Pool Barrier Codes - Texas

Houston, Texas Swimming Pool Barrier Code

(b) Pools other than state regulated pools. This subsection applies to all pools other than state regulated pools, and the term "pool" shall be so construed where used in this subsection. Every owner of land or premises within the corporate limits of the city, upon which is situated a pool shall at all times maintain upon such land or premises on which the pool is located, a fence, wall or barrier completely surrounding and enclosing such pool and such land or premises. The fence, wall or barrier shall be not less than four feet in height with no openings, holes or gaps larger than four inches as measured in any direction, except that such openings for a picket fence or a picket-type fence (one composed primarily of vertical members) shall be measured in a horizontal direction between members. Gates and doors opening directly into any enclosure of such land or premises as required by this section shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices designed to keep and capable of keeping such doors or gates securely closed at all times when not in actual use. Said latching devices shall be attached to the upper quarter of such gates or doors. The door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure hereinabove referred to need not be so equipped. A building or existing wall may be used as part of any fence, wall or barrier constructed as required herein. Trees, shrubs, hedges or other vegetation may not be used to form a part of the fence, wall or barrier required by this subsection.

Arlington, Texas Swimming Pool Barrier Code

The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above the grade measured from the side of the barrier, which faces away from the pool/spa. The maximum allowable gap at the bottom of the barrier, between the grade and the barrier, is 4 inches. When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier. Any decorative design work on the side away from the pool, such as protrusions, indention’s or cutouts, which render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited.

Openings in the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 1 & 3⁄4 inch diameter sphere. Exception: When vertical spacing between such openings is 45 inches or more, the opening size may be increased such that a 4 inch diameter sphere is not allowed to pass through.

Chain link fences used as the barrier shall not be less than 11 gage and shall not allow the passage of a 1 & 3⁄4 inch diameter sphere.

Access gates shall comply with the requirements of items 1 thru 3. Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and have a selflatching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, (1) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and (2) the gate and barrier shall have no openings greater than 1⁄2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism. Pedestrian gates shall swing away from the pool. Any gates other than pedestrian gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use. Driveway access gates across a paved or improved surface intended for regular vehicle access shall not be located in a swimming pool barrier.

Where a wall of a residence serves as part of the barrier and contains door openings between the dwelling and the outdoor pool, which provide direct access to the pool, a separation fence meeting the requirements of items 1 thru 4 above must be provided. Exception: In leau of the fence described in item 5 one of the following may be used: Self-closing & self-latching devices installed on all doors with direct access to the pool with the release mechanism located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor.

An alarm installed on all doors with direct access to the pool. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds immediately after the door and its screen, if present, are opened, and be capable of providing a sound pressure level of not less than 85 dBA when measured indoors at 10 feet. The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual means, such as a touchpad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last no longer than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches above the threshold of the door.

Where an above ground pool structure is used as a barrier (48" min.) or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then (1) the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or (2) the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of items 1 thru 5. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, a barrier complying with items 1 thru 5 shall protect any opening created.

At the present time 5 door alarms have been found to meet the requirements described in item 5 (2). Door Alarm by Pool Guard, Pool Patrol Gate & Door Alarm, Door Alert, GRI Pool Alarm by George Risk Industries, and Telko Door Alarm, model SO87. Other devices must be approved by the Building Official prior to installation.