To educate residential pool owners on proper pool safety and the legal requirements of pool ownership, the Arizona State Legislature has passed A.R.S. Sec. 36-1681 to prevent children from gaining unsupervised access to residential swimming pools.
Pool Enclosure Requirements
A.R.S. Sec. 36-1681 requires that all residential swimming pools are enclosed by a barrier. Unless a local code** provides otherwise, the barrier must:
- Entirely enclose the pool area & be at least 5 feet high
- Not have openings, handholds, or footholds that can be used to climb the barrier
- Have no openings through which an object 4 inches in diameter can pass
- Be at least 20 inches from the water's edge & prevent direct access from the house to the pool.
If the wall of the residence forms part of the pool enclosure, there must be:
- A barrier at least 4 feet high between the residence and the pool
- A motorized safety pool cover that requires a key switch and meets the ASTM standards in F1346-91 (www.astm.org)
- Self-latching devices on all doors with direct access to the pool, and self-latching devices at least 54 inches above the floor on all emergency or rescue windows with direct access to the pool
- For all other open able windows with access to the pool or pool area: screwed in place wire mesh screens or a keyed lock that prevent opening a window more than 4 inch, or self-latching devices at least 54 inches above the floor.
Gate Requirements
A.R.S. Sec. 36-1681(B)(3) requires that all gates for the pool enclosure be: self-closing & open outward from the pool. The latches must be located at least 54 inches above the ground, or if on the pool side with a release mechanism:
- Located at least 5 inches below the top of the gate & so that no opening greater than 1/2 inch is within 24 inches of the release mechanism
- Secured at any height if secured by a padlock or similar device that requires a key, electronic opener, or integral combination.
Above Ground Pools
A.R.S. Sec. 36-1681 (C)(4) requires that the exterior sides of an above ground pool are non-climbable and a
minimum of 4 feet high. Any access ladder or steps must be secured and locked or removed when the
pool is not in use.
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