Swimming Pool Fences And The B.O.C.A. Code

A pool is a fantastic and exciting addition to any backyard! Hours of fun in the sun will be spent around the water, time spent with family and friends. Now that you’ve decided to have a pool installed, it’s time to pick the fence that will provide security and safety. 

Pool Fence Codes

Although pool ownership is fun and exciting, it also comes with certain responsibilities. Each year, thousands of families suffer from the near drowning or drowning of a child. These accidents can be prevented if certain measures are taken, including the installation of a fence. 

Currently, there is no federal law regarding pool fence code in the United States. Instead, each of the 50 states has their own laws in place that regulate the types of fence that must be installed around a pool. Each state has based their laws off of a code that is commonly referred to as the B.O.C.A. pool fence code. 

B.O.C.A. stands for Building Officials and Code Administrators. This organization created construction standards from 1950 to 1994 until it was absorbed into the International Code Council (ICC). It was B.O.C.A. that first created standards regarding fences surrounding pools and those standards have impacted the laws that are in place today in each state. 

The original standards stated that: 

1. Pool fences should be a minimum of 48 inches high and should have no more than a 2 inch gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground. 
2. The fence should stop anything wider than 4 inches in diameter from passing through an opening. 
3. The fence should not be climbable. 
4. Gates should be self closing, have a self locking mechanism, and open outwards from the pool. 
5. The pool fence should be four sided, completely separating the yard from the pool area.

In addition to laws that dictate what type of fencing may be installed around a pool, many states require signs that provide visitors with an understanding of the risk associated with participating in pool activities. 

• Will never rust. 
• Can be adjusted to fit the needs of your landscape – flat or sloped. 
• Is affordable. The upfront cost of an aluminum fence is more than a wood fence, however, the yearly maintenance is almost non-existent and unlike wood, aluminum will never rot. Aluminum will last for years after a wood fence has to be replaced. Additionally, aluminum is much more affordable than wrought iron fences. 

It’s easy to determine which of the Ornamental Aluminum Fences available from Best Outdoor Living Products meets pool fence code – simply look for the (Pool Code) after the product name! 

Can Privacy Fence Be Used For A Pool Fence 

Yes, absolutely. We are proud to offer Eclipse Privacy Fencing in a wide range of colors and options. Call with any questions you might have about using privacy fence around a pool.

Additional Pool Safety Tips

Here are a few safety tips that new pool owners might want to consider. 

1. Make rules and enforce them. Adults should always be vigilant when a child is in the pool. Be sure that every child knows and understands the rules. 
2. Consider installing a pool safety net. These safety nets are actually a type of pool cover that can catch a child who has managed to access the pool without adult supervision. 
3. Install gate locks. A lock will help to deter any unwanted visitors from accessing the pool. 

With a safety plan in place, you’ll enjoy your pool for many years to come!