Richardson, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Height
- 4 ft
- Opening Size
- No gap >4 inches
- Gates
- Self-closing, self-latching (upper quarter)
- Water Depth Trigger
- Over 24 inches
Summary
Under Sec. 6-212, every swimming pool, spa, or hot tub containing water over 24 inches deep must be completely surrounded by a fence, wall, or solid structure at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Openings may not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Sec. 757.003. ENCLOSURE FOR POOL YARD. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, the owner of a multiunit rental complex with a pool or a property owners association that owns, controls, or maintains a pool shall completely enclose the pool yard with a pool yard enclosure.(b) The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches as measured from the ground on the side away from the pool.(c) Openings under the pool yard enclosure may not allow a sphere four inches in diameter to pass under the pool yard enclosure.(d) If the pool yard enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is at least 45 inches, the openings may not allow a sphere fo
Full Breakdown
Section 6-212 of the Richardson Code requires any person with land containing a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub with water over 24 inches deep to maintain a fence, wall, or solid structure completely surrounding it. The enclosure must be at least 4 feet high. Openings shall not permit passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere. All doors and gates in the enclosure must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch in the upper quarter of the door or gate. Dwelling doors forming part of the enclosure are exempt from the self-closing/latching requirement. A building permit is required for pool/spa/hot tub construction, and final inspection requires enclosure compliance. Existing fences between 3.5 and 4 feet may be repaired at the same height, but if more than 50% is replaced, the entire fence must comply with the 4-foot standard. Temporary fencing of at least 4 feet is required during pool construction per Sec. 6-211(b).
Violations & Fines
Pool enclosure violations are serious safety issues enforced by Building Inspection. Final inspection will be withheld until compliance. Fines up to $2,000 per day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the pool fence requirements in Richardson?
Is a fence needed during pool construction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Richardson
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