Swimming pools in Fort Smith must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix G) and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.). Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and no openings allowing a 4-inch sphere.
Fort Smith enforces pool-barrier rules through Chapter 6 (Building Code) and the 2021 IRC with Arkansas amendments, including IRC Appendix G for residential swimming pools and spas. State law A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq. (Arkansas Pool Safety Act) and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act (15 U.S.C. 8003) layer on top. Required: a barrier at least 48 inches high around any pool deeper than 24 inches; no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere; no more than 4 inches between grade and the bottom of the barrier; gates that open outward, are self-closing and self-latching, with latch release at least 54 inches above grade. Where a dwelling wall is part of the barrier, doors to the pool area need alarms or an ASTM F1346 safety cover. Above-ground pool walls may serve as the barrier if at least 48 inches and the ladder is removable.
An unenclosed pool over 24 inches deep, a barrier under 48 inches, or a gate without self-closing/self-latching hardware violates the IRC as adopted and Arkansas state law. Building Safety can order the pool drained, issue citations, and the owner faces attractive-nuisance civil liability.
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