Residential Building Inspector B1Public Safety and Special ConstructionMedium
A residential swimming pool is being installed, and a barrier is required to enclose the pool area. What is the maximum allowable vertical clearance between the bottom of the barrier and the finished grade or walking surface?
- A3 inches (76 mm)
- B1 inch (25 mm)
- C4 inches (102 mm)
- D2 inches (51 mm)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. 2 inches (51 mm)
To prevent small children from crawling under the barrier, the maximum allowable vertical clearance between the bottom of the pool barrier and the finished grade or walking surface is 2 inches (51 mm). This is a critical safety measure.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This clearance is too large and would allow a small child to pass under.
- B. This clearance is tighter than required by code.
- C. This clearance is significantly too large and would pose a safety hazard.
Pool Barrier Ground Clearance
The maximum vertical gap permitted between the bottom of a swimming pool barrier and the ground or walking surface.
- Applies to all pool barriers
- Maximum 2 inches (51 mm) clearance
- Prevents small children from crawling under
Memory trick: Two inches or less, for pool safety success.