⚠️ REQUIRED BY VIRGINIA LAW

Virginia Pool Code Compliant Fence Installation

Your pool cannot pass final inspection without a code-compliant safety barrier. We guarantee first-time pass.

🏆 Our Track Record:

200+
Pools Fenced
100%
Pass Rate
24hr
Avg Install

Critical Requirements

  • !
    48" Height Minimum (measured from pool side)
  • !
    Self-Closing Gates (must close from any position)
  • !
    Self-Latching Mechanism (automatic engagement)
  • !
    54" Latch Height (out of child's reach)
  • !
    1.75" Max Picket Spacing (prevents squeeze-through)
  • !
    2" Max Bottom Clearance (prevents crawl-under)

Understanding Virginia Pool Fence Law

Virginia Code § 15.2-921

Virginia law empowers local governments to require barriers for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs. Nearly all Richmond-area jurisdictions (Chesterfield, Henrico, Hanover, Richmond City) have adopted strict pool barrier ordinances based on the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC 2021).

Legal Requirement: Pools deeper than 24 inches (2 feet) MUST have a compliant barrier before final occupancy/inspection approval. Operating a pool without proper fencing is a code violation subject to fines and potential liability in the event of an accident.

Who Enforces This?

  • Building Inspectors: Review fence plans and conduct final inspection
  • Pool Builders: Cannot close out permits until fence passes
  • HOAs: May have additional aesthetic requirements beyond code
  • Insurance: Homeowner's insurance may require proof of compliant fencing

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • • ❌ Pool inspection fails; cannot use pool legally
  • • ⚖️ Code violation fines ($100-$500+ per day in some jurisdictions)
  • • 📄 Homeowner's insurance policy may be voided
  • • ⚠️ Extreme liability exposure if child enters pool unsupervised

Detailed Code Requirements (ISPSC 2021)

📏

Height & Gaps

  • Minimum 48" high from grade on side facing away from pool
  • Maximum 1.75" spacing between vertical pickets/slats
  • Maximum 2" bottom clearance from grade to bottom of fence
  • No climbable footholds within 45" of top (horizontal rails on pool side prohibited)
🚪

Gate Requirements

  • Must open outward (away from pool) to prevent entrapment
  • Self-closing from any position (0° to 180° swing)
  • Self-latching automatically without manual intervention
  • Latch release 54" minimum from bottom of gate (child-proof height)
🏠

House Wall Barriers

  • • If house forms part of barrier, all doors to pool must have door alarms
  • Alarm must sound for 30+ seconds when door opens
  • • Alternative: Install removable mesh fence across opening when pool in use
  • • Sliding glass doors require alarms or auto-closing/latching hardware

Common Mistakes That Fail Inspection

  • ❌ Gates that don't self-close (wrong hinges or improper installation)
  • ❌ Latch release below 54 inches (too easy for children to reach)
  • ❌ Gaps wider than 1.75 inches (head entrapment hazard)
  • ❌ Bottom clearance over 2 inches (crawl-under risk)
  • ❌ Horizontal rails on pool side (creates ladder effect)
  • ❌ Fence under 48 inches high (insufficient barrier)
  • ❌ Gate swings toward pool (entrapment risk)
  • ❌ Non-functional self-latching mechanism

Pool Fence Material Options

MOST POPULAR

Aluminum

$40-$60/ft

The #1 choice for pools. Won't rust, lightweight for self-closing gates, elegant "invisible" barrier.

Pros:

  • ✓ Rust-proof (powder-coated)
  • ✓ Zero maintenance
  • ✓ Doesn't block views
  • ✓ Ideal for self-closing hardware
  • ✓ 20+ year lifespan

Cons:

  • • Higher upfront cost than wood
  • • No privacy (open picket design)
BUDGET OPTION

Wood

$30-$45/ft

Code-compliant if built correctly. Provides privacy unlike aluminum. Requires maintenance.

Pros:

  • ✓ Lower upfront cost
  • ✓ Provides total privacy
  • ✓ Natural aesthetic
  • ✓ Can be stained/painted

Cons:

  • • Requires biannual staining/sealing
  • • Rots in Richmond humidity (10-15 years)
  • • Self-closing gates need frequent adjustment
PRIVACY OPTION

Vinyl

$35-$50/ft

Maintenance-free privacy. Good for pools needing visual barrier from neighbors. Heavy gates need quality hardware.

Pros:

  • ✓ Zero maintenance
  • ✓ Full privacy
  • ✓ Won't rot or fade
  • ✓ 20-30 year lifespan

Cons:

  • • Heavy gates require commercial hinges
  • • Limited color options
  • • More expensive than wood

Evergreen's Recommendation:

For 90% of Richmond pool owners, black aluminum fencing is the optimal choice. It's rust-proof in our humid climate, creates an elegant "invisible" barrier that doesn't visually shrink your yard, and the lightweight construction is ideal for reliable self-closing gate operation. Aluminum pool fences installed by Evergreen have never failed a Chesterfield or Henrico inspection.

Our Code-Compliant Installation Process

1

Pool Builder Coordination

We communicate directly with your pool contractor (Douglas Aquatics, River Pools, Pla-Mor, etc.) to coordinate timing. Fence installation is scheduled once pool shell/liner is complete but before final inspection.

2

Site Measurement & Design

On-site visit to measure pool perimeter, identify obstacles (HVAC, meters, landscaping), and design optimal fence layout. We determine gate location(s) for convenient access while maintaining code compliance.

Critical Measurements: We measure from pool waterline (not deck edge) to ensure 48" height requirement is met from all access points.
3

Professional Installation (Day 1)

Posts set 36" deep with concrete collars. Rails and pickets installed per manufacturer specs with precise spacing (1.5" for code compliance with margin of safety).

  • • Laser-leveled posts for proper gate function
  • • Gate posts reinforced with double concrete footers
  • • All cuts and connections meet structural standards
4

Gate Hardware Installation (Day 2)

After concrete cures (24 hours), we install gates with TrueClose® self-closing hinges and Magna-Latch® self-latching mechanisms.

Quality Check: Each gate is tested 10+ times from various angles to ensure it closes and latches reliably from any position. We adjust tension until perfect.

5

Final Inspection Preparation

Before your building inspector arrives, we conduct our own 15-point inspection checklist covering every code requirement. We provide you with documentation showing compliance.

Inspection Day Support: We can meet the building inspector on-site if requested to answer technical questions and demonstrate gate function.

Pool Fence Questions & Answers

What are Virginia's pool fence requirements?

Virginia law (§ 15.2-921) requires pools deeper than 2 feet to have a barrier fence at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool. The latch release must be at least 54 inches from the ground. Vertical picket spacing cannot exceed 1.75 inches, and bottom clearance must be under 2 inches.

How much does a pool fence cost in Richmond VA?

Pool fence costs in Richmond typically range from $40-$60 per linear foot for aluminum (most popular for pools), $35-$50 per foot for vinyl, and $30-$45 per foot for wood. Most residential pool perimeters (60-100 linear feet) cost $2,400-$6,000 installed including code-compliant self-closing gates.

Can I use my existing fence as a pool barrier?

Maybe. Your existing fence must meet all Virginia pool code requirements: minimum 48-inch height, gaps no larger than 1.75 inches, bottom clearance under 2 inches, and self-closing/self-latching gates. If your existing fence doesn't meet these standards, you'll need a compliant barrier or modifications to pass inspection.

Do I need a permit for a pool fence in Chesterfield or Henrico?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In most cases, the fence permit is bundled with your pool permit. Your pool cannot pass final inspection without an approved barrier fence. We handle coordination with local building departments to ensure compliance.

How long does pool fence installation take?

Most residential pool fence installations are completed in 1-2 days depending on perimeter length and terrain. We coordinate timing with your pool builder so the fence is ready for your final pool inspection—no delays.

Don't Let Your Pool Inspection Fail

100% code-compliant installations. Coordinated with your pool builder. Pass inspection first try—guaranteed.

Serving Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Hanover Counties