Fort Worth, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Fort Worth has adopted the 2021 International Residential Code, including Appendix Q (Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs), as part of its construction code. Section AQ105.2(1) requires the top of the barrier to be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool. Bottom clearance between barrier and grade may not exceed 2 inches on the side facing away from the pool, and openings in the barrier may not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere (AQ105.2(2)). Where horizontal members are spaced less than 45 inches apart, vertical members may not be spaced more than 1.75 inches apart (AQ105.2(3)). Gates must comply with AQ105.2(8) — open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and where the latch release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release must be at least 3 inches below the top with no opening greater than 0.5 inch within 18 inches of the release. Above-ground pool walls may serve as part of the barrier if the structure is at least 48 inches above grade. Multifamily rental complexes and pools owned, controlled, or maintained by a property owners association are additionally subject to Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757 (Pool Yard Enclosures), which sets independent 48-inch enclosure rules and restricts use of building walls (with door/window limits for buildings constructed on or after January 1, 1994). Fort Worth Code Compliance enforces these requirements at the residential level; Tarrant County Public Health may inspect public pools under 25 TAC Chapter 265.