What is the required height for a pool barrier?

The required height for a pool barrier is 42 inches. This regulation is designed to enhance safety and prevent unauthorized access to the pool area, particularly by young children, who are at greater risk of drowning. A barrier that is 42 inches high is typically effective in deterring children from climbing over it, as it is above the reach of most small children.

In jurisdictions that adopt these standards, the height is crucial for compliance with safety codes that aim to minimize accidents related to swimming pools. The 42-inch height aligns with the guidelines established by organizations such as the International Code Council (ICC) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), which formulate safety standards for pool enclosures. These codes take into account factors such as the climbing ability of children and the overall visibility into the pool area to ensure that a barrier effectively fulfills its purpose of preventing access without supervision.