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Owning a swimming pool in Kitchener-Waterloo can be a delightful addition to any home, providing a refreshing oasis during hot summer months and offering countless hours of enjoyment for family and friends. However, as a responsible pool owner, it is essential to prioritize safety and adhere to local regulations. In this blog post, we will explore the fencing pool code in Kitchener-Waterloo to ensure your pool area meets all necessary safety requirements and compliance standards. Please be sure to check your local municipalities pool code to ensure you are installing a legal pool enclosure.

 

Importance of Pool Fencing

 

Pool fencing or a pool enclosure serves as a crucial safety measure to prevent accidents, especially involving young children and pets. It creates a physical barrier that restricts unauthorized access to the pool, reducing the risk of drowning incidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children aged 1 to 4 years old. In Kitchener-Waterloo, local authorities take pool safety seriously, and adhering to the fencing pool code is not just a legal requirement but also a moral responsibility.

 

Kitchener-Waterloo Pool Fencing Regulations

 

The Region of Waterloo, which includes Kitchener and Waterloo, has specific regulations in place for pool owners. These regulations are designed to ensure maximum safety around swimming pools. Some key points of the pool fencing code include:

 

Fence Height and Construction: The minimum fence height depends on the type of fence material used and measured from the finished ground level outside the fence (depending on the material). It should be constructed with materials that are sturdy and durable, such as metal, wood, or vinyl.

 

• Wood fence must be a minimum of 5 feet tall (1.52m). Horizontal cross rails must be at least 48" (1.22m) in vertical distance from one another as well. Board on board wood fence (commonly referred to as friendly-neighbour fence) must have gaps between boards no larger than 1.5 inches (38 mm). Resolut Fence and Deck's famous board on batten fence is always a safe bet for a pool enclosure. The middle horizontal rail just has to be offset to meet the requirements for a legal pool enclosure. Rails should always be placed on the inside of the pool enclosure to prevent easy climbing.
• Chain link fence must be atleast 5 feet (1.52m) to meet requirements for a legal pool enclosure. Though, if chain link is 5 feet (1.52m) high, the diamonds must be 1.5 inches (38mm). A 6 foot (1.8m) high chain link fence in Waterloo is permitted to have 2 inch wide diamonds. Kitchener does not allow 2 inch diamonds at all for chain link fence pool enclosures.  
• Ornamental fence must be 5 feet (1.52m) high to be permitted. Ornamental fence is exempt from the 1.5 inch opening rule but pickets still must be less than 4 inch (10 cm) from one another to be considered a legal pool enclosure. 

Ground Clearance for all fence types to be deemed a legal pool enclosure must not have a space or gap larger than 2 inches or 50mm underneath the fence. The requirement is 4 inches (10cm) in Kithcener for ground clearance. We at Resolut Fence and Deck will be able to guide you through the pool enclosure best practises to ensure you will be following the rules and avoiding hefty fines from installing an illegal pool enclsoure. 

 

Gates and Latches: Access gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be positioned at least 1.22 meters (4 feet) above the ground to prevent easy access by young children. Additionally, the gate should open outward from the pool area. Horizontal bracing should be located on the inside of the pool enclosure fence (typically for wood fencing) to prevent easy climbing. When the situation of a double gate arises, one of the gates must have a self closing device afixed. The gate without the self closing device must have most commonly known as a cane bolt installed so it is able to remain permanently fixated when closed.

 

Clear Zone: There should be a clear zone around the exterior of the fence, extending at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) from the outside of the fence. This area should be free from any objects that could be used to climb over the fence. If a fence is within this distance that would not meet the pool enclsoure requirements, you will need to build an 8 feet (2.4m) tall pool fence enclosure to meet the non-climbability clause.

 

Climbable Components: The fence should not have any horizontal bars or components that could be easily climbed, preventing children from gaining access over the barrier.

 

Permits and Inspections: Prior to installing a pool fence, homeowners may need to obtain permits from the local municipality. After installation, the fence may be subject to inspection to ensure compliance with the code. For a new pool, it will always be the case that an inspection will be required for a fence installation or existing fence.

 

 

Selecting the Right Pool Fence

Choosing the right pool fence is essential to meet both safety requirements and aesthetic preferences. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a pool fence:

 

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Material: Opt for durable materials like aluminum, steel, or vinyl that can withstand the outdoor elements and require minimal maintenance.

 

Visibility: Ensure the fence provides adequate visibility, allowing you to monitor the pool area from different angles.

 

Aesthetics: Select a design that complements your home and landscaping, adding beauty to your outdoor space.

 

Durability: The fence should be sturdy and long-lasting, providing years of reliable protection.

 

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As a responsible pool owner in Kitchener-Waterloo, complying with the pool fencing code is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step in preventing potential accidents and protecting lives. Other municipalities will have similar bylaws as Kitchener-Waterloo does for their pool enclsures. Be sure to check your local municipality to avoid hefty fines if you're caught with an illegal pool enclsure. Prioritize safety by installing a secure and compliant pool fence, adhering to the height, gate, and material requirements set by the local regulations. Contact us at Resolut Fence and Deck. Remember, pool safety is a shared responsibility, and every precaution you take can make a significant difference in protecting your loved ones and promoting a safer community. So, let's pool our efforts together for a safer and enjoyable swimming experience in Kitchener-Waterloo!