Scottsdale has a great many backyard pools, and both the state and the city regulate the barrier around them. Arizona's statute, A.R.S. 36-1681, applies to a home where a child under six lives. It calls for an enclosure at least 5 feet high with no opening a 4-inch ball can pass through, set at least 20 inches from the water, with gates that close and latch by themselves, open outward from the pool and carry the latch at least 54 inches above the ground.
The state law lets a city adopt its own rule as long as it is equal or stricter, and Scottsdale has done that through its building code, Scottsdale Revised Code chapter 31. The city also publishes specific barrier rules for short-term rentals: a 60-inch perimeter barrier that cannot be easily climbed, self-closing and self-latching gates with the latch at 54 inches, and a second barrier or alarms between the house and the pool. We check which requirements apply to your property before we design anything.
The usual build is powder-coated steel or aluminum with narrow picket spacing, which keeps the view and gives a child nothing to climb. Removable mesh is another option owners ask about for the line between the house and the water. The yard's block wall may or may not qualify as part of the barrier, depending on its height on the outside and what is stacked or planted against it.
Pool fences in Scottsdale: common questions
How tall must a pool fence be in Scottsdale?
State law sets at least 5 feet, and Scottsdale's short-term rental rules call for 60 inches. The city's code decides the detail for your pool, and we confirm it before building.
Does my block wall count as the pool barrier?
It can if it is tall enough on the outside, has nothing climbable beside it and every gate in it closes and latches by itself. An inspector makes the final call.
I rent my house short term. Are the rules different?
Yes. Scottsdale publishes pool barrier requirements for short-term rentals that include a secondary barrier or door and window alarms. We build to that list.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.