Perth Amboy, NJ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Fencing for pools is item (5) of Subsection P, Swimming pools, in § 430-60 of the Perth Amboy City Code. Item (a) requires all permanent private swimming pools and all permanent wading pools, and any alteration, remodeling or addition, to be completely surrounded by a substantial self-supporting fence or wall of the type and dimensions the code specifies.

Item (c) supplies the dimensions. The fence or wall must be at least four (4) feet in height and built without openings, holes or gaps larger than three (3) inches in any dimension, except for doors or gates. A picket-type fence cannot have horizontal dimensions above two and one-half (2 1/2) inches. A dwelling house or accessory building can serve as part of the enclosure. Every gate must meet the same specifications as the fence itself, carry approved locking and latching devices, and be locked at all times when the pool is not in use and when it is not being supervised. Item (d) adds a spacing rule: the distance between any pool and a fence not attached to an aboveground pool is a minimum of seven (7) feet.

Portable pools follow item (b). Unless enclosed by a compliant fence or wall, a portable private swimming pool or portable wading pool must be emptied when not in use or unattended, or covered with a suitable strong protective covering securely fastened or locked in place. A portable pool erected above the ground to a height of at least four (4) feet needs no fence or wall, but every step, ladder or other approach into the pool must be removed whenever the pool is not in use or is unattended.

The general fence rules in Subsection F work with the pool rules. The maximum fence height set in the yard rules does not apply to any fencing within ten (10) feet of the periphery of any private wading or swimming pool, and barbed wire, constine wire and razor ribbon, including open barbs on chain link fences, are prohibited.