A pool fence is a safety barrier first and a fence second. The Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes guidelines for pool barriers.
They are recommendations, not a mandatory standard. Some states and localities have written them into building codes, and some states, counties or cities require a 60 inch barrier, so check your local rule.
Height and gaps
- Top of the barrier at least 48 inches high.
- Gap under the barrier no more than 4 inches, measured on the outside. Over grass or gravel, no more than 2 inches, and 1 inch for removable mesh fences.
- No opening a 4 inch ball could pass through.
- Vertical pickets no more than 1 3/4 inches apart. The CPSC allows up to 4 inches when the rails are 45 inches or more apart.
- Chain link mesh no larger than 1 1/4 inch square, unless slats reduce the openings.
- If the top and bottom rails are less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal rails should be on the pool side of the fence.
Gates
Walk-through pool gates should open outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing and self-latching. If the latch release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, put it on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top, with no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release.
The CPSC calls a gate that doesn't fully close and latch the weak point of any pool fence, and says no barrier replaces adult supervision.
What it costs
Fixr puts a pool fence at $1,440 to $15,600 installed, for a 12 by 24 foot pool with the fence around the pool and deck only.
Sources: US CPSC Publication 362: Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (PDF); Fixr fence installation costs (January 2025).
Rules and quotes in your city
Each city page lists that city's own height and permit rules, with links to the code, and takes quote requests.