Swimming pools provide relaxation options during the hot summer days and offer valuable workout sites for families.
Texas State requires pool owners to erect and maintain a fence and gate around the pool to prevent slip-and-fall injuries, accidental drowning, and other incidents.
Following the Texas pool fence laws, local city regulations, and homeowner association guidelines regarding pool fencing and safety can help prevent accidents and remain on the right side of the law.
But what are these rules, regulations, and requirements for pool fence laws Texas?
Continue reading this article to know more about residential swimming pool fences in Texas.
Contents
Pool Fence Requirements Texas: Regulations on Pool Fencing
Texas has enacted pool fence guidelines that apply to all State cities even though most municipal authorities have their restrictions and requirements.
The rules cover both the gates and fence requirements and are meant to make your pool safe.
According to the Texas Swimming Pool Code, you are required to maintain a fence and gate around your pool that meet these conditions:
4-Foot Pool Fence Height: Your swimming pool should have a fence that reaches at least 4-foot from the ground.
Fence Gaps: Gaps or opening under and in the wall should not allow a 4-inch spherical object to pass through.
Chain Link Material: Any new pool enclosure should not be made of chain link materials.
Vertical and Horizontal Pieces Fence: Wood fences made of vertical and horizontal members must be slating, and the horizontal pieces must be on the side facing the pool.
It is meant to add safety by preventing children from climbing over the wall using the horizontal pieces.
Decorative Openings: All decorative pieces in the wall must not exceed 1¾-inch in all directions.
The above Texas pool requirements and regulations protect pool owners from an accident that might occur when they are not around.
They can also help to keep the children out of the pool area without adult supervision.
Pool Gate Lock Regulation: Gate Requirements
Texas pool fence regulations require the gate to be about 48-inch high or 4-foot – like the fence.
The gates should also meet all the above requirements, which includes the material and design.
Gates have additional requirements as outlined here:
Self-Closing and Self-Latching: This means that every fate must fully close and lock without needing your intervention.
The latch should be placed on the gate’s inner side on the top quarter of that gate.
The gates should also allow you to lock the pool using a padlock, card-operated lock, keypad lock, or combination lock.
The gates must open away from the pool.
Windows and Doors as Fencing
In some situations, a building or wall of a house might serve as part of the barricade.
It is a common scenario where homes have French doors that lead to the pool deck or patio.
Like other pool gates, these doors should feature self-latching and self-closing abilities.
The door should also come with a keyless bolding gadget between 36-48-inch off the ground.
Sliding doors and French doors have different latching specifications: the sliding one should have a pin lock and bar while the latter requires only a deadbolt lock.
The walls should not have windows that provide access to the swimming pool area unless they get sealed permanently.
Aboveground Pool vs. Inground Pool Requirements
Although these rules can vary from city to city, it is best to assume they cater to both the inground and above ground pools.
For example, Houston City notes that its pool regulations apply for every swimming facility within the city, whether it is an indoor, aboveground, or ground level pool.
Any municipality that does not require people to fence above ground pools in Texas might require you to disable the ladder or steps when the pool is closed.
Having a deck or other structures near the pool might also require you to build a wall since they can provide access to the above ground pool.
Benefits of a Swimming Pool Fence
Here are the benefits of installing a swimming pool fence for your residential facility.
- Increase Safety for Pets and Kids
A fence might not pet-proof or childproof your facility, but it offers some form of safety and prevents accidents.
Your children can climb over the wall if it is too low or other structures around the barricade.
The U.S. CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) states that the fence should be at least 4-foot high.
It should also come with self-latching and self-closing gates, with additional locks.
- Pool Fence Reduces Accidents
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) notes that drowning is among the causes of death for kids below 14 years, and most cases occur at home.
It also reports that a pool fence can help reduce these accidents by 83%.
Pool fencing makes it hard for kids to climb over because there are no gaps to place their feet.
- Fences are Cost-Effective
The installation cost of a fence depends on the location, material used, and pool size.
The cost becomes a worthy investment when you consider you are safeguarding your children and other family members.
- Option for Design and Style
The hundreds of styles and designs make having a pool fence worth it as they add to its attractiveness.
You can even enjoy more when you seek the service of a professional pool fence installer.
- Peace of Mind
You can always have peace when your pool is not in use when you install a pool fence.
Self-latching and self-closing gates add to the peace and even prevent lawsuits that can arise when someone gets injured around or in your pool.
Final Words
Texas State requires you to install a fence around your swimming pool to add both pets and children’s safety.
Some counties in this State have their requirements, and you should visit your local authority to find out more.
You can achieve many benefits when you install a fence around your pool, like the peace of mind and safety for kids and pets.
An aboveground or inground pool is a worthy investment that can make your home more valuable.