Queen Creek, AZ Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Pool safety in Queen Creek is governed by both the Town's barrier ordinance and Arizona state law. The Town adopted barrier standards in Town Ordinance No. 479-10 (effective June 19, 2010), requiring a barrier for all pools and self-closing, self-latching access gates that open outward. Underlying these is the Arizona pool-enclosure statute, A.R.S. 36-1681, which applies to swimming pools and contained bodies of water holding 18 inches or more of water at single-family or duplex residences. Under A.R.S. 36-1681(B), the enclosure must be at least five feet high measured on the exterior side; have no openings through which a four-inch-diameter sphere can pass; have no handholds or footholds accessible from the outside that could be used to climb it; and be at least 20 inches from the water's edge. Wire mesh or chain-link must have a maximum mesh size of 1.75 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch located at least 54 inches above the ground. Where the residence forms part of the enclosure, a minimum four-foot barrier between the pool and living area is required, or a motorized safety cover, or self-latching devices on doors with direct pool access. State law (subsection D) exempts a residence in which all residents are at least six years of age. Because Queen Creek's ordinance is at least as strict, the Town enforces its own provisions.