• Welcome to The Building Code Forum

    Your premier resource for building code knowledge.

    This forum remains free to the public thanks to the generous support of our Sawhorse Members and Corporate Sponsors. Their contributions help keep this community thriving and accessible.

    Want enhanced access to expert discussions and exclusive features? Learn more about the benefits here.

    Ready to upgrade? Log in and upgrade now.

Pool fencing rules for sunken pool

Bouldercroft

REGISTERED
Joined
Sep 20, 2025
Messages
2
Location
Metro Boston
We have a considerable slope in our backyard with an in-ground pool at the bottom. The sloped access down the side has a 4ft fence running down it with a gate at the bottom and the far perimeter is fenced.
From the upper part of the yard we just had a retaining wall installed and the slope cut back to make more level grass area around the pool deck. The retaining wall is about 10-12 ft away from the pool deck and is 4ft above the new grade at the bottom of it.
My question is, do we need to re-install the fence (which was across the slope) now that there's a terrace formed by the retaining wall? I'm sure landscaped terracing wouldn't need a fence, but do we need one as there is a pool at the bottom of the terracing. If you stand on the pool deck there is a 4ft barrier, but if you're at the top you could jump down off the wall and be at the pool deck grade.
 
Thanks. It seemed like it would have to be viewed from the outside in. Am I right in thinking if the pool wasn't there, the terrace wall does not need a fence just because of the 4ft drop beyond it?
 
Back
Top