REAL ESTATE LAW

Swimming Pool Fence Laws in Georgia

By Editorial Team

December 27, 2018

Reviewed by Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA

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A swimming pool with a glass fence on a sunny day

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Like other states, Georgia has swimming pool fence laws in place to protect children from becoming drowning victims. Following these laws is important not only to protect children, but also to protect the pool owner from liability. It is important, however, for pool owners to check with their local government as some Georgia municipalities may enforce more stringent laws than others.

Read More: Swimming Pool Fencing Laws

Fence Regulations and Pool Entrances

Georgia law requires swimming pools to be completely fenced in. Homeowners are allowed to use their house as one side of the fence, but if they do, homeowners are required to install an alarm on the door leading to the pool from the inside of the home. Any other gates or pool entryways must be mounted so that they open out, or away from the pool. Gates are not allowed to push open toward the pool from the outside of the fence.

Preventing Climbing and Squeezing

In order to keep children out of the pool area, it is important to make sure that pool fencing can not be climbed or squeezed through or under. Georgia law requires pool fences to be at least 4 feet tall and to begin no higher than 4 inches above the ground. If the pool fence contains vertical slats, they must be less than 4 inches apart so that small children cannot squeeze through them. Chain-link fences may not contain any openings larger than 1-3/4; inches in diameter. Fences must be designed in such a way that they do not provide foot- and hand-holds that could enable climbing.

Gate Latches

Gates in swimming pool fences must be self-closing and latching, and latches must be installed at the proper place. When the pool fence is more than 4 feet tall, gate latches must be mounted no less than 4 feet above the ground. If the fence is no taller than the 4-foot minimum height, gate latches must be installed within 6 inches from the top of the fence. In order to prevent children from reaching through the fence to open a gate, there should be no fence openings within 18 inches of the latch release.

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