Pool barrier ≥ 48 in tall, ≤ 2 in ground gap, ≤ 1¾ in vertical-member spacing, self-closing self-latching gate + pool alarm
2025 RCNYS §R328 Swimming-pool barriers, alarms (NY)Description
Pools containing water > 24 in deep need a permanent barrier at least 48 in tall measured on the non-pool side, with ≤ 2 in clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier. Vertical-member spacing: ≤ 1¾ in. Horizontal members < 45 in apart must be located on the pool side of the fence. Gates: self-closing, self-latching, opening outward away from the pool, latch ≥ 54 in above floor or self-locking. Doors through a dwelling wall to a pool need an audible alarm (UL 2017) OR self-closing self-latching hardware. NY also mandates a pool alarm (ASTM F2208) for any pool installed or substantially modified after Dec 14 2006.
Why this exists
Drowning is the #1 unintentional cause of death for ages 1-4. The 48-in barrier + self-latching gate + pool alarm is the layered defense. Architects designing site work should call out the barrier on the site plan AND verify the dwelling wall (if used as part of the barrier) meets the alarm/latching alternative — most dwelling walls aren't compliant out of the box.
Measurements
| Property | Operator | Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
barrierHeight | min | 48 | in | Permanent barrier minimum height |
groundGap | max | 2 | in | Maximum gap between grade and barrier bottom |
verticalSpacing | max | 1.75 | in | Maximum vertical-member spacing |
latchHeight | min | 54 | in | Manual latch release height (alternative: self-lock) |
poolDepth | min | 24 | in | Water depth triggering barrier requirement |
Categories
Applies to
- Jurisdiction: New York State
Source
Solver enforcement
Browsable only — the solver does not currently enforce this directive (no spec-level data to check against). This entry exists so the architect personas can cite it in conversation and the user can read what the rule says.
Related directives
- Garage / dwelling fire separation · IRC R302.6
- Habitable space minimum ceiling height · IRC R305.1
- Egress window net opening dimensions · IRC R310.2
- Stair riser, tread, and headroom · IRC R311.7
- Smoke alarms required throughout dwelling · IRC R314
Last reviewed 2026-05-15.