DC requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around residential pools with water over 24 inches deep under the Property Maintenance Code. Public and semi-public pools require 72-inch barriers under 25-C DCMR 6439. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
DC's pool barrier requirements follow the International Property Maintenance Code (adopted as DC Property Maintenance Code). Residential pools with water more than 24 inches deep require a minimum 48-inch high fence or barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Public and semi-public pools must have 72-inch barriers under 25-C DCMR 6439, with gate latches at least 54 inches from the bottom. The DC Swimming Pool and Spa Code (12-L DCMR, based on ISPSC) specifies barrier bottom clearance of max 2 inches on non-solid surfaces and 4 inches on solid surfaces. Mesh fences must have a bottom gap of no more than 1 inch and must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. All barriers must completely surround the pool or spa.
Non-compliant pool barriers result in code violation notices, fines, and potential closure orders until barriers meet requirements.
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See how Washington's fencing requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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