State Code Requirements

Barrier / Fence Requirements:

1. The top of the barrier should be at least 48” above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2” measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier may be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on the top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4”.

2. The barrier may not have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier as herein described below. One end of the barrier shall not be removable without the aid of tools. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4” diameter sphere.

3. Solid barriers which do not have opening shall not contain indentations, or protrusions except for normal construction tolerance and tooled masonry joints.

4. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45”, the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 1 ¾” in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾” in width.

5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45” or more spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4”. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 ¾” in width.

6. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 2 ¼” square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom which reduce the opening to no more than 1 ¾”.

7. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be no more than 1 ¾”.

8. Access gates, when provided, shall comply with the requirement of 424.2.17.1.1 through 424.2.17.1.7 and shall be equipped with a self latching locking devise located no less than 54” from the bottom of the gate. The devise release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate and so placed that it can not be reached by a young child over the top, or through any opening or gap. Gates that provide access to the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool. The gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than ½” within 18” of the release mechanism.

9. Standard screen enclosures which meet the requirements of section 424.2.17 may be utilized as part or all of the (barrier) and shall be considered a (non dwelling) wall. One end of the barrier shall not be removable without the aid of tools.

10. The barrier must be place sufficiently away from the waters edge to prevent a young child, or medically frail elderly person who may manage to penetrate the barrier from immediately falling into the water. (Sufficiently away from the waters edge) shall mean no less than 20” from the barrier to the waters edge. Dwelling or non – dwelling walls, when used as part or all of the (barrier) and meeting the other barrier requirements, shall be as close to the waters edge as permitted by this code.

11. A wall of a dwelling may serve as part of the barrier if it does not contain any door or window that opens to provide direct access from the home to the swimming pool.

12. All fence, screen or barrier enclosures, shall be continually maintained so as to provide the protection of restricted and secure access to the pool area.

13. The fence or barrier must be constructed so as to not provide footholds or other physical characteristics, which would enable the child to climb over the fence or barrier.

14. If your property adjoins a body of water (i.e: rivers, ponds, lakes) to meet the requirements of Duval county, you must extend your property fence 3’ out into the body of water, or join the two sides of your property fence together. Other counties, check with building officials.

Safety Requirements for Final Inspection:

The homeowner can meet the code in one of the following ways:

1. Baby Barrier placed around the entire pool. If you have a screen enclosure around your pool, the barrier may be placed to block the entrance to the pool from the house, leaving one screen door as access out of the home in case of fire.

2. The homeowner may place alarms on all windows and doors leading to the pool area. The alarms must be placed at least 54” from the finished floor. Approved alarms are Techko Model #SO88D or SO87 and can be purchased at most Home Depot or Lowes stores.

3. The homeowner may also provide all doors that lead to the pool area with a self closing, self latching device with door handle and lock being no less than 54” from the finished floor. In Duval County, you must also screw in all screens that open to the pool area.

FLORIDA BONDED POOLS DOES NOT INCUR ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL COUNTY INSPECTOR’S INTERPRETATION REGARDING THEIR REQUIREMENTS FOR MEETING THE CODE.