Pima County, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier Height
- 5 ft minimum (ARS 36-1681)
- Gate Latch
- Self-closing, self-latching, 54 in+
- Alternatives
- Door alarms or ASTM safety cover
- Applies To
- All pools 18+ inches deep
- State Authority
- ARS 36-1681, ARS 11-812
Summary
ARS 36-1681 requires 5-ft pool barriers with self-closing, self-latching gates in Pima County. Applies to all pools 18+ inches deep. Door alarms or safety covers as alternatives.
A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section.
B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements:
1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier.
2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass. The horizontal components of any wall, fence or barrier shall be spaced not less than forty-five inches apart measured vertically or shall be placed on the pool side of a wall, fence or barrier which shall not have any opening greater than one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally. Wire mesh or chain link fences shall have a maximum mesh size of one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally.
3. Gates for the enclosure shall:
(a) Be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least fifty-four inches above the underlying ground or on the pool side of the gate with a release mechanism at least five inches below the top of the gate and no opening greater than one-half inch within twenty-four inches of the release mechanism or be secured by a padlock or similar device which requires a key, electric opener or integral combination which can have the latch at any height.
(b) Open outward from the pool.
4. The wall, fence or barrier shall not contain openings, handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure that can be used to climb the wall, fence or barrier.
5. The wall, fence or barrier shall be at least twenty inches from the water's edge.
Full Breakdown
Arizona state law ARS 36-1681 and ARS 11-812 establish mandatory swimming pool barrier requirements that Pima County enforces in unincorporated areas. Every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub capable of holding 18 inches or more of water must be enclosed by a barrier at least 5 feet in height. The barrier must not have openings, handholds, or footholds that would allow a child to climb over it. Gates in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located at least 54 inches above the ground or otherwise inaccessible to young children.
As an alternative to a full barrier, property owners may install door alarms on all doors and windows providing direct access to the pool area, or use an approved safety pool cover that meets ASTM F1346 standards. Existing pools must comply within the timeframes specified by state law. Pima County Development Services reviews pool barrier compliance during building inspections for new pool construction. The law was strengthened after multiple child drowning incidents in Arizona. Inflatable pools and above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher may satisfy the barrier requirement with the pool wall itself if access ladders are removable.
Violations & Fines
First violation: written notice with 30-day compliance period. Failure to comply: Class 2 misdemeanor per ARS 36-1681. Fines up to $750. Pool filling prohibited until barrier is compliant. New pools: certificate of occupancy withheld.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pool fence requirements in unincorporated Pima County?
Do above-ground pools need a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pima County
Compare Pima County to another location·View the Arizona swimming pools & spas overview
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