Florida Pool Fence Requirements
Why is it important to talk about Florida Pool Fence Requirements? In a previous article we have discussed the unfortunate number one cause of death in children under five years old, accidental drowning. Let’s look a a few ways the laws are set up to help protect our families.
Required Florida Pool Safety Features
When a home builder or pool contractors is finished building your swimming pool, there are a number of tests the project needs to pass. This is called the final inspection. The state inspector will review the plans and the finished construction to see if one of the following conditions are met.
- the pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that meets the pool barrier requirements stated below;
- the pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover;
- all doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB A at 10 feet; or
- all doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
As long as you are using a properly licensed contractor, they will be aware of these requirements. Passing final inspection is usually required for the contractor to be paid for the remaining balance on the contract. Always work with licensed and insured contractors that have a great reputation in your community.
Florida Pool Fence Requirements
Of the options listed above, the one most often used is the pool fence or barrier. So what are the Florida pool fence requirements?
- the barrier must be at least 4 feet high on the outside;
- the barrier may not have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier;
- the barrier must be placed around the perimeter of the pool and must be separate from any fence, wall, or other enclosure surrounding the yard unless the fence, wall, or other enclosure is situated on the perimeter of the pool, is being used as part of the barrier, and meets the barrier requirements of the statute; and,
- the barrier must be placed sufficiently away from the water’s edge to prevent a young child or medically frail elderly person who may have managed to penetrate the barrier from immediately falling into the water.
Baby Barrier has consistently since 1963, provided the best pool safety fence in the country. We have installed thousands upon thousands of fences over the years. We offer the best self locking gate on the market. We manufacture all fencing and gates custom for each job. This allows us to make sure only the best quality and workmanship is delivered to our clients.
On top of this, Baby Barrier fences are ONLY installed by trained professionals. The quality of the fence and safety of your family is only as good as a quality installation. Don’t need the fence up all the time? Then you will love that our fences are easily taken down and can be stored in a very small area when not in use.
If you have any legal questions regarding your new pool, and if your current fence or plans are adequate, please talk with a lawyer familiar with this industry. A quick search online will help you locate one in you area. If you feel your current fence is not the best, or you don’t have a child safety fence, please reach out to us. Our quality fences exceed Florida pool fence requirements and are your best option for keeping you and your family safe around pools.
