What does Florida require for a pool barrier?
Under Chapter 515 of the Florida Statutes and Section R4501.17 of the Florida Building Code, a residential pool barrier must:
- Stand at least 48 inches tall on the outside.
- Leave no more than 2 inches at the bottom.
- Block a 4-inch sphere from passing through any opening.
- Have nothing a young child could use to climb it.
- Have gates that open away from the pool and close and latch by themselves.
A barrier is one of four ways a new pool can meet the state law. The others are an approved safety cover, exit alarms or self-closing, self-latching devices on the doors that lead to the pool.
What does Hialeah add?
Hialeah's fence requirements say a fence used as a pool barrier must not be climbable, with all rails facing the inside of the property. Iron picket barriers can have no intermediate rails and no more than 4 inches between pickets. Walk gates need self-closing, self-latching hardware at least 54 inches above the ground.
Which material should I use?
Aluminum picket is the most common choice: it will not rust, it keeps the pool in view, and the spacing is built in. Vinyl can work if the outside face has nothing to climb. Chain link needs small enough mesh or slats. See aluminum and iron fences.
When is the barrier inspected?
For a new pool, the Florida Building Code requires the barrier inspection before the pool is filled. Plan the fence as part of the pool schedule, not after it.