Swimming pool accidents are among the major causes of death and injuries in children. To help eliminate this problem many rules for swimming pool fencing have been put in place to protect them from accidentally falling into the pool. In Pennsylvania there are rules regarding the height of the fence, the spacing of the fence, and inspections that you will need for your new fencing.
Height of the Fencing
Pennsylvania's law requires that the fence be at least four feet tall and that the middle rail be 45 inches above the rail at the bottom.
Read More: Swimming Pool Fencing Laws
Spacing of the Fence
The spacing rules are that the pickets must be four inches or less apart, and there must be a four inch space between the ground and the bottom rail.
The Gate of the Fence
Pennsylvania's swimming pool fencing law requires that the gate be self-closing and self-latching, and that it opens out. The mechanism to open the fence must have a latch that is at least 54 inches above the ground.
The Inspection of the Fence
Before you build your fence, a building inspector must approve the type of fence and the type of construction you will use. After building your fence, you will need to have it inspected to ensure that it meets the Pennsylvania swimming pool fence laws.