- Height: typically 5 ft minimum, measured on the outside.
- No climbing: vertical bars, no horizontal rails a child can use, no gaps to squeeze through.
- Self-closing hinges so the gate shuts on its own.
- Self-latching lock on the pool side or out of a child’s reach.
- Swings away from the pool and latches every time without being lifted.
The five things inspectors check
Rules vary a little from town to town, but every inspector we meet looks at the same five things. Miss one and you have to rebook. In May, that can cost you weeks.
- Height: typically 5 ft minimum, measured on the outside
- No horizontal rails a child can climb, and no gaps a child can squeeze through
- Self-closing hinges and a self-latching lock, with the latch on the pool side or out of reach
- Gates swing away from the pool and latch every time without being lifted
- The enclosure is continuous. Where a house wall forms part of it, that section needs alarms or compliant doors, where those are allowed.
Materials that work around a pool
Ornamental iron is the classic pool fence. You keep the view, it resists climbing, and it’s code-friendly.
Vinyl privacy and tight-mesh chain link also pass when they’re built to the spacing rules. We build all three around decks, rock and retaining walls, which are common on Lakefield and riverside lots.
More on pool enclosures, ornamental iron and vinyl.
Book before the spring rush
A pool fence is usually a 1 to 2 day install, but spring books up fast. Call in late winter or early spring so the materials arrive before opening day.
We schedule around your pool opener and leave the yard ready for inspection. Contact us to book.
Common questions
How high does a pool fence have to be in Ontario?
Most municipalities around here require at least 5 ft (1.5 m), with self-closing, self-latching gates. The exact wording varies by town, so we confirm the rules for yours before we quote.
Can I use chain link to enclose a pool?
Yes, if it's tight mesh at the proper height, with compliant gates. Iron and vinyl are more popular for looks, but chain link passes when it's built to code.
Related services
We build this in