The information contained on this page is intended as a general overview of pool fencing safety codes and may not apply to you. It is vital that, before ordering, you check your local laws and regulations as they may vary from the B.O.C.A. standards. Also, please check with your home owners insurance company as they may have their own requirements.

The Building Officials and Code Administrators (B.O.C.A.) outline strong safety measures for swimming pool safety fences. Many communities have adopted these standards as their own in an effort to minimize accidental drownings. The International Residential Code (IRC) has the exact same requirements for pool safety fencing.

The most important items are these:

• The fence must be at least 48" tall
• The mid-rail must be at least 45" above the bottom rail. So some fence styles, if chosen, may have to be taller than 48"
• The spacing between pickets must be less than 4"
• The space between the bottom rail and the ground must be less than 4"
• The gate(s) must be self-closing
• The gate(s) must be self-latching
• The gate(s) need to open out (away from the pool area)
• The opening mechanism of the latch must be at least 54" above ground

POOL FENCE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR B.O.C.A. CODES
	Fence Heights				Gate Requirements
Fence styles	4'	54"	5'	6'	Lokk Latch	Top-Pull Magna-Latch	Vertical-Pull Magna-Latch	Self-Closing Hinges
F-Signature 2 CH Pool Code
F-Signature 3 CH Pool Code
F-Signature 3 CH Standard
FS-25 Majestic
3 Pt Trinity
4 Pt Formal
F-Dog Run
Drive Cap