• Welcome to the new and improved Building Code Forum. We appreciate you being here and hope that you are getting the information that you need concerning all codes of the building trades. This is a free forum to the public due to the generosity of the Sawhorses, Corporate Supporters and Supporters who have upgraded their accounts. If you would like to have improved access to the forum please upgrade to Sawhorse by first logging in then clicking here: Upgrades

Horizontal fence boards

Sol

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2009
Messages
16
Can you have horizontal fence boards in a pool barrier? What would be the maximum spacing between boards?
 
305.2.5 Closely spaced horizontal members.

Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on the aquatic vessel side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width.

305.2.6 Widely spaced horizontal members.

Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width.
 
mtlogcabin is providing sections from the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.

What if you did't adopt the ISPSC?
 
Chapter 31?

3109.4.1.1 Openings.

Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.3109.4.1.2 Solid barrier surfaces.

Solid barriers which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.3109.4.1.3 Closely spaced horizontal members.

Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width. 3109.4.1.4 Widely spaced horizontal members.

Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 1.75 inches (44 mm) in width.
 
The fence has post every four feet and then horizontal boards attached to the post. There are no vertical boards. This would look like a ladder if there was 4inch spacing between board.
 
steveray,

IBC Chapter 31, Looks pretty darn close to the ISPSC requirements.

pc1
 
Sol said:
The fence has post every four feet and then horizontal boards attached to the post. There are no vertical boards. This would look like a ladder if there was 4inch spacing between board.
No gap would be allowed.
 
Top