• March 13, 2019
• CMZ Law
• no comments

Do I legally need a fence around my pool?

Summer time in Texas is hot, and swimming pools offer people of all ages much needed relief from the heat. Millions of pools dot the landscape across Texas, from residential pools to public pools, water parks, and much more. With proper supervision in a safely constructed pool, swimming is an enjoyable activity. At times, however, pools become the site of drowning and other serious accidents.

Already in Texas, pool accidents have claimed the lives of at least two children. In Fort Worth, an eight-year-old boy recently died after sustaining head injuries in a residential pool. Further details as to the cause of the accident are still pending. In Richmond, another eight-year-old drowned in a pool accident in a community pool. The child did not know how to swim and on duty guards attempted CPR, but he later passed away.

Texas Pool Regulations

Texas has passed several regulations regarding residential pools in an effort to keep children safe. Texas homeowners must have a minimum four-foot-high barrier around a pool. The barrier cannot be chain link and must be free of large gaps. Pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the ability to be locked. Latches should be located on the upper inside of the door to prevent children from opening the gate.

When the wall of the house is considered a boundary, you must install an alarm on any doors and windows that open to the pool area. Alarm bypass features should not be within reach of children. Local governments have their own laws regarding pool safety, so always check with your local authority before installing a pool.

Keeping Your Children Safe at the Pool

You can enjoy the water with your child worry free this summer by following some important safety tips: