When a Pool Permit is Required
In accordance with section 108.2 of the 2018 Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) all swimming pools required to have a permit unless they “have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet (13.95 m²), do not exceed 5,000 gallons (19 000 L) and are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.”
On-Ground Pool Fence
The top of the fence shall not be less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.
The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the fence shall not exceed 2 inches (51 mm) for grade surfaces that are not solid such as grass or gravel and 4 inches (102 mm) for solid surfaces such as concrete. This shall be measured from the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool.
Openings in the fence shall not allow the passage of a 4 inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Where the fence is composed of horizontal or vertical members (pickets) and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on the pool side of the fence. Spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm). If the distance is 45 inches or greater the spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).
Where a barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be not more than 1.75 inches (44 mm). The angle of the diagonal members shall not be greater than 45 degrees (0.79 rad) from vertical.
The maximum opening formed by a chain link fence shall be not more than 1.75 inches (44 mm).
Where the fence is provided with slats at the top and bottom which reduce the openings such openings shall be not more than 1.34 inches (34 mm).
The pool or spa side of the required barrier shall be not less than 20 inches (508mm) from the waters edge
There shall be a clear zone of not less than 36 inches (914 mm) between the exterior of the barrier and any permanent structures or equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters that can be used to climb the barrier
Pool Fence Gates
All gates into pools and their areas, whether for pedestrians or equipment, must meet the following requirements:
Pedestrian gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self latching devices.
Gates not intended for pedestrian us, such as utility or service gates, shall remain locked when not in use.
Double gates or multiple gates shall have at least one leaf secured in place and the adjacent leaf shall be secured with a self latching device. The gate barrier shall not have openings larger than half an inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (475 mm) of the latch release mechanism.
Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool or spa side of the gate not less than 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall not have openings greater than half an inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (475 mm) of the release mechanism.
For more information about pool fence requirements in Roanoke, VA please visit the City of Roanoke's guide.