Every residential pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 24 inches in Fort Smith must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward, under the 2021 IRC Appendix G as adopted in Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.).
Pool enclosure rules in Fort Smith come from Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances, which adopts the 2021 International Residential Code with Arkansas amendments. IRC Appendix G governs residential pool barriers. Required for any outdoor pool, hot tub, or spa over 24 inches deep: a barrier at least 48 inches high; openings smaller than a 4-inch sphere; no more than 4 inches between grade and the bottom of the barrier; horizontal members spaced at least 45 inches apart on the outside if vertical openings exceed 1.75 inches; gates that open outward, self-close, self-latch with release at 54 inches above grade. A dwelling wall used as a barrier needs door alarms or an ASTM F1346 automatic safety cover. Hot tubs and spas with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier rule. Arkansas state law (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.) reinforces these requirements.
An outdoor pool deeper than 24 inches without a compliant 48-inch barrier, or a gate missing self-closing/self-latching hardware, violates the IRC as adopted by Fort Smith and Arkansas state law. Building Safety can order the pool drained, fence completed, or impose citations and daily fines.
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