POOL SAFETY FENCING
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Built to Pass
Aluminum Pool Safety Fencing in Metro Detroit
A pool fence has one job: pass inspection and keep small children out. We build powder-coated aluminum pool barriers to the barrier rules Michigan inspectors enforce, with self-closing, self-latching gates and posts set 42″ below the frost line so those gates keep closing for years.
48″ Minimum Barrier Height
Self-Closing, Self-Latching Gates
Pool-Code Picket Spacing
Permit & Inspection Handled
DIRECT DISPATCH PHONE
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WHY ALUMINUM AROUND A POOL
The Pool Barrier That Passes Inspection and Still Looks Like Part of the Yard
BOCA was the national building code many Michigan towns once used. Today the pool barrier rules come from the Michigan Residential Code, which is based on the International Residential Code and the ISPSC pool code. Aluminum meets those rules cleanly.
Code-Ready Picket Spacing
Pool-style panels keep picket openings under 4 inches and bottom clearance tight, so the fence meets the climb and squeeze rules out of the box.
No 4-inch sphere passes
Gates That Close Themselves
Every pool gate swings away from the pool, closes on its own from any open position and latches without anyone touching it.
Tested before we leave
Chlorine and Splash Proof
Aluminum does not rust from pool water, chlorine or salt systems, and the powder coat will not peel the way painted steel does.
No rust at the deck edge
You Can Still See the Pool
Open pickets let you supervise swimmers from the house, which a solid privacy fence around the pool does not.
Supervision from the patio
POOL BARRIER REQUIREMENTS
What a Michigan Pool Fence Generally Has to Do
Under the International Residential Code and ISPSC rules that Michigan's code is based on, a pool barrier is generally at least 48 inches tall measured on the outside, with no more than 2 inches between the bottom and grade. Openings must not let a 4-inch sphere pass. Horizontal rails spaced less than 45 inches apart must sit on the pool side so they cannot be used as a ladder, with picket gaps no more than 1 3/4 inches. Local amendments vary, so we always confirm with your city or township building department before we build.
Gates are where pool fences fail inspection. Pedestrian gates must open outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing and self-latching. Where the latch release sits less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, it generally must be on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top, with no opening over 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. Our self-closing pool gates are set up to that rule, and the aluminum fencing around them matches.
TYPICAL POOL BARRIER RULES
Common Rule
How We Build
Barrier Height
Measured outside the pool
48″ Minimum
54″ to 60″ Panels
Bottom Gap
Grade to bottom rail
2″ Maximum
Panels Set to Grade
Openings
Between pickets
No 4″ Sphere
Pool-Code Spacing
Gate Swing
Direction of opening
Away From Pool
Outswing Every Gate
Gate Closing
Hardware
Self-Close & Latch
Spring Hinge + Latch
Latch Height
Under 54″ rule
Pool-Side Release
Magnetic Latch Set
HOW A POOL FENCE PROJECT RUNS
Measured for Code, Built for Inspection
Most pool fences take one to two days to build. The permit and the inspection date drive the schedule, so we plan backward from them.
01
Step 1
Site Visit & Barrier Layout
We measure around the pool, deck and house, and check the walls, doors and grade that can affect where the barrier must run.
Climbable objects flagged
Grade checked for 2″ gap
Gate locations planned
CODE CONFIRMED
02
Step 2
Permit, Plot Plan & Miss Dig
We confirm your building department's pool barrier rules, draw the plot plan, file the permit and call in Miss Dig 811 before digging.
Local amendments checked
Permit filed for you
Buried lines marked
03
Step 3
Build, Test & Inspect
Posts go 42 inches deep in concrete, panels are set close to grade and every gate is tested from multiple open positions before inspection.
Self-closing from any angle
Latch height verified
Ready for the inspector
Pool Opening Date or Inspection Coming Up?
Call (734) 977-0554. We prioritize pool barriers with a deadline and schedule the measure the same week when we can.
POOL FENCE OPTIONS
Pool Barrier Layouts and Add-Ons
The right setup depends on the pool type, the deck and how the house fits into the barrier.
Full Yard Perimeter
The fence encloses the whole backyard. Any house door that opens into the pool area generally needs an alarm or other protection under the code.
Pool-Only Enclosure
A dedicated fence around the pool and deck, separate from the yard fence. The cleanest way to keep kids out without closing in the whole yard. The rest of the lot can use matching decorative aluminum pickets.
Above-Ground Pools
The pool wall can sometimes serve as the barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable. Where it cannot, we fence the deck or the pool.
Removable Mesh Option
For a lower-cost or seasonal barrier, see our removable mesh pool safety barriers.
Magnetic Safety Latches
Top-pull magnetic latches mount high on the gate post so the release stays out of a child's reach and the gate latches reliably.
Wider Equipment Gates
A second, wider gate for pool service and mowers, still hung to swing out and close on its own. Driveway openings use aluminum driveway gates kept latched.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Pool Fence Questions We Hear Every Week
Answers on height, gates and what inspectors look for.
What height does a pool fence need to be in Michigan?
Under the residential code most Michigan communities use, a pool barrier is generally at least 48 inches tall measured on the side away from the pool. Some cities set a higher number, so we confirm the requirement with your building department before quoting.
What does BOCA-compliant pool fence mean today?
BOCA was a regional model code that has since been replaced by the International Codes. A fence sold as BOCA-compliant usually means it meets the same basic barrier rules: 48-inch height, small openings and self-closing, self-latching gates. What matters is the current code your inspector enforces.
Do pool gates have to be self-closing and self-latching?
Yes. Pedestrian gates in a pool barrier generally must open outward away from the pool, close on their own and latch automatically. Latches mounted below 54 inches generally must release from the pool side.
Can I use my existing fence as the pool barrier?
Sometimes. It has to meet the height, opening and gate rules, and the gates must be retrofitted with self-closing hinges and proper latches. We inspect your fence and tell you exactly what must change.
How much does an aluminum pool fence cost?
Most aluminum pool barriers in Metro Detroit land roughly between $40 and $70 per linear foot installed, plus gates. Height, slope, layout and the number of gates drive the final number on your written quote.
Is chain link allowed around a pool?
Standard 2-inch chain link mesh is often not accepted because the openings are climbable. Some codes allow chain link with mesh no larger than about 1 1/4 inches. Aluminum avoids the question entirely.
FREE POOL FENCE QUOTE
Request Your Free Pool Safety Fence Estimate
Tell us about your pool and your inspection date. We will measure, confirm local barrier rules and give you a written price.
PREFER TO CALL DIRECTLY?
Speak directly with our estimating desk for quick questions or emergency repairs.
Barrier built to local pool code
Permit and plot plan filed by us
Gates tested before inspection
Get Your Free Estimate
Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
Online Booking Open
🔒 Your contact info is strictly confidential. We never sell your data or spam you.