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

Pennsylvania adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) under the Uniform Construction Code. All residential pools with water depth of 24 inches or more must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, measured on the side facing away from the pool. The barrier must maintain this height around the entire perimeter and extend 3 feet horizontally from its exterior face. Vertical clearance at grade cannot exceed 2 inches on non-solid surfaces (grass, gravel) or 4 inches on solid surfaces (concrete). For chain-link fencing, openings may not exceed 1-3/4 inches. Vertical members spaced with a top rail 45 inches or higher apart cannot exceed 4 inches between them. Pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. A house wall may serve as one side of the barrier, but all doors opening to the pool area must have an alarm or self-closing device. A minimum 36-inch clear zone must separate the barrier from any climbable permanent structures such as pumps or heaters.