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).