Harrison County, MS Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Harrison County mandates pool barrier fencing through local building codes based on the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), as adopted by Gulfport, Biloxi, D'Iberville, Long Beach, and Pass Christian. Barriers must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) in height with no climbable features (horizontal cross-members must be 45+ inches apart on the outside). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located at least 54 inches from grade on the outside face. Fence openings cannot exceed 4 inches to prevent children from squeezing through; chain link fences require slats or mesh if the mesh exceeds 1.75 inches. The pool barrier must completely enclose the pool; perimeter-of-yard fences can serve as the barrier only if they meet all requirements. House doors opening directly to the pool area must have audible alarms (85 dB at 10 feet) or self-closing/self-latching mechanisms per IRC AG105. Above-ground pools with sides 48+ inches high may use the pool wall as the barrier with a lockable or removable ladder. Hurricane wind load requirements under the MS Building Code mandate robust post embedment (typically 30+ inches in concrete) and hurricane straps/anchors, especially in Wind Zones along the coast. FEMA VE flood zones may require breakaway fence construction. Mandatory final inspection required before pool fill. Harrison County's warm climate means extensive pool use, making barrier compliance critical.