March 31, 2024
Did you know that swimming is the fourth most popular sport in the United States? After all, it's not only fun; it's also an incredible low-impact, aerobic exercise. It's an excellent way to keep the heart, brain, tissue, and bones healthy and strong.
So, it's no wonder that about 16% of US homes have a pool.
Now that you have plans to build one in your home, you may be wondering, "do you have to have a fence around a pool in Kentucky?" You may also be asking, "do all types of pools in the Bluegrass State require enclosures?"
This post will answer all these questions and more, so be sure to read on.
Yes, a fence or an enclosure is a must for any pool deeper than 24 inches or has a surface area over 250 square feet. This is per the Kentucky Building Code. The only exclusions to this are spas and hot tubs that come with a state-approved safety cover.
Kentucky's pool fence laws apply to all private outdoor swimming pools. These include in-ground, aboveground, or on-ground structures. A fixed-in-place wading pool must also have an approved fence barrier.
Hot tubs and spas that don't come with approved covers must also have a fencing system.
The walls of your Kentucky home can serve as the enclosure of your indoor private pool. However, you can also have a fence built around it to serve as dividers. In any case, the pool fence's chief goal should be to prevent uninvited folks from entering the pool.
Under the law, the primary functions of pool fences are for safety, privacy, and security. For this reason, all pool enclosures in KY should have a height of at least 4 feet above the ground. A pool safety fence barrier must also have a gate that closes and latches on its own.
Keep in mind that over 800 kids 14 and younger accidentally drown each year in the US. Near-drowning accidents also result in as many as 3,600 injuries in children. The most at risk of such incidents are little ones between the ages of one and four.
This is why all states, including the Bluegrass State, enforce strict pool fence laws.
A pool fence keeps your little ones and pets from accidentally entering the water. So long as you get a fence with the right height, it can help minimize pool incidents.
Aside from fence height, pool barriers also have restrictions in terms of openings. For example, it shouldn't have holes that measure 4-inches in diameter.
A fence ensures that only authorized bathers can get access to the pool. That's why the fence gate must be self-closing and self-latching. This way, only people within the interior side of the pool fence can open the gate.
Self-closing and self-latching pool gates also boost safety, especially for kids and pets. Under Kentucky law, the gate latches' position must be at least 4 feet above the ground.
A fence also protects your privacy, especially when you and your loved ones use the pool. It can be difficult to feel at ease if people from the road can see you guys frolicking in the water. Without a proper fence, passersby can see everything happening within the pool area.
While crime rates in Kentucky are lower than the country average, it still has its fair share of crimes. For instance, 84,769 property crimes occurred in the state in 2019. Of these, 59,130 were larceny thefts, while 15,443 were burglaries.
Now, keep in mind that many criminals are opportunists. If thieves see a lot of people by your pool, they may assume that no one is inside your home. This may then prompt them to invade your home while you guys are enjoying a swim.
As such, a high-quality fencing system for your pool can also boost your home security. For starters, it restricts the view of outsiders, so they won't see if you and your loved ones are using the pool. This can then give criminals fewer reasons to violate your home.
Yes, you need to obtain a pool fence even before you can build the pool itself in your KY home. That's because building authorities need to confirm that your pool meets construction laws.
For instance, in Lexington, you need to submit construction pa perwork first. This includes a document called Homeowner Responsibility Acknowledgement. It includes a part about having a pool fence that meets Kentucky regulations.
Only after you submit these documents can you start the construction of your pool. The same laws apply to any addition or alteration of your residential pool.
You should hire a licensed, registered, and insured fence contractor. It's also best to stick to a contractor certified by the American Fence Association. CFA-certified fence builders follow stringent protocols that ensure fence quality and safety.
There you have it, all the answers to your question, "do you have to have a fence around a pool in Kentucky?" Now that you know you do, it's best that you start planning your fence construction. After all, you need a fence permit even before you can get a pool built, enlarged, or modified.
If your home is in the Lexington area, please know that our team here at Rio Grande Fence can help. Feel free to get in touch with us now so we can assist you with all your home and pool fencing needs.
Ready to transform your property with a beautiful and functional fence? Contact Rio Grande Fence Company today for a free consultation and estimate. Our friendly team is here to answer all your questions and help you choose the best fencing solution for your needs.