Not having these features around your pool could see you fined - full list of regulations in every state

Federal laws mandate the safety of public pools and spas but laws around private pools vary state to state, including in some where there are no laws at all.

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Every year in the US, an average of 358 drown fatally in pools or spars, and 6,5000 visit the ER each year due to drowning related incidents.

This is why is it so important to make sure your back pool yard is safe. And it's not just children. Around 5,000 beloved family pets drown in backyard swimming pools every year too.

Child drowning prevention laws for residential pools vary across U.S. states, but many share common safety requirements aimed at protecting young children.

Federal laws mandate the safety of public pools and spas, especially the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which was enacted after seen year old Virginia Graeme Baker drowned in 2002 when she was trapped by a hot tub drain.

But laws around private pools vary state to state, including in some where there are no laws at all.

What are the residential pool safety laws in the US, state by state?

Alabama

Adopts the 2009 International Building Code, requiring pool fencing as outlined in Section 3109. Some counties, like Baldwin, Jefferson, and Mobile, have more restrictive regulations.

Alaska

No statewide pool fencing requirements for residential pools.

Arizona

Arizona law requires that pools:

• Be enclosed by a fence at least five feet high
• Have no openings greater than four inches
• Feature gates that are self-closing, self-latching, and open away from the pool

Arkansas

Requires fencing around all four sides of residential pools, with a minimum height of four feet and gaps no larger than four inches.

California

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act requires residential pools to have at least two of the following safety features:

• Isolation fencing that separates the pool from the home
• Removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate
• An approved safety pool cover
• Exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool
• Self-closing, self-latching devices on pool-access doors
• Pool alarms that sound upon detecting unauthorized entry
• Other safety measures providing equivalent protection

Fences must be at least 60 inches high, with no gaps exceeding four inches, and gates should be self-closing and self-latching.

Colorado

No statewide requirements, but cities like Denver mandate five-foot-high fencing with self-latching and self-closing gates.

Connecticut

Mandates pool fences to be at least four feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. A non-climbable zone must be maintained around the fence.

Florida

Under Florida's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, pools must be enclosed by a barrier that:

• Is at least four feet high
• Has no gaps or openings that a young child could crawl through
• Is placed sufficiently away from the water's edge to prevent immediate access

Illinois

Requires fences to be at least four feet high, with gates that open outward, self-close, and self-latch. Latches must be out of reach of young children.

Louisiana

No statewide law mandates residential pool fencing, but local municipalities may have their own regulations. The state recognizes the "attractive nuisance" doctrine, holding homeowners liable for unsupervised child drownings.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, residential pool owners must ensure:

• Fencing at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates
• Locks positioned at least four feet above ground level
• Compliance with safety standards for portable pools, diving boards, and slides

New York

New York State recommends that residential pools:

• Be surrounded by four-sided fencing that restricts access from the house
• Include self-closing and self-latching gates
• Utilize pool alarms and covers as supplementary safety measures

North Carolina

Requires fences to be at least four feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Latches must be at least 54 inches above the ground.

Tennessee

• Tennessee's Katie Beth's Law mandates that residential pools:
• Be equipped with pool alarms that sound when someone enters the water
• This law aims to alert caregivers immediately if a child enters the pool unsupervised

Texas

Texas law stipulates that residential pools must have:

• Fences at least 48 inches tall
• Self-closing and self-latching gates that open away from the pool
• Alarms on doors and windows leading directly to the pool area
• Keyless bolting devices on doors at least 36 inches above the ground

These requirements are designed to prevent accidental drownings by restricting unsupervised access.

Virginia

Mandates non-climbable barriers at least 48 inches high for pools over two feet deep. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.

Washington

Requires a four-foot-high barrier around pools, with self-closing and self-latching gates. If the house serves as one side of the barrier, doors must have alarms.