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With summer just around the corner, complying with Arizona pool fence laws is more important than ever. Each year, dozens of pool-related incidents occur across the state, often when pool fence barriers are missing or are improperly installed.
Whether you’re building a new pool or upgrading an existing one, understanding the latest Arizona pool barrier regulations is essential to protect children, prevent drowning accidents, and avoid costly fines. Arizona law mandates specific fencing and gate standards to ensure every residential pool is properly secured, especially in homes with young children.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to know to stay safe, compliant, and confident this year. Whether you’re in Scottsdale or Tucson, this 2025 guide helps you understand, comply with, and act on the most up-to-date Arizona pool fence laws.
The Arizona pool fence requirements, outlined in A.R.S. § 36-1681, are designed to physically prevent unsupervised access to swimming pools and reduce child drowning risks.
Here’s what the law requires:
The pool fence must stand at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall, measured from the outside grade (ground level). The 5 feet height is critical because it reduces the chance that a young child can climb over the fence, especially if they are using nearby objects or terrain for leverage.
Tip: If your yard slopes, always measure from the lowest exterior point. Anything under 60 inches, even due to erosion, can lead to non-compliance during inspections.
The Arizona law prohibits any opening in the pool barrier that allows the passage of a spherical object 4 inches in diameter or larger.
Why exactly 4 inches? Well, this dimension is based on the average size of a toddler’s head. A 4-inch gap could allow a small child to squeeze through and fall into the pool if there’s no adult supervision at the time.
To prevent children from using the fence as a ladder, the law mandates either:
Why, you may ask? If rails are close together on the outside, children can use them as steps to climb over the fence.
If you use a decorative metal, wood fence, or another pool fence type, make sure that vertical pickets are closely spaced and rails are positioned correctly to prevent toehold use.
The fence must be installed no closer than 20 inches from the water’s edge. This creates a buffer zone, giving anyone who accidentally opens a gate or bypasses the fence an extra moment to react before reaching the pool.
For small yards, be sure to account for this spacing when planning pool layout and fencing installation. It is often the most overlooked metric in fence inspections.
The pool gate is the most critical component of your pool barrier. Arizona pool fence law mandates that all access gates meet the following criteria:
Instead of a latch, you can also install a padlock, a coded locking device, or an auto-latching, key-lockable device with a built-in lock for extra security.
Failing to comply with Arizona pool fence laws isn’t just a risk to children, but rather a direct violation of state statute A.R.S. § 36-1681. If your pool area lacks the legally required fencing, gate mechanisms, or spacing clearances, you are considered non-compliant under Arizona law, and the consequences can be significant.
Arizona law provides an opportunity for first-time violators to remedy the issue before penalties escalate. If you’re cited:
Arizona courts take pool safety negligence very seriously, particularly when children are involved. Even if your home meets state law, failing to meet stricter local codes can expose you to liability. A non-compliant pool fence puts children at risk, increases your legal exposure, and can cost you thousands in repairs, fines, or legal defense after an incident.
By meeting both Arizona pool fence requirements and your local city ordinances, you ensure protection for your loved ones 100% of the time, protection from penalties, and full legal compliance if an inspector or buyer ever reviews your property.
While A.R.S. § 36-1681 sets the minimum standard across the state, cities and counties in Arizona often enforce stricter pool fence regulations.
In Phoenix, local building codes enforce strict pool barrier rules beyond the state’s minimum A.R.S. § 36-1681 standard. Below are the local requirements that apply to all new or existing residential pools:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | At least 5 feet tall, measured from the exterior side |
| Gaps | No openings that allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere |
| Decorative elements | Decorative features that allow climbing (e.g., footholds) are prohibited |
| Pool gates | Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, open outward, with the latch located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor |
| Fence materials | Chain link, wrought iron, and solid barriers are allowed if non-climbable |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Phoenix? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Phoenix to secure your home today.
Chandler has some of the most detailed and restrictive pool fence regulations in Arizona, especially when it comes to materials and gate standards. Besides the mandatory fence requirements enforced in Chandler, pools must be located in the backyard with a water’s edge of at least five feet from any side or back property line.
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | The fence must be at least 6 feet tall, not to exceed 7 feet |
| Gaps | Gaps may not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through |
| Decorative elements | No climbable horizontal rails on the outside; vertical spacing ≤ 1.75 inches |
| Pool gates | Self-closing, self-latching, open outward; latch height at least 54 inches |
| Fence materials | Only masonry, concrete, or decorative iron fencing is allowed, but wood is not allowed |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Chandler? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Chandler to secure your home today.
Mesa, located in the East Valley of the Phoenix metro area, follows Arizona’s state pool fence laws but adds specific requirements for window alarms, pet doors, and dwelling wall access. Homeowners are expected to go beyond basic compliance to protect children and meet local inspection criteria. Here’s what Mesa law mandates:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | Minimum 5 feet, measured from the side facing away from the pool |
| Gaps | There should be no gaps allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere, and a chain-link fence should not have openings greater than 1 ¾ inches. The mesh should be no less than 11 wire gauge. |
| Decorative elements | No climbable features that allow a 4-inch sphere. Pet doors are not allowed in the barrier wall. |
| Pool gates | Self-closing, self-latching, open outward, and should be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Latches less than 54 inches from grade shall be located on the pool side of the gate and should not be less than 3 inches below the top of the gate. The gate cannot have openings greater than ½ inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism. |
| Fence materials | Iron, chain link, or walls are allowed if compliant |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Mesa? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Mesa to secure your home today.
Known for upscale neighborhoods and private backyards, Scottsdale has detailed pool fencing law designed to balance aesthetics and safety. The city enforces specific mesh size limits, barrier heights, and gate regulations to ensure child-proof enclosures around residential pools. Below are the key compliance requirements for Scottsdale homeowners:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | At least 5 feet tall, measured from the side facing away from the swimming pool. Greater clearance may be required on slopes. |
| Gaps | No openings that permit a 4-inch diameter object. Lattice or chain link designs must not exceed 1.75 inches unless slats reduce size |
| Decorative elements | No footholds or horizontal bars closer than 45 inches apart unless located poolside. Decorative cutouts restricted to 1.75 inches max |
| Pool gates | Pedestrian gates must swing outward, be self-latching, and self-closing. The latch mechanism must meet placement and clearance rules |
| Fence materials | Chain link fences must use reduced mesh or slats. Decorative and metal fences are permitted if compliant with the climb resistance |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Scottsdale? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Scottsdale to secure your home today.
In Gilbert, pool safety enforcement is strict, especially in newer residential communities. While the city generally aligns with A.R.S. § 36-1681, it also emphasizes gate hardware, access control, and fencing materials. Whether you’re installing a pool for the first time or updating your property, you’ll still need to meet with Maricopa County pool fence requirements when in Gilbert:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | The fence should not be less than 5 feet, but shouldn’t exceed 6 feet as well |
| Gaps | There should be no gaps that would let a spherical object of 4 inches pass through or under the fence (for wrought iron)The barrier should not allow the passage of a 1¾-inch sphere |
| Decorative elements | Must prevent climbability; smooth surfaces required |
| Pool gates | Gates should be placed at the same height as the fence or at least 54 inches above ground; they should be self-closing, self-latching, open away from the pool, and designed to prevent uninvited accessAny self-closing mechanism placed in less than 54 inches must be on the pool side and at least 3 inches below the top of the gate |
| Fence materials | All residential swimming pools must be enclosed by walls of a residential building, chain link, or wrought iron pool fence |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Gilbert? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Gilbert to secure your home today.
Glendale, home to many family-friendly communities, enforces both state and local pool barrier codes. This includes rules for fencing material, minimum distances, and how gates must function. If you’re a Glendale resident, here’s what local inspectors will check during a safety audit or property sale:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | The fence should be at least 5 feet from the exterior side |
| Gaps | No openings greater than 4 inches; horizontal rails should be placed at least 45 inches apart |
| Decorative elements | No climbable designs; wire mesh less than 1.75 inches |
| Pool gates | Self-closing, self-latching, open outward; latch greater than 54 inches |
| Fence materials | Durable, climb-resistant, includes mesh, iron, and masonry |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Glendale? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Glendale to secure your home today.
In Tempe, pool fence requirements closely reflect state law but include critical enforcement around alarms, self-latching hardware, and climb resistance. With a mix of rentals and family homes near ASU, Tempe places a high priority on preventing unsupervised pool access. Here’s what you need to install or maintain a compliant pool barrier:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence height | At least 5 feet in height, consistent with state law, to form an effective barrier for child safety |
| Gaps | No passage of a 4-inch diameter object is permitted anywhere in the fence, gate, or bottom spacing |
| Decorative elements | Fences must be free from any footholds, decorative elements, or design flaws that enable climbing |
| Pool gates | Self-closing and self-latching gates are mandatory. If house doors face the pool, audible alarms must be installed. |
| Fence materials | Metal, chain link, and block walls are permitted if installed with compliant spacing and locking mechanisms. |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Tempe? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Tempe to secure your home today.
Tucson combines Arizona state law with local codes to address year-round pool use and hot climates. In addition to height and spacing rules, Tucson also requires audible alarms on all pool-access doors and secondary barriers when the house forms part of the enclosure. Here’s a breakdown of what Tucson pool owners need to follow:
| Requirement | Details |
| Fence Height | At least 5 feet tall and a minimum of 20 inches from the pool edge. |
| Gaps | Must prevent a 4-inch sphere from passing; spacing on all parts must comply. If vertical elements include decorative cutouts, the openings must be no wider than 1¾ inches. |
| Decorative Elements | No climbable cutouts, designs, or rails; spacing and clearance matter. |
| Pool Gates | Must swing outward, self-latching, and equipped with alarms if attached to a structure. |
| Fence Materials | Iron, mesh, lattice, or approved safety materials that resist climbing. |
Looking for compliant pool fences in Tucson? Explore professional pool fence installation and top-rated pool fence installers in Tucson to secure your home today.
You may receive a citation and be charged with a petty offense. Penalties can be waived if you install a compliant fence within 45 days and attend a safety course.
If no child under 6 lives in the home, state law may not apply, but city laws often still require a barrier.
Yes. Many cities in Arizona, including Phoenix, Chandler, and Glendale, enforce stricter rules than the state minimum.
You’ll need to install self-latching devices on any doors or windows leading to the pool or use an ASTM-approved safety cover.
Only if the cover is a motorized safety pool cover that complies with ASTM F1346 standards and uses a key switch.
Navigating Arizona pool fence laws can feel overwhelming, especially with city-by-city variations layered on top of state requirements. Whether you’re building a pool in Scottsdale, upgrading your fence in Mesa, or moving into a new home in Glendale, staying up to date with A.R.S. § 36-1681 and your local code is critical.
At Pool Guard™, we specialize in installing pool safety fences that meet and exceed Arizona’s legal standards. From self-closing gates to non-climbable mesh designs, we ensure every detail complies with your city’s specific code.
Don’t risk non-compliance or your family’s safety. Let our experts guide you through the process with precision and care.
Pool Guard USA is a US-based pool safety equipment manufacturer specializing in pool fences, pool covers, pool safety nets along with installation services throughout the United States.
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