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

Philadelphia's pool barrier rules flow from two sources: the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code (35 P.S. Sec. 7210.501 et seq.), which adopts the IRC, and Philadelphia Title 4 (BCOC) which incorporates the IRC 2018 with Philadelphia amendments and adds Property Maintenance Section PM-303 for existing pools. Under IRC Appendix G / Section AG105.2, any pool, spa, or hot tub containing water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches above grade measured from the side facing away from the pool. The maximum vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier and grade is 2 inches. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Spacing between vertical members cannot exceed 1.75 inches and diagonal lattice openings are limited to 1.75 inches. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device; if the latch is less than 54 inches above the gate bottom, the release must be on the pool side. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool must have an alarm or the pool itself must have an approved safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Building permits are issued through the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I).