Greensboro, NC Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

All residential swimming pools in Greensboro must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the standards of the North Carolina Residential Code Appendix V, which adopts the International Residential Code pool barrier provisions. The barrier must be a minimum of 48 inches in height measured from the finished grade on the exterior side. The maximum vertical clearance between the ground and the bottom of the barrier must not exceed 2 inches to prevent children from crawling underneath. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere, which ensures small children cannot squeeze through gaps. If the barrier includes horizontal and vertical members spaced less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members must be on the pool side to prevent climbing. Chain-link fencing is permitted if the mesh openings do not exceed 1.75 inches measured diagonally. All pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching mechanism. Gate latches must be positioned at least 54 inches above the ground on the pool side or be otherwise inaccessible to young children. If the dwelling wall forms part of the pool barrier, any doors providing direct access to the pool area must be equipped with alarms or self-closing devices meeting ASTM standards. Above-ground pools with walls at least 48 inches above grade may use the pool wall as the barrier provided the access ladder is removable or lockable. Greensboro building inspectors verify barrier compliance during the pool permit inspection process, and the barrier must be in place before the pool is filled.