Garland, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum 48-inch Barrier
- Minimum 48-inch barrier height from outside grade
- Vertical Openings Limited
- Vertical openings limited to 4 inches maximum
- Gates Must Open
- Gates must open outward, self-close, and self-latch
- Latch Release At
- Latch release at least 54 inches above ground
- Chain Link Mesh
- Chain link mesh limited to 1.25-inch openings
Summary
Pool barriers in Garland must be at least 48 inches tall, fully enclose the pool, and meet IRC Appendix V plus Texas state pool yard enclosure standards.
Sec. 757.003. ENCLOSURE FOR POOL YARD. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, the owner of a multiunit rental complex with a pool or a property owners association that owns, controls, or maintains a pool shall completely enclose the pool yard with a pool yard enclosure.(b) The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches as measured from the ground on the side away from the pool.(c) Openings under the pool yard enclosure may not allow a sphere four inches in diameter to pass under the pool yard enclosure.(d) If the pool yard enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is at least 45 inches, the openings may not allow a sphere four inches in diameter to pass
Full Breakdown
Garland requires every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches in height measured from the outside grade. Acceptable barriers include solid fences, ornamental metal fencing, or masonry walls. Vertical members must be spaced no more than 4 inches apart, and any decorative cutouts cannot exceed 1.75 inches. Chain link is permitted only with mesh openings of 1.25 inches or smaller, or with slats reducing the opening. Gates must open outward from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground on the pool side. The barrier must be at least 20 inches from the pool's edge. Existing fences may qualify as the barrier if they meet all height and opening requirements; many older Garland fences need top extensions.
Violations & Fines
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Garland code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my existing 6-foot privacy fence count as the pool barrier?
Can I use a removable mesh pool fence in Garland?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garland
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