Harrison County, MS Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Harrison County and its cities strictly enforce pool barrier requirements under the International Residential Code Appendix G and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. All residential swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs capable of holding 24 inches of water or more require a barrier. Minimum fence height is 48 inches from finished grade on the outside. Vertical spacing between slats must not exceed 4 inches; horizontal members must be spaced at least 45 inches apart or the face must not be climbable. Gates must swing outward from the pool, be self-closing, and have self-latching hardware with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground. Openings may not exceed 4 inches. A house wall may serve as part of the barrier only if all doors leading to the pool area have alarms or the pool itself has a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Above-ground pools with sidewalls 48 inches or more may qualify as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable. Pool barrier compliance is verified at the final building inspection before the pool may be filled and used.