Using Wrought Iron or Aluminum Fence Around a Swimming Pool

Spring is here and Summer is right around the corner.  With the warm weather comes pool season.  And with pool season comes lots of questions about putting a fence around pools. 

Pool code varies immensely around the country and sometimes even just across counties.  There is a national pool code, but all local code supersedes it.  So the best place to start asking questions is your local building department that will be approving it.  If your city has no specific pool code, but your insurance company is the one requiring it, you can ask them these same questions:

•  Is there a height requirement for the fence?

• Are there any horizontal hand and foot hold requirements?  For instance, if code calls for 48″ between any hand and foot hold, that means that is the distance that has to be on any horizontal surfaces (the rails in the case of fence panels).  Our 48″ tall iron panel would not qualify for this since the total panel is 48″ tall, but the horizontal rails on the panel are only 38″ apart.

• Are there any requirements on gate hardware?  This usually entails self-closing hinges and possibly a specialized ‘pull tab’ or ‘pull top’ latch.  We carry both options that work with our fence

Those questions should typically cover you.  Once you let us know what your city or insurance company requires, we can direct you to which panels and heights would work and be approved.  Don’t forget to check with any Homeowners and/ or Historical organizations if that applies to your area as well.

Got more questions on using our fence around a pool?  Shoot us an email ([email protected]) or give us a call (800-261-2729) and we would be happy to help!