Lake Havasu City, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Division E.8. covers any pool, spa, or other contained body of water that is 18 inches or deeper and intended for human use, exempting only irrigation and drainage works, agricultural livestock troughs and stock ponds, and public or semi-public pools. Division b. sets the enclosure standard: a permanent fence, wall, or wire fencing of at least 11.5 gauge, no less than 5 feet high, measured from the exterior side of the barrier, with no opening large enough to pass a 4-inch sphere and horizontal rail spacing no wider than 45 inches.

Gates have to be self-closing and self-latching, swinging outward from the pool, with an unsecured latch mounted at least 54 inches above grade on the exterior side, or, if the release mechanism sits on the pool side, at least 5 inches below the top of the gate with no gap larger than half an inch within 24 inches of the mechanism, or secured with a key, electric opener, or combination lock. Division c. lets a house wall serve as part of the enclosure if the homeowner instead installs a 4-foot interior barrier, a motorized safety cover, self-latching doors with an audible alarm, or window locks that block openings past 4 inches.

Division e. requires the enclosure to be approved by the Building Inspector, with plans submitted before the pool can be filled with water, and a temporary fence or warning ribbon around any inground pool under construction. Division f. makes a violation a criminal Development Code offense under § 14.05.06, though no fine applies if the owner shows the pool was subsequently brought into compliance within 45 days of the citation.