Fort Worth requires swimming pools to have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates, matching International Residential Code Appendix G as adopted by the city.
Under the adopted International Residential Code (Appendix G) and the Fort Worth Building Code, every swimming pool, spa, or hot tub with water deeper than 24 inches must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches tall measured from the outside. Vertical openings may not exceed 4 inches, and horizontal members must be spaced to prevent climbing. Gates must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located at least 54 inches above the ground. When a dwelling wall forms part of the barrier, all doors leading to the pool area must have an alarm or the pool must have a power safety cover. Portable wading pools under 24 inches deep are exempt. The Fort Worth Development Services Department inspects pool barriers during construction; existing pools face enforcement only on complaint or when permits are pulled for other work. Barrier failures are a leading cause of child drownings statewide.
Failure to maintain a compliant pool barrier is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per offense, each day a separate violation. In drowning incidents, lack of a compliant barrier can anchor civil premises-liability claims under Texas law.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Tarrant County.
See how other cities in Tarrant County handle pool barriers.
See how Fort Worth's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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