Prince George's County, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier height
- At least 6 feet above grade
- Gap under barrier
- Max 2 in. soft ground, 4 in. hard
- Gate latch height
- At least 72 inches above grade
- Vertical member spacing
- 1 3/4 in. max if rails under 72 in.
- Alternative barrier
- Natural hedge or cover, Building Official approval
- Civil fine
- $1,000 per violation, per day
Summary
Prince George's County requires every outdoor pool, spa, or hot tub, public or residential, to be surrounded by a compliant barrier under Section 4-209 of the County Code. The barrier must stand at least six feet above finished ground, with no more than a two-inch gap beneath it over soft ground, and gates need a self-latching device mounted at least 72 inches high.
(a)Section 305.2 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: Outdoor swimming pools and spas shall include all Public and Residential pools and spas that shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7 (ISPSC).(b)Section 305.2.1 (ISPSC) is amended to read as follows: "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 at least six (6) feet (1829 mm) above finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool or spa.2.The maximum vertical clearance between finished ground level and the barrier shall be two (2) inches for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or gravel, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool or spa.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).
Full Breakdown
Section 4-209 amends the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code's barrier rules for Prince George's County. 7. Subsection (b) sets the core dimensions: the barrier must be at least six feet above finished ground on the side facing away from the pool, the gap beneath the barrier can be no more than two inches over soft ground such as grass or gravel, and no more than four inches over a hard surface such as concrete; an above-ground pool can use the pool structure itself as the barrier if that same four-inch gap limit is met.
Subsection (c) requires any gate latch to sit at least 72 inches above grade. Subsections (d) and (e) set spacing limits for fence members: no more than 1-3/4 inches between vertical members, or through decorative cutouts, where horizontal rails sit closer than 72 inches apart, widening to 4 inches where the horizontal members are 72 inches or more apart. Subsection (f) allows a natural barrier, hedge, pool cover, or other Building Official-approved device instead of a fence if it offers equal protection. Subsection (g) extends the barrier requirement to fish ponds and stormwater management ponds deeper than 24 inches near schools, playgrounds, or dense population, at the Building Official's discretion.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install or maintain a compliant pool barrier is enforced the same way as any other building code violation under Section 4-116: DPIE can issue a notice of violation carrying a $1,000 civil fine per violation, with each day of noncompliance treated as a separate offense, due within 30 days and recordable as a lien if it goes unpaid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does my pool fence need to be in PG County?
Can my above-ground pool wall count as the required barrier?
How high does the gate latch need to be on a pool fence?
Can I use a hedge instead of a fence around my pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Prince George's County
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