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Phoenix, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code Section
2024 ISPSC § 305 (Phoenix amendments, Ord. G-7397)
State Statute
A.R.S. § 36-1681
Original ordinance
Ord. G-3316 (May 4, 1990)
Minimum barrier height
60 inches (5 ft)
Max opening
No 4-inch sphere may pass; chain-link mesh ≤ 1-3/4 in
Gate latch height
≥ 54 inches above grade
Applies to water depth
18 inches or more

Summary

Phoenix requires every residential pool, spa, or hot tub holding 18 inches or more of water to be enclosed by a barrier at least five feet (60 inches) high with self-closing, self-latching gates, plus a separate inner-yard barrier between the dwelling and the pool. The rules are set in the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as amended by Phoenix Ordinance G-7397, building on Ordinance G-3316 adopted May 4, 1990.

305.2.1 (1) Barrier height and clearances. Barrier heights and clearances shall be in accordance with all of the following: 1. The top of the barrier shall be not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier and for a distance of 3 feet (914 mm) measured horizontally from the outside of the required barrier.

305.3.2 Double or multiple doors and gates. ... The self-latching device shall comply with the requirements of Section 305.3 ... Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.

Source: Arizona State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Phoenix adopted the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) with City amendments by Ordinance G-7397, effective August 1, 2025, layered over the original pool-barrier ordinance G-3316 (May 4, 1990). 1, the top of the perimeter barrier must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, with no opening that allows a 4-inch sphere to pass, a maximum 2-inch ground clearance (4 inches over a solid surface such as concrete), and at least 45 inches between horizontal members to prevent climbing.

8). 2) must be self-closing and self-latching, swing outward away from the pool, accommodate a lock, and have the latch at least 54 inches above grade. 4), doors leading directly to the pool must be self-closing, self-latching, swing away from the pool, and have a release at least 54 inches above the floor, or the home must use an alarm system, a powered safety cover, or other approved protection. S. Section 36-1681, which sets the five-foot enclosure minimum and expressly allows local governments to adopt ordinances equal to or more stringent than the state baseline.

The inner-yard barrier separating the house from the pool is required for all pools permitted after May 4, 1990, and must be installed retroactively on older pools whenever a child under six becomes an occupant.

Violations & Fines

Pool barriers are inspected during the pre-plaster inspection; a pool cannot be plastered or filled until the barrier is installed, inspected, and approved. Under A.R.S. Section 36-1681 a barrier violation is a petty offense, though the court may suspend fines if the owner installs a compliant barrier within 45 days and completes an approved pool-safety education course. Removing or altering an approved barrier without a permit is a code violation subject to Planning & Development and Fire Department enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall does a pool fence have to be in Phoenix?
At least 60 inches (5 feet) measured on the side facing away from the pool, per 2024 ISPSC Section 305.2.1 as amended by Phoenix Ordinance G-7397 and A.R.S. Section 36-1681.
Do I need a barrier between my house and the pool?
Yes. For pools permitted after May 4, 1990, Phoenix requires an inner-yard barrier between the dwelling and the pool. Options include an inner fence around the pool, using the residence wall with self-closing/self-latching doors, or an ASTM F1346 powered safety cover.
Must the gate self-close and self-latch?
Yes. Under Section 305.3.2, gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swing outward away from the pool, accommodate a lock, and have the latch at least 54 inches above grade.

Sources & Official References

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