Allentown, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier height
- Not less than 48 inches above grade (ISPSC 305.2)
- Bottom clearance
- Max 2 inches between grade and barrier
- Openings
- Must not pass a 4-inch-diameter sphere
- Gates
- Self-closing, self-latching, open outward (ISPSC 305.3)
- Governing code
- 34 Pa. Code Sec. 403.26(a); ISPSC 2021 Sec. 305
Summary
Allentown's Chapter 556 is silent on fencing, so pool barriers are set by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code, which adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (34 Pa. Code Sec. 403.26(a)): the barrier must be at least 48 inches high, leave no more than 2 inches of ground clearance, block a 4-inch sphere, and pedestrian gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Sec. 403.26. Swimming pools. (a) A swimming pool, hot tub and spa, which is an accessory to a one-family or two-family dwelling, must comply with the 'International Swimming Pool and Spa Code of 2021.' (b) A swimming pool, hot tub or spa that is not an accessory to a one-family or two-family dwelling must comply with the Public Bathing Law (35 P.S. Sec. 672-680d) and the 'International Swimming Pool and Spa Code of 2018.'
Full Breakdown
Allentown does not have a city-specific pool-fence ordinance; residential pool barriers are governed by the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (UCC). Under 34 Pa. Code Sec. ' The City applies these standards through its Bureau of Building Standards and Safety during plan review under Code Chapter 556 and Chapter 225 (Construction Codes, Uniform). 2) require that outdoor pools and spas be surrounded by a barrier where the top is not less than 48 inches above grade, the vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier does not exceed 2 inches, and openings in the barrier do not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
1). Above-ground pool walls may serve as the barrier where they meet these dimensions. The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety verifies the barrier through plan review and a required field inspection before a pool is approved for use, which makes the fencing standard strict.
Violations & Fines
The Bureau of Building Standards and Safety will not pass the required pool inspection or finalize the permit until the barrier height, gate self-latching hardware, and openings are verified. Operating a pool without a compliant barrier is a UCC violation subject to stop-work orders and code enforcement; the city imposes a fine of up to $100 for each type of work done without the required permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Allentown?
What are the gate requirements?
Is there an Allentown-specific pool fence ordinance?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.