Glendale, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Under Glendale Code of Ordinances Sec. 9-25, the property owner and anyone in responsible charge of a pool must keep the required barrier, including gates, doors, locks and latches, safe and in good working order at all times, and no one may alter or remove any part of a pool barrier except to repair, reconstruct or replace it in compliance with the code. Barriers must be installed, inspected and approved before the pool is plastered or filled with water. The barrier's top must be at least 60 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, for the full perimeter and 3 feet out from the barrier; a house or accessory building can count as part of the barrier, but the barrier must also sit at least 20 inches from the water's edge.

Mesh fences must meet ASTM F2286: the bottom gap above grade or decking cannot exceed 4 inches, the mesh cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, attachment devices must sit at least 45 inches above grade, and hinged gates in a mesh fence must swing away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching. Chain link barriers cannot have openings larger than 1 3/4 inches, using at least 11-gauge wire. Where double or multiple gates are the only yard access, one leaf must be secured in place and the other self-closing with a self-latching device, with no gap larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch.

4, added locally, requires secondary protection, a 5-foot separation wall, a motorized safety cover under ASTM F1346, self-closing/self-latching or alarmed doors, or a pool alarm, whenever a residence housing a child under six forms part of the barrier for a pool built, altered, or sold after the ordinance's effective date; a home buyer has 30 days after taking occupancy to comply.