El Paso County, CO Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

All residential in-ground and above-ground pools, spas, and hot tubs with water depth over 24 inches in El Paso County must have safety barriers meeting 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) and IRC Appendix G as adopted by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. Barrier height is minimum 48 inches measured from the exterior ground surface. Gate latches must be self-closing and self-latching, positioned at least 54 inches above grade (pool side latch may be 3 inches below top of gate if gate has no external opening within 18 inches). Vertical members must have openings less than 4 inches to prevent a sphere from passing. Horizontal members on chain-link or ornamental fencing closer than 45 inches apart must be on the pool side. House walls can serve as one side of the barrier if doors to the pool area have audible alarms (IRC R326.7) or self-closing, self-latching mechanisms. Above-ground pools with sides 48+ inches high with removable ladders may satisfy barrier requirements. Pool covers alone do not substitute for barriers. Barrier inspection required before pool final approval.