Penn Hills, PA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Max gap
- 2 inches (2.5" picket)
- Gates
- self-closing, self-latching required
- Enforcer
- Department of Code Enforcement
Summary
Penn Hills requires every private swimming pool to be enclosed by a four-to-six-foot fence with gaps under two inches and self-closing, self-latching gates to keep small children out.
All private swimming pools ... shall be completely and continuously surrounded by a permanent durable wall, fence or barrier which shall be not more than six feet nor less than four feet in height above grade, and which shall be so constructed as to have no opening, mesh, hole or gap larger than two inches in any dimension ... all gates and doors shall be equipped with high-mounted, self-closing and self-latching devices for keeping the gate or door securely closed at all times when not in actual use.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4434863; v5 updated 2025-07-21; through 07-21-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under § 1428.05 of the Code of the Municipality of Penn Hills, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, every private stationary swimming pool must be completely enclosed by a permanent wall, fence, or barrier between four and six feet high, with no gap larger than two inches (2.5 inches for picket fencing) and no projections on the outer surface. Gates and doors must have high-mounted, self-closing, self-latching devices keeping them shut when not in use. Wading and portable pools are exempt if emptied or securely covered when unattended, or if above-ground with non-climbable sides. The Department of Code Enforcement inspects pools and can suspend or revoke a permit for noncompliance.
Violations & Fines
Failing to fence or maintain a compliant barrier, gate, or self-latching device violates § 1428.05; Code Enforcement can revoke the pool permit, with a separate offense for each day a violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a pool fence be in Penn Hills?
Do pool gates need to self-close?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Penn Hills
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Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Allegheny County handle fencing & safety requirements.