Height

• The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has established a list of guidelines to help consumers make decisions concerning the various attributes of swimming pool safety fences. Primary among those is the suggestion that any fence hold a minimum height of at least 48 inches on the side of the barrier facing away from the pool.
  
  

Spacing

• Fences standards include both horizontal and vertical members, although it is suggested that the spacing of vertical bars not exceed 1- ¾ inches -- the measurement intended to ensure that small children are unable to gain a foothold. Suggestions are similar for chain link fences. "The mesh size should not exceed 1-1/4 inches square," advises the CPSC.
  
  (Ref 1)
  
  

Laws

• The U.S. federal government has not mandated any nationwide fence standards for swimming pools, leaving that legislation to state and local governments. A wide variety of local laws are enforced, most of which are similar to the guidelines suggested by the CPSC. Homeowners should consult their local governments for specific area laws.