Norristown, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Norristown Code Chapter 286 was adopted to require pools and wading pools to be fenced for child safety. The chapter applies to all pools in the borough — permanent or temporary, stationary or portable. Any private pool, hot tub, or spa containing water more than 24 inches deep at any point must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches in height, measured from the finished ground level on the side away from the pool. Gates and doors in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching. Where the latching device is at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism may be on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates must be maintained so that the gate positively closes and latches when released from an open position six inches from the gatepost. These local rules supplement the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (Act 45 of 1999, 35 P.S. §7210.101 et seq.), which adopts IRC Appendix AG105: openings in the barrier may not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; chain-link mesh may not exceed 2.25 inches square unless slatted; and the barrier must be set back to prevent climbing. A building permit is required before pool installation, issued by the Norristown Code Enforcement office.