The Florida Building Code (FBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) both define a swimming pool as “any structure intended for recreational swimming, bathing or wading that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools.”

    So an above-ground pool more than 24 inches deep is required to meet the swimming pool barrier requirements for child safety. But the good news is the pool wall itself can be the necessary barrier as long as it is at least 48 inches high and not climbable. When the means of access is a ladder or steps, it must be able to be secured, locked, or removed to prevent access.

    Although above-ground pools are often not permanent structures, they still represent a safety hazard while in place. About 250 children drown every year in swimming pool accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Council (CPSC), and having an effective pool barrier is one way to reduce the possibility of a drowning tragedy in your own backyard.

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about POOL AND SPA:

• Does an above-ground pool require a building permit? 

• What are the pros and cons of vinyl liner vs fiberglas vs concrete in-ground pools? 

• Can a pool with green, cloudy water be inspected?

• Should I refinish-resurface my pool with paint or plaster?

• Why are pool pumps now required to be variable speed? 

• What are the clearance requirements for an overhead electric service drop that is directly over or near a swimming pool?

    Visit our POOL AND SPA page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.