Salt Lake County, UT Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Salt Lake County adopts the International Residential Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Utah amendments through Title 15 of the county code. Any swimming pool, in-ground or above-ground, capable of holding water 24 inches or deeper requires a barrier. The standard is a 48-inch minimum fence measured from the exterior side, with no more than a two-inch gap between the fence bottom and the ground, no footholds or handholds allowing climbing, vertical spacing in picket fences under four inches, and horizontal members placed to prevent climbing or at least 45 inches apart. Gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and have the latch at least 54 inches above the ground or otherwise shielded from child access. When a dwelling wall forms part of the enclosure, doors leading to the pool must have alarms or the pool must have a powered safety cover. Above-ground pools may use their own walls if at least 48 inches tall, combined with a removable or lockable ladder. Hot tubs and spas with locking covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the fencing requirement. Permits are required for pool construction and include barrier inspection before final sign-off. Failure to maintain a compliant barrier can be cited and, in the event of an injury, creates significant civil liability. HOAs may impose additional standards.