State Code

• The state of Washington enforces the installation and specifications of protective pool safety barriers in Chapter 246-260-031(4) of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). The legislation is intended to enhance the safety of small children, the elderly and the disabled and protect them from accidental drowning or near-drowning in residential and recreational swimming pools.
  
  

Chain Link Fences

• Residents of the city of Kennewick, Washington, are therefore bound by the same mandates as all residents of the state. A primary consideration in the code is ensuring that children are unable to gain a foothold and climb over any protective barrier. Chain link fencing with openings greater than 1 and 1/4 inch must be avoided.
  
  

Spaces and Grade

• To keep children from sliding through fence slats, the spacing on vertical fences must not exceed 4 inches. Additionally, no more than 4 inches may exist between the bottom of the fence and the ground or grade. "Avoid locating both landscape architecture and items such as barbecues, benches, etc. within 60 inches of the outside of the barrier," urges the Washington State Department of Health.