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Yuma, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Barrier Height
5 feet minimum (measured from outside)
Gate Latches
Self-closing, self-latching, 54 inches from grade
Openings
Cannot pass 4-inch sphere
Pre-1992 Pools
Comply upon property transfer
Children Under 6
Additional door alarm requirements (ARS §36-1682)

Summary

Pool barriers in Yuma must comply with Arizona's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (ARS §36-1681): minimum 5-foot barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates with latches 54 inches from grade on the pool side. Pre-1992 pools must comply upon property transfer.

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.

Source: ARS §36-1681 - Pool Safety ActView official code

Full Breakdown

Arizona's pool safety requirements (ARS §36-1681) are among the strictest nationwide with a 5-foot minimum barrier height. All residential pools must have an approved enclosure. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching from the pool side with latches at least 54 inches from grade. No openings allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass. Pools built after June 1, 1992 must comply at construction. Pre-1992 pools must comply upon property transfer. Properties with children under 6 (ARS §36-1682) require additional door alarms. Yuma's extreme heat makes pools very common, making pool safety enforcement a priority.

Violations & Fines

Non-compliant pool barriers may result in citations, required remediation, and civil liability in drowning incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall must a pool fence be in Yuma?
At least 5 feet measured from the outside, per Arizona state law. This is stricter than most states.
Do older pools need a fence in Yuma?
Pre-1992 pools must be brought into compliance when the property is sold or transferred.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Yuma

All Yuma rules

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