If you’re having a pool installed or if you have realized it’s time to replace and upgrade your existing pool fence, you may have heard the term “B.O.C.A. code”. What is this code and how does it apply to pool fences?
Facts About The B.O.C.A. Code
B.O.C.A. stands for Building Officials and Code Administrators. This organization was the official group that created standard construction codes until 1994. At that time, it was absorbed into another group known as the International Code Council (ICC).
It was B.O.C.A. that first created any sort of code regarding the design pool fences, so while the organization no longer exists, this code is still frequently referred to by the original name.
Pool fence codes exist to ensure that pool owners, both private and public, create a space that is safe for all visitors. Each year, pool fences help to prevent the near drowning or drowning of children.
This pool fence code states that fences:
- Should be no shorter than 48 inches high;
- Should not have a gap of more than 2 inches between the bottom rail and the ground;
- Should have no openings between rails or pickets greater than 4 inches to prevent objects (and children) from passing through;
- Should not be climbable;
- Should have gates that are self closing, open outward from the pool, and have a self locking mechanism;
All pool fences must be four sided. It is permissible to use an existing wall of a home as one of the sides.
Every state, county, city, and town in the United States uses this as a foundation for the pool code in that local area. Some areas have created even stricter rules regarding pool fences.
Can Vinyl Fencing Be Used For Pool Fence?
Yes, every major fencing material can be used for pool fences and vinyl is no exception. Vinyl is a great choice for pool fencing because it is:
- Waterproof: Pool owners don’t have to worry about their fence molding or rotting from exposure to rain, snow, ice, and of course, pool water!
- Durable: Vinyl can withstand exposure to temperature extremes, sand, sun, and wind.
- Low-Maintenance: Simply check regularly for damage and occasionally wash the fence and that’s all the maintenance that is needed!
Plastic Lumber Yard offers a large selection of fences that meet pool code, including our entire Privacy Fence line and various designs available in our Yard and Picket Fencing sections. The appropriate fencing is marked “Pool Code”.
Easy-To-Install Pool Fences
If you’re interested in installing your own pool fence, you’ve come to the right place!
Each vinyl pool fence we sell comes with a complete set of installation instructions. For do-it-yourself installation, we recommend having the following tools:
- String Line
- Tape Measure
- Circular Saw
- Fine Tooth Blade
- Power Drill
- ⅛’’ Bit
- Post Hole Digger
- Shovel
- Vice Grip Wrench
- Rubber Mallet
With help from one or two friends, installation can be completed within 1-2 days.
Questions About Pool Fencing? Call Us!
Plastic Lumber Yard is here to answer all of your pool fencing questions. Call us at (610) 277-3900, email us at info@plasticlumberyard.com, or use our online chat. One of our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.
