Jackson, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Section 244-216B(8), Enclosure, amended 5-28-2024 by Ord. No. 20-24, sets the residential pool barrier standard for Jackson Township. In-ground pools must be surrounded entirely by a fence with no openings greater than a two-inch square, capable of holding a 250-pound load between posts spaced no more than eight feet apart; the house itself may serve as part of the enclosure. The fence must sit no closer than six feet from the pool's edge and stand at least four feet high above grade, up to six feet at the setback line, with height allowed to increase by one foot for every 25 feet the fence sits beyond the setback line, capped at eight feet once it is 50 feet or more from the side or rear setback line.

Any wire fencing must be chain-link, and supporting posts must sit inside the fence with the post top at least one inch below the top rail. Under subsection (b), a permanent aboveground pool with an attached deck and a fence at least four feet high, rated for a 250-pound live load between eight-foot posts, needs no separate fencing, though the deck stairs must still be protected. Subsection (d) governs gates: any opening in the fence must carry a gate matching the fence, extending to within two inches of the ground, and fitted with a self-closing or self-latching mechanism that opens outward only; no gate may swing over the stairs of an aboveground pool, and all locking hardware must sit 54 inches from the bottom of the gate.

Temporary aboveground pools not enclosed this way must be emptied or securely covered when not in use per subsection (c). The Construction Official reviews the required plot plan or survey showing pool setbacks before issuing a construction permit under Section 244-216A(4).