Comparison
Inner fence, safety cover, or door latches?
When your house wall is one side of the pool enclosure, state law requires an added protection. Here is the one we would pick in each situation.
This is an independent referral guide. It connects homeowners with independent providers and may receive compensation. It is not a licensed contractor and it does not do the work.
The short answer
If young children live in or visit the home, pick an inner fence between the house and the pool. It protects even when someone forgets. Choose a motorized safety cover if a fence would ruin a small yard and you will close the cover every time. Use door and window latches only in a home without young children, and confirm Gilbert accepts it for your design.
What the statute lists
A.R.S. 36-1681 says that when a residence forms part of the enclosure, there must be one of these:
- A wall, fence, or barrier at least 4 feet tall between the house and the pool, meeting the opening, gate, and climbing rules
- A motorized safety cover operated by a key switch that meets the referenced ASTM emergency standard
- Self latching devices on ground level doors with direct pool access, plus latches or limits on windows
- An above ground pool with non climbable sides at least 4 feet tall
Pick an inner fence if
- Children under six live in or often visit the home.
- You want protection that does not rely on a habit.
- You can plan around Gilbert's rules. The Town's policy says internal fences over 3 feet need permits and inspections, and that raised planters, decks, water features, and similar climbable items should be at least 3 feet from a pool fence. See internal fences.
Pick a motorized safety cover if
- The yard is small and a fence would cut it in half.
- Everyone in the house will close it every time. A cover only protects when it is closed. See safety covers.
- You also want less evaporation and heat loss. See covers for water and heat.
Pick door and window latches if
- No young children live in or visit the home.
- You understand every qualifying door and window must comply. The statute sets 54 inch latch heights and window screen or lock rules. See doors and windows.
Where we land
An inner fence is the safest default for families. A cover is a good fit for small yards with disciplined owners. Latches meet the minimum, so treat them as the starting point, not the plan, if grandchildren visit. Many families combine options.
Questions
Does Gilbert follow the state law exactly?
The statute lets cities with their own equal or stricter ordinance apply their own rules. Check Gilbert's policy for your design. See exemptions and local rules.
Can I add a fence later?
Yes, but it may need its own permit. Plan the gate locations now.
Sources
Public pages, linked so you can read the source yourself. Rules change, so confirm the current version with the agency before you rely on it.
Start with the backyard
Tell us the subdivision, the yard size, and how wide the side gate is.