If you are about to buy or rent a home in the warm, humid city of Houston, Texas, that has a swimming pool, two questions that you are very likely to be asked if one does not already exist are, “What are the swimming pool fence requirements? Is a fence required on this property?”
These are very common questions. These two questions are asked quite often.
In general, residential swimming pools are NOT required in most areas of Houston. They are, however, highly, highly recommended. Residential swimming pools are a lot of fun, but they are very dangerous! They are very dangerous for the people and pets that live in that home, as well as, friends, neighbors, and visitors. Who wants to own a home that has unfortunately led to the accidental drowning of a friend or family member? Owning such a home is not worth it!
There are many neighborhoods and local communities in the Houston area that have passed their own sets of rules and regulations that supersede State law and they do require pool fences on residences that live in those communities. So, if you are living in the Houston area, please do your own research to become fully aware of what rules and regulation might be affecting you and your household.
Here is a Typical List of Requirements
When a residential swimming pool fence is required, following is a list of requirements that nearly all of these rules will include:
- The swimming pool fence should be a minimum of 48” high.
- The fence shall not be constructed of chain link materials. Other materials that can be used are aluminum, glass, steel, wood, and mesh.
- Gaps under or in the fence should not allow a 4” spherical ball to pass through the fence. If there are horizontal members to the fence, they must be on the inside of the fence and also not over 4” apart. This will prevent a child from being able to climb over the fence.
- Pool fence gates must also be at least 48” high. The fence must open outward, away from the pool. The pool gate should be self-closing and self-latching. A lock should be placed on the gate so no one can enter unless they have the owner’s permission. The lock should be on the upward 25% of the door, on the top or inside of the fence. The locks should be a padlock, a combination lock, a built-in keyed, or a card operated lock.
These are the normal, minimum requirements for a swimming pool fence. Check your local HOA and community requirements. Use these set of guidelines if you have no rules to follow.
Play It Safe, Call Life Saver Of Houston
If you are not perfectly sure of what you need, call an expert like Life Saver Of Houston. This firm is knowledgeable and familiar with state, county, municipality, and neighborhood laws and requirements. They guarantee all of the work that they do. It's doubtful that they will make a mistake, but if they do, they'll correct the error at no cost to you.
So, if you have a home that may need a swimming pool fence or the fence that you do have is getting old and might need replacing, call Wayne for a FREE quote. His phone number is (832) 367-2377. Or, if you had rather do it, email him.