Arapahoe County, CO Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Arapahoe County Building Division enforces swimming pool barrier requirements under the adopted 2018 International Residential Code Appendix G and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). All residential pools and spas capable of holding water over 24 inches deep must have a barrier meeting these standards: minimum 48-inch height measured from outside grade, maximum 4-inch gap at bottom, no horizontal members on the pool side closer than 45 inches apart (to prevent climbing), maximum 4-inch opening through any pattern (or 1-3/4 inches if top rails are over 45 inches apart), self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward from the pool area, and latches located minimum 54 inches above grade on the pool-side. Gates must remain locked when not in use. A house wall can serve as one side of the barrier only if all doors leading to the pool have alarms, are self-closing/self-latching, or the pool has a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Above-ground pools with 48-inch sides can serve as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or secured when not in use. A final pool barrier inspection is required before water is added.