Laredo, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Height
- 48 inches minimum
- Ground Gap
- 4 inches max
- Picket Gap
- 4 inches max
- Gate
- Self-close, self-latch
- Latch Height
- 54 inches above ground
Summary
Laredo requires all residential pools with water over 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Barrier must comply with IRC Appendix G and Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757.
Sec. 757.004. GATES. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, a gate in a fence or wall enclosing a pool yard as required by Section 757.003 must: (1) have a self-closing and self-latching device; (2) have hardware enabling it to be locked, at the option of whoever controls the gate, by a padlock or a built-in lock operated by key, card, or combination; and (3) open outward away from the pool yard. (b) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (c) and Section 757.005, a gate latch must be installed so that it is at least 60 inches above the ground, except that it may be installed lower if: (1) the latch is installed on the pool yard side of the gate only and is at least three inches below the top of the gate...
Full Breakdown
Pool barriers in Laredo must meet the adopted International Residential Code Appendix G plus Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 (Pool Yard Enclosure Act), which applies to apartment complexes but sets a useful baseline. Required elements include: minimum 48-inch height measured from exterior grade; maximum 4-inch ground clearance (2 inches over gravel/mulch); maximum 4-inch vertical picket spacing; solid barriers or privacy fencing with no footholds under 45 inches; gates that open outward away from pool, are self-closing and self-latching, with latch release located at least 54 inches above ground. Where the dwelling wall forms part of the barrier, all doors leading to the pool area must have alarms or the pool itself must have a powered safety cover. Mesh pool safety fencing is acceptable if it meets ASTM F2286.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant barriers are life-safety violations. Citations can require immediate draining of pool until compliant, plus fines up to 2,000 dollars per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my house wall count as part of the barrier?
Does this apply to hot tubs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Laredo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Laredo to another location·View the Texas swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.