POOL FENCING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
You’ve meticulously planned and budgeted for every detail pertaining to your new pool installation, from the design, permits, landscaping, to the dimensions, and even the pattern of your pavers. You figure you already have a fence, so that aspect is covered, but … is your fence pool code compliant?
In New Jersey, a homeowner with a pool must fully enclose their backyard. Pool fencing is vital as it ensures compliance with all ordinances and regulations as well as the safety of children and pets. When choosing a pool fence, a homeowner must consider both aesthetics and budget, as pricing may vary depending on the style of fencing. Moreover, regulations require that the fence must meet certain criteria in order to be pool code compliant.
ICC Pool Code Guidelines
The International Code Council (I.C.C.) sets forth safety standards for pool fencing. While there are a number of regulations, typically:
- (i) the fence panel must be at least 48 inches (four foot) high,
- (ii) the distance from the top of the bottom rail to any other rail should be at least 45 inches,
- (iii) the vertical picket spacing should be less than 4 inches,
- (iv) and there should be no more than 4 inches of space between the ground and the bottom of the fence.
There may be other considerations depending on the material. For example, chain link fencing may require a smaller mesh, whereas shadow-board wood fencing may require specific picket spacing (BOCA) to avoid exposure of the mid-rail.
Likewise, gates also have certain requirements. Gates should be the only point of entry, must have self-closing hinges and latches, and must open away from the pool area. The latch from the gate should be at least 54” above the ground. You may wonder, if the lock has to be 54 inches above the ground, then how does that work when the fence is only 48 inches (4 foot) high? There’s a solution in a latch called the Magna Latch, where the latching mechanism extends more than 6 inches above the top rail of the gate.
Note that each township will have specific requirements. It is essential that you check with your township’s ordinances, and apply for the required permits, before any installation of the fence. Your Carl’s representative can help guide you through this process.
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Temporary vs. Permanent
While we recommend a permanent fencing solution, there is an option that is removable, called mesh pool code fencing. There are some notable drawbacks to this option, however. For one, we may need core drill into the concrete around the pool, and those holes will be exposed when the mesh fence is not installed. Moreover, a mesh fence is less durable than a permanent fence, and is often equal in price.Types of Materials
All materials can be customized to be pool code compliant. Vinyl and aluminum can be fabricated to meet pool code specifications. In fact, many of our vendors already consider pool code in their product selection. Wood can be built to spec, such that the spacing and height is pool code compliant. Chain link, as noted above, can have certain mesh sizes or slats that will make the fence pool-code compliant. Solid fencing is always a viable option, as long as it is the requisite height, and the latches are above the minimum height. This is a personal choice of whether you want to restrict the view in and out of the yard. With all of the materials and design choices available, it can be a difficult decision to choose the right fence for your pool. Carl’s can help you navigate through this process. We offer a range of products and designs, so we can help you get a pool fence that fits your budget and tastes, while working with your pool’s design. At Carl’s, our home improvements focus on making your home safer, more beautiful, and more usable. Nowhere is this more evident than in our pool fencing. Contact us today to set up a consultation. We will come out and measure your fence, and work with your pool installer to ensure a seamless backyard project.CARL'S FENCING OPTIONS
