Chesterfield County, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Gate operation
- Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward
- Low latch placement
- Pool side, 3 in from top
- Door/window alarm
- Sounds 30 seconds, UL 2017
- Entrapment standard
- ANSI/APSP-7-06
- Latch height cutoff
- 54 inches from gate bottom
Summary
Pool access gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool. Latches under 54 inches high must sit on the pool side. Where the house forms part of the barrier, door and window alarms are required.
Access Gates: Must meet height, opening and climbability requirements for barriers. Must be self-closing and self-latching, and must open outward away from pool. Latches less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate must be located on pool side at least 3 inches from the top of the gate.
Full Breakdown
Chesterfield's pool barrier standards require access gates to meet the same height, opening, and climbability rules as the barrier, and to be self-closing and self-latching, opening outward away from the pool. Latches less than 54 inches from the gate bottom must be on the pool side, at least 3 inches from the top, with no openings half an inch or greater within 18 inches of the latch. If a wall of the house serves as part of the barrier, door/window alarms sounding for 30 seconds and UL 2017 compliant are required. Entrapment protection must meet ANSI/APSP-7.
Violations & Fines
Gates or alarms that fail these standards will not pass the barrier inspection, and the pool may not be used until corrected and re-approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which way must a pool gate swing?
When are door alarms required?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chesterfield County
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