Alexandria, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Sec. 11-11-50 requires an outdoor pool area regulated under Chapter 11 to be completely enclosed by a perimeter fence or equivalent barrier at least six feet high, measured from the highest ground point within three feet of the outside of the barrier. 75-inch sphere from passing through any opening, and the entire barrier must be non-climbable, meaning no handholds, footholds or horizontal members that would aid someone scaling it from outside. No furniture, planters or other climbable objects may sit within a six-foot arc from the top of the fence or closer than three feet to it, and the barrier material must be approved by the director.

Access gates need latches and locks mounted at least 48 inches above the deck, and outdoor pools must have at least one emergency gate with a minimum four-foot horizontal opening. Sec. 11-11-53(b) adds a separate rule for wading pools, which must be fenced off from any adjoining pool by a barrier at least three feet high with a self-latching, self-closing gate that opens away from the wading pool. Critically, Sec. 11-11-4 limits who this fencing rule reaches: the chapter 'does not apply to residential pools serving a single family residence or duplex residence,' except when that residence operates as a licensed bed and breakfast or child care facility.

That means a typical backyard pool at a single-family or duplex home in Alexandria is not governed by Sec. 11-11-50; hotel, apartment complex, HOA, club and public pools are.