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Arizona Pool Fence Laws - Children or No Children

Posted by: Craig Knapp
August 13, 2009
Topic: Pool Safety

Arizona has state and city laws that you must follow regarding your pool.  In 1991, Arizona passed a pool barrier law (A.R.S. § 33-1681), which requires an enclosure surrounding a pool area.  However, cities and counties can adopt their own ordinances or codes as long as they are equal to, or more stringent, than the state law.  Check your city codes/ordinances because they vary widely depending on where you live.  

What is a pool barrier/fence?  Generally, it's a fence or wall seperating the pool from the house or a motorized pool cover requiring a key switch to operate.  Depending on the age of the children in your home, and the law applicable to your city, a wall around your yard may be sufficient. 

Who is required to have a pool fence/barrier?  All residential swimming pools must be enclosed by a barrier.  Families with children under six must also have a barrier blocking access to the pool from the house.  Some cities allow door alarms in place of the pool barrier.  Also, certain homes are exempt depending on when they were built.  However, most homes must be brought up to code if remodeled or sold.

I recently represented a family who lost their 1 year-old boy when renting a home.  He slipped out of sight through a doggy door and drowned.  Sadly, the landlord failed to put up a pool fence as required under the city code.  A child drowning is always preventable.  Know your pool barrier laws and watch your child.  


The Knapp & Roberts law firm represents serious injury and wrongful death clients throughout Arizona, including the communities of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Queen Creek, Apache Junction, Goodyear, Tucson, Flagstaff, and Yuma in the Valley of the Sun - Maricopa County, Pinal County, Coconino County, Yuma County, and Gila County.