Bowling Green, KY Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Warren County/Joint Zoning Ordinance Sec. 4.4.5.E.6.c provides the local rule: 'The swimming pool area shall be enclosed by a fence or other suitable barrier with a minimum height of not less than 4 feet. Openings in the fence shall be small enough to prevent a child from entering the enclosure other than through the gate.' Sec. 4.5.4.F.4.c states the same rule for multi-family pools. The detailed technical standard is in Kentucky Residential Code (815 KAR 7:125) Appendix G, Section AG105.2 (Outdoor swimming pool). Key requirements include: barrier top at least 48 inches above grade with no more than 4 inches between grade and the bottom of the barrier (item 1); openings not allowing passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere (item 2); for fences with horizontal members less than 24 inches apart, horizontal members on the pool side and vertical spacing not exceeding 1-3/4 inches (item 4); chain-link maximum mesh of 2-1/4 inches square unless slatted to 1-3/4 inches (item 6); diagonal-member openings not exceeding 1-3/4 inches (item 7); gates per item 8 must comply with items 1-7, accommodate a locking device, open outward away from pool, and be self-closing and self-latching; if the latch is less than 54 inches above grade, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate with no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch. Where a dwelling wall is part of the barrier (item 9), the pool must have a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F 1346, or doors with direct access must have alarms meeting UL 2017 with deactivation switches at least 54 inches above the threshold, or other approved means. AG105.4 (Prohibited locations) states barriers must be located to prohibit permanent structures, equipment, or similar objects from being used to climb them.