North Richland Hills, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

North Richland Hills adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code barrier standard for all pools deeper than 24 inches, aligning with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757. The barrier must be at least 48 inches tall on the outside face measured from grade, have no openings that would allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, use vertical members spaced no more than 1 3/4 inches apart (for slats with horizontal rails closer than 45 inches), have no climbable features (horizontal members must be at least 45 inches apart or inside the pool area), and sit no higher than 4 inches off grade at the bottom. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade, and open outward away from the pool. Chain-link is acceptable with a maximum 1 3/4-inch mesh or slat inserts. When the house wall forms one side of the barrier, all doors and windows opening to the pool area must have an alarm meeting UL 2017 or a self-latching mechanism at least 54 inches high. Above-ground pools with barrier-height sidewalls may use the pool wall itself as the barrier if the ladder is removable or enclosed. The VGB Act federal drain-cover standard also applies. Lack of compliant barrier is a top enforcement priority.