of this policy. Call the Neighborhood Services Department at 602-262-7844. An unfenced swimming pool, spa or hot tub poses a dangerous situation. . . ☻