Frederick County, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fence height
- 4 feet above ground
- Maximum opening
- No gap admits a 4-inch sphere
- Gate requirement
- Self-closing, self-latching, latch 4 feet up
- Fence load rating
- 200 lbs horizontal on 1 sq ft
- Maximum penalty
- $2,500 fine or 12 months jail
- Applies to
- Pools deeper than 2 feet
Summary
Outdoor swimming pools in unincorporated Frederick County must be completely enclosed by a fence at least four feet tall that blocks passage of anything larger than a four-inch sphere and holds a 200-pound lateral load. Gates must self-close and self-latch, with latches set at least four feet up, and cannot be left unfastened while the pool sits unused. Violators face fines up to $2,500.
§ 152-1. Fence requirements; definitions. A. Fences. The enclosure shall extend not less than four feet above the ground. Enclosure fences shall be constructed so as to prohibit the passage of a sphere larger than four inches in diameter through any opening or under the fence. Fences shall be designed to withstand a horizontal concentrated load of 200 pounds applied on a one-square-foot area at any point of the fence. ... ... § 152-2. Fences required. It shall be unlawful for any person to construct, maintain, use, possess or control any pool on any property in the County without having completely around such swimming pool a fence as hereinabove defined. § 152-3. Gates. ... All gates shall be self-closing and self-latching, with latches placed at least four feet above the ground. It shall be unlawful for any such gate to be allowed to remain unfastened while the pool is not in use. Fences shall be constructed so as to come within two inches of the ground at the bottom.
Full Breakdown
Frederick County Code Chapter 152 requires every outdoor swimming pool in the county outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown to be completely enclosed. § 152-4 lets the county accept an alternative, such as a natural barrier or a pool cover, if the substitute device provides protection at least equal to the standard fence, gate and latch. The definition of 'swimming pool' in § 152-1B covers any outdoor, man-made structure built to hold water more than two feet deep for swimming or bathing, so shallow decorative ponds fall outside the rule. Enforcement runs through the county's Building Inspections and Zoning offices, which handle pool permits and can require corrections before a permit closes out.
Violations & Fines
Frederick County Code § 152-5 makes any violation of the pool-fencing chapter punishable by a fine of up to $2,500, imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both. Because the enclosure requirement attaches to construction, maintenance, use, possession or control of the pool, an unfenced or improperly gated pool can draw a citation even after the pool has been installed and is already in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground pool in Frederick County need a fence?
Can a pool cover replace the required fence?
How high must the gate latch be mounted?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
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