Gwinnett County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 48 inches above ground
- Trigger depth
- water more than 24 inches deep
- Gate requirement
- self-closing and self-latching
- Latch below 54 in
- release must face pool side
- Governing code
- Gwinnett County Code § 14-291(b)
Summary
Unincorporated Gwinnett County requires a 48-inch fence or barrier around any private pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 24 inches, with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Private swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas containing water more than 24 inches in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier not less than 48 inches in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self- closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches from the gatepost. An existing pool enclosure shall not be removed, replaced, or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier. When the sides of an above ground pool are used as the barrier, the ladder or steps shall be secured, locked, or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets these requirements. (Ord. No. GCID 2023-0497, Exh. A, 6-6-2023)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
Gwinnett County's property maintenance code treats an unenclosed pool as a violation. Private swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas holding more than 24 inches of water must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches high, measured on the side away from the pool. Gates and doors must be self-closing and self-latching; if the latch sits below 54 inches, its release mechanism must be on the pool side of the gate. Above-ground pool walls may serve as the barrier only if the ladder or steps are secured, locked, or removed. This applies only in unincorporated Gwinnett County.
Violations & Fines
Violating the pool enclosure rule is punishable under Sec. 14-259 by a fine of $250 to $1,000 per day or up to 60 days in jail; each day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Gwinnett County require a fence around my backyard pool?
Do pool gates have to close and latch automatically?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
Compare Gwinnett County to another location·View the Georgia swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.