Marana, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Height
- 5 feet (ARS 36-1681)
- Gate Latch Height
- 54 inches minimum
- Opening Size
- No 4-inch sphere passage
- Door Alarms
- Required for direct pool access
- State Law
- ARS 36-1681
Summary
Arizona law ARS 36-1681 requires pool barriers at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Marana enforces this through adopted building codes and inspection at time of pool permit. All residential pools, spas, and hot tubs must have compliant barriers.
A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section.
B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements:
1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier.
2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass. The horizontal components of any wall, fence or barrier shall be spaced not less than forty-five inches apart measured vertically or shall be placed on the pool side of a wall, fence or barrier which shall not have any opening greater than one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally. Wire mesh or chain link fences shall have a maximum mesh size of one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally.
3. Gates for the enclosure shall:
(a) Be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least fifty-four inches above the underlying ground or on the pool side of the gate with a release mechanism at least five inches below the top of the gate and no opening greater than one-half inch within twenty-four inches of the release mechanism or be secured by a padlock or similar device which requires a key, electric opener or integral combination which can have the latch at any height.
(b) Open outward from the pool.
4. The wall, fence or barrier shall not contain openings, handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure that can be used to climb the wall, fence or barrier.
5. The wall, fence or barrier shall be at least twenty inches from the water's edge.
Full Breakdown
Under ARS 36-1681, all residential swimming pools in Arizona, including those in Marana, must have a barrier at least 5 feet high enclosing the pool area. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground or on the pool side of the gate where it is inaccessible to young children. The barrier must not have openings that allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Doors from the home that provide direct access to the pool area must have alarms or be equipped with self-closing devices. Marana Development Services verifies barrier compliance during pool permit inspections. Above-ground pools with walls at least 48 inches high may use the pool wall as part of the barrier if ladder or steps are removable or lockable. Existing pools that predate current standards must still maintain compliant barriers.
Violations & Fines
Pool barrier violations: building code enforcement. Non-compliance may result in stop-work orders for new pools or code enforcement action for existing pools. Criminal liability possible if child drowning results from non-compliant barrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
How high must a pool fence be in Marana?
Do above-ground pools need fencing in Marana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Marana
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