Tucson has a long swimming season and a lot of backyard pools, and Arizona law treats the barrier around one as a safety device. Under A.R.S. 36-1681, a pool at a home where a child under six lives must be enclosed by a wall, fence or barrier at least 5 feet high, measured on the outside. It can have no opening that a 4-inch ball could pass through and no handholds or footholds a child could climb, and it must sit at least 20 inches back from the water's edge.
Gates get the most attention from inspectors. The statute requires a gate to close and latch by itself, to open outward from the pool, and to have its latch at least 54 inches above the ground, or else be locked with a key or combination. The law lets a city or county adopt its own pool barrier ordinance as long as it is at least as strict, so we check the City of Tucson or Pima County rule for your address before we order anything.
Most Tucson yards already have a block wall on the lot line, and that wall may or may not qualify as the barrier. Often the practical answer is a separate fence between the house and the pool. Powder-coated steel or aluminum with narrow picket spacing is the usual choice because it keeps the view, takes the sun and gives a child nothing to climb. Removable mesh fencing is another option some owners ask about. We build to the written requirements and to the inspector's notes.
Pool fences in Tucson: common questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Tucson?
Arizona law, A.R.S. 36-1681, sets at least 5 feet measured on the outside of the barrier. A city or county may be stricter but not looser, so we confirm the local rule for your address.
Does the block wall around my yard count as the pool barrier?
It can, if it is tall enough on the outside, has nothing climbable against it and every gate in it closes and latches by itself. If the house forms one side of the enclosure, the state law has separate rules for doors and windows that open to the pool area.
My pool gate will not latch. Can you fix only the gate?
Yes. Most failures are a hinge spring that has lost tension, a post that has moved or a latch set too low. We can re-hang the gate, fit self-closing hinges and raise the latch to the required height.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.