As one of the warmest states in the US, Arizonans are blessed with pool weather pretty much all year long. But with that blessing comes a great responsibility to home and pool owners statewide. Arizona’s pool laws are fairly strict, and with good reason. Pool fence regulations help ensure families stay as safe as possible.
Although, it can be kind of challenging to understand every single detail and requirement of the state’s laws. That’s why we put together this handy overview of the state’s specific pool fence and enclosure gate requirements.
Arizona Pool Laws
Arizona pool laws are governed under Statutes Title 36, specifically: Public Health and Safety § 36-1681. Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement. These are the state’s primary pool fence regulations that specify measurements for enclosures and gates leading to above and in-ground swimming pools.
According to Title 36,
- A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section
- B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or above-ground pool shall meet the following requirements:
Before we go further, we should clarify that under Arizona pool laws, these two subsections provide a definition of swimming pools that require pool fences or surrounding enclosures.
What are the Pool Fence Regulations in Arizona?
Arizona’s pool laws and fencing regulations are listed under Subsection B, Title 36:
- Pools must be entirely enclosed by walls at a minimum of five feet tall. These may be fences or other barriers.
- Fences, barriers, and enclosures must have no openings through which a “spherical object four inches in diameter can pass.” Horizontal parts of the enclosure must be spaced no less than 45 inches apart vertically. Wire mesh or chain link fences must be sized, at a maximum, for chain links measuring 1.75 inches across.
- All gates for pool fences and enclosures:
- Must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch must be at least 54 inches above the ground. Or, the latch must be on the pool side of the fence gate with a release mechanism that is at least 5 inches below the gate’s top.
- Pool gates must open outward from the pool area.
- The pool wall, fence, or barrier must not contain openings or anything that enables accessibility over the enclosure.
- Pool fences and enclosures must be at least 20 inches from the edge of the pool water.
If Your House Opens Directly Onto the Pool
Title 36, Subsection C of Arizona’s pool laws dictate the requirements for pool fences if your house forms at least one of the enclosure walls:
- You must use the protection of a pool safety cover. This cover must be one that is operated by a key switch.
- Exterior doors with access to your home’s pool area must have self-latching equipment. Locks or self-latching equipment must still abide by Title 26, Subsection B (e.g. latching equipment at least 54 inches above the ground.)
- Above-ground pools must not have any physical climbing aids other than ladders. Above-ground pools must not have exteriors that are climbable.
Pool Safety Equipment in Compliance With Arizona’s Pool Laws
For over 15 years, A Safe Pool has been a trusted resource with industry-leading pool safety equipment and maintenance products. We produce:
- Removable pool safety fences featuring self-closing, self-latching, and lockable gates in compliance with Arizona’s pool laws.
- Pool Safety Mesh Covers and Safety Nets
- Automatic Pool Covers
- Pool Alarms
- Leaf Pool Covers
We’re proud of our unmatched expertise and insight into a wide range of products, and we’re confident that our equipment will keep you and your family safe.
For more tips on installing pool safety equipment in compliance with the state’s pool safety regulations, read our blog and shop our line-up of pool safety products.
