In the state of Connecticut, a safety barrier is required for your in-ground swimming pool. On October 1, 2022, Connecticut adopted new regulations from the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Section 305), which allows an automatic pool cover to meet the barrier code standards.
Pool Fencing: CT Rules and Requirements
*As of October 1, 2022, the state of Connecticut updated its pool safety barrier requirements. For more information, please read Automatic Pool Covers: New Connecticut Rules and Requirements.
In the state of Connecticut, it is required that your swimming pool have a surrounding fence per code. While the primary use of a fence is for safety, a fence aids in keeping animals out of the pool area and can serve to increase privacy.
In thinking about installing a swimming pool, it is important to integrate the installation of a fence into your planning and design. Here is a summary of the fencing requirements for your swimming pool in the state of Connecticut. Litchfield County Pools recommends you contact a professional fencing company for more details.
The fence must be at-least 4 feet high.
There must be no more than a 2’ gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground.
The fencing can not have any protrusions and must be a solid barrier - a stone wall that is climbable does not serve as a fence.
The gap between horizontal pieces should be less than 45”.
Fences made of criss-cross or lattice nature should have openings no larger than 1.75”.
For split rail or board and post fences, safety mesh must be attached with openings no larger than 2.25”.
Access gates should have self-latching devices. When the latch is located less than 54” above the bottom of the gate, you must put the closing mechanism on the pool side of the fence.
If the side of a home or structure is to serve as a barrier, the first floor doors and/or windows must have an audible alarm installed.
