Every residential pool holding water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, under the Kansas-adopted residential code. Openings must block a four-inch sphere.
Residential pool fencing in Topeka and unincorporated Shawnee County comes from the adopted International Residential Code, not a local invention. Any pool, spa, or hot tub holding water deeper than 24 inches needs a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside. Gates must swing away from the pool, self-close, and self-latch, with the release at least 54 inches up or otherwise shielded. Vertical gaps and decorative openings must be small enough to stop a four-inch sphere, and a house wall used as one side needs alarmed or self-closing doors. An above-ground pool with 48-inch walls and a removable or lockable ladder can satisfy the barrier requirement.
An inspector who finds a missing or non-compliant barrier can withhold the pool permit and bar use until it meets code. Drowning liability is the far larger exposure than any fine.
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