A recent CNN report says that 80% of drowning-related juvenile fatalities happen in the kids’ own backyard pool or a friend’s or relative’s swimming pool. Swimming pools provide Tulsa residents a chance to escape the hot and extreme summers of the T-Town. But pools without fencing are not just illegal but also very dangerous. That’s why the Oklahoma pool fence law is in place to make sure that young kids and unsupervised pets don’t drown in swimming areas.
Sadly, not many people are aware of these laws. They don’t know the correct height of pool fences or the materials allowed by Tulsa pool fencing regulations. That’s why this article will shed light on the nitty-gritty details of the fencing laws in Tulsa, OK. You’ll also learn why it’s easier to just let professional contractors “fence up” your swimming pool instead of doing it all on your own. Carefully read this article and hire the best contractors in town for this job!
Explaining the Basics of the Oklahoma Pool Fence Law
Drowning is a leading cause of injuries and fatalities among young kids (aged below 7). The Wave Park of Tusla was recently closed for two weeks after a teenager drowned there. That’s why fencing regulations in the United States, especially in states like Oklahoma, are very strict when it comes to securing swimming areas.
Fences restrict unauthorized access to swimming areas and accidental pool access by minors. When you don’t comply with these laws, you face fines and legal liabilities. Your insurance costs may also increase as a form of punishment.
Adhering to these laws isn’t merely about avoiding monetary penalties. You have to make your pool a secure, worry-free haven for family & friends.
So, the Oklahoma pool fence law aims to:
- Protect kids and pets from accessing the pool in an adult’s absence
- Introduce safety features to prevent drownings and injuries
- Set clear standards for creating and maintaining pool barriers
- Make homeowners comply with safety standards
The Key Components of the Pool Fence Laws in Oklahoma
Pools in Oklahoma (chiefly Tulsa) deeper than 24 inches need an enclosure meeting the usual safety standards based on codes like the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). Your municipalities may set extra requirements. But we’ll discuss essential statewide rules all pool owners have to follow. These Tulsa pool fencing regulations are important for you:
Minimum Fence Height
The fence has to be 48 inches tall. You’ll measure it from the finished ground level on the outer side of the fence. The height is the bare minimum that prevents kids from accessing the area in the absence of adults. This height prevents kids from climbing over the fence. Safety experts may also recommend taller fences. Like 54 inches tall or even 60 inches! These variations arise when something like a tree or patio furniture could help a kid climb over the fence.
Fence Openings and Gaps
The fence shouldn’t allow the passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter (or larger) through any gaps/openings. They include the ones under the fence or between its vertical & horizontal rails. If your fence has horizontal rails less than 45 inches from the ground, you have to make sure that these rails face the pool side (to discourage kids from climbing them from the outside).
The vertical clearance between the fence bottom and ground mustn’t be more than 2 inches on grass or gravel surfaces. It shouldn’t be more than 4 inches on concrete and paved surfaces. This way, kids won’t get easy access to the swimming area when nobody’s supervising them.
Gate Design & Hardware
All gates that provide access to the pool area have to be self-closing. It means that they must close on their own and get self-latched. That’s why they prevent kids from entering the pool area by mistake. The latch has to be located 54 inches from the ground to stop small children or pets from accessing it.
Your gates must open on the outside to lessen the risk of kids pushing them open unsupervised. They should be maintained as well to close and latch safely without fail at all times. That’s how gates are made secure!
Barrier Completeness
The fence needs to create a complete enclosure around the pool area. Any area holding water over 24 inches deep must come inside this enclosure. It even includes spas and hot tubs.
The enclosure can’t have gaps or spaces that allow entry from other parts of the yard or house. If they do, you must put up self-closing doors and alarms there to prevent drownings.
Material & Maintenance
Oklahoma laws don’t specify which fencing materials you should use. But the fence needs to be very durable and sturdy. It should be in good shape. You can choose something like wood, vinyl, aluminum, wrought iron, or chain link. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining their fences and repairing damage, rust, or rot to keep the enclosure safe and compliant continuously.
The Intricacies of Tulsa Pool Fencing Laws
“Tulsa’s City Council is looking into whether to raise height requirements for swimming pool fences. The city ordinance now requires barriers around residential pools to be at least four feet high. But some are concerned that fences may not be tall enough to prevent tragedies.” (Source)
| Height & surrounding fence | Your Tulsa pool fence has to be at least 48 inches tall (we measure it above finished ground). It must surround the pool area completely without leaving gaps. |
| Gate hardware & operation | Your gates need to have self-closing & self-latching mechanisms. Place the latch at least 54 inches above grade. The gates will swing outward away from the pool area. |
| ASTM compliance | Your fences and gates must comply with the standards created by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). |
| Extra security features | If your house wall is part of the barrier, you should look into extra security measures like self-latching devices on doors and alarms. Keep in mind that these extra security features may become a necessity if you have kids younger than 7 or pets at home. |
| Permits & inspections | You should get proper permits for the Tulsa building department. Once installed, inspections will be done to make sure that your pool fence meets all code requirements before your swimming pool is declared safe for usage and occupancy. |
Choose Fortitude Fencing for Safe, Code-Compliant Tulsa Pool Fences
If you’re looking for an ideal fence contractor based in Tulsa, you can go with Fortitude Fencing without hesitation. They specialize in designing, installing, maintaining, & repairing pool fences to ensure compliance with the Oklahoma pool fence law. With their help, you can easily enjoy your swimming pool safely & legally. Here’s what you get when you hire them:
- You may consult them on legal requirements and building materials
- Get a custom fence design for better functionality and curb appeal
- They will provide professional installation with compliance measurement
- They also take care of handling permits and inspection coordination
- Your fences will be well-maintained and kept in a very optimal condition
Materials & Design Considerations
| Aluminum or wrought iron fencing | Vinyl fencing | Wood fencing | Mesh safety & privacy fencing |
| Strong, decorative, ornamental, and rust-resistant (ideal for downtown Tulsa) | Low-maintenance option with availability in different heights & styles | Common in Tulsa but requires regular maintenance and offers more privacy | These ones are removable & comply with safety codes for temporary barriers |
Secure Your Oklahoma Pool Today
Whether you have a public swimming pool or an indoor pool, it must be fenced up right away. And it’s smarter to let professionals build the fence instead of constructing a fence DIY. You should follow the Oklahoma pool fence law when building a fence; these regulations dictate the correct height, hardware specs, material durability, and maintenance requirement details for your fence. That’s why you can successfully prevent tragedies and secure your pool areas.
Working with qualified local contractors like Fortitude Fencing is the perfect way to make sure that your pool meets all Tulsa pool fencing demands. The crew at Fortitude Fencing has a lot of experience building residential + commercial fences. Contact them right away for all your residential fencing needs in Broken Arrow. Build a safe home with a fenced indoor pool!
FAQs: Oklahoma Pool Fence Law
Do above-ground pools require fencing?
Yes, above-ground pools have to be fenced if they have water levels deeper than 24 inches. This fencing would prevent unsupervised access to the swimming area.
Can I use my house wall as part of the pool barrier?
If that’s the case with your indoor pool, any doors leading directly from the house to your pool have to be self-enclosing or self-latching. Put an alarm there to prevent casual access.
What happens if my fence doesn’t comply with local regulations?
You may face penalties like fines, increased insurance premiums, liability concerns (especially if someone sustains injuries), and the requirement to upgrade your fence.
Do Tulsa pool fencing regulations mandate pool alarms?
The law doesn’t mandate pool alarms, but they come highly recommended. That’s because pool alarms become an extra layer of security for your doors and gates.