Scottsdale, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- ARS §36-1681 - Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act
- Barrier Height
- Minimum 5 feet (measured from outside)
- Gate Latches
- Self-closing, self-latching, 54 inches from grade on pool side
- Openings
- Cannot allow 4-inch sphere to pass through
- Pre-1992 Pools
- Must comply upon property transfer
- Children Under 6
- ARS §36-1682 additional requirements (door alarms)
Summary
Pool barriers in Scottsdale must comply with Arizona's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (ARS §36-1681), which requires a minimum 5-foot barrier around all residential pools. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from the pool side. Scottsdale enforces these requirements through the building permit process and code enforcement.
36-1681 . Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement
A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section.
B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements:
1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier.
2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object four inches in diameter can pass. The horizontal components of any wall, fence or barrier shall be spaced not less than forty-five inches apart measured vertically or shall be placed on the pool side of a wall, fence or barrier which shall not have any opening greater than one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally. Wire mesh or chain link fences shall have a maximum mesh size of one and three-quarter inches measured horizontally.
3. Gates for the enclosure shall:
(a) Be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least fifty-four inches above the underlying ground or on the pool side of the gate with a release mechanism at least five inches below the top of the gate and no opening greater than one-half inch within twenty-four inches of the release mechanism or be secured by a padlock or similar device which requires a key, electric opener or integral combination which can have the latch at any height.
(b) Open outward from the pool.
4. The wall, fence or barrier shall not contain openings, handholds or footholds accessible from the exterior side of the enclosure that can be used to climb the wall, fence or barrier.
5. The wall, fence or barrier shall be at least twenty inches from the water's edge.
Full Breakdown
Arizona's pool barrier requirements (ARS §36-1681) are among the strictest in the nation with a 5-foot minimum barrier height (versus 4 feet in most states). All residential swimming pools must have an approved enclosure that: is at least 5 feet tall measured from the outside; has no openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through; has self-closing, self-latching gates with latches at least 54 inches from grade on the pool side; and has no climbable features (horizontal rails, chain link climbing holds). For pools built after June 1, 1992, compliance is mandatory. Pre-1992 pools must comply upon property transfer. Properties with children under 6 (ARS §36-1682) have additional requirements including door alarms on house doors providing direct pool access. Scottsdale building inspectors verify pool barrier compliance during the building permit process and upon complaint.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant pool barriers may result in code enforcement citations, required remediation, and potential civil liability in the event of a drowning incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a pool fence be in Scottsdale?
Do older pools need to comply with barrier requirements?
What are the requirements if I have young children?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Scottsdale
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