All-Safe’s only focus is pool safety. Whether you’re a homeowner, a foster parent, or preparing for a building inspection, figuring out what’s required can be confusing. That’s because pool safety regulations vary widely by location, agency, and installation type.
In many cases, families choose to install All-Safe products for added peace of mind — not because the law requires it. But when code compliance is required, you may need to meet specific standards — such as local building codes or national safety standards like ASTM F2286 for removable mesh pool fencing or ASTM F1346 for safety pool covers and nets.
Looking for help with ASTM compliance specifically? Read our ASTM Pool Fence Compliance Guide »
Important: All-Safe cannot guarantee your installation will pass inspection. We strongly recommend checking with your local building department or agency before installation if you’re being asked to meet specific compliance requirements.
Every city or county can set its own building code rules for pool safety — and those rules can vary widely. To make things more complex, individual inspectors may interpret these rules differently.
If you’re installing a pool safety product that will be inspected, it’s important to ask questions up front.
Will the product I’m using (e.g., mesh fence, pool cover) be accepted?
Is there a required fence height? (Most often 60 inches)
Do they require a self-closing, self-latching gate?
Does the fence need to be permanently installed?
Are there restrictions on the layout or placement?
How far does the barrier need to be from the pool edge?
While most codes reference ASTM F2286 for removable fencing, they may not follow the layout standards from ASTM. Ultimately, compliance is determined by your local jurisdiction and the inspector reviewing your property.
If your pool safety barrier is being installed to meet the requirements of a licensed adoption agency, daycare, or foster care inspection, stricter rules may apply.
Mesh fence that meets ASTM F2286
Fence must be at least 60 inches tall
Fence must block all access points to the pool
Gate must be self-closing, self-latching, and key-lockable
Pool covers are generally not accepted for these use cases. Even ASTM-approved covers may fail inspection if they allow water to pass through or cannot support the weight of an adult during an inspection test.
Some agencies accept automatic pool covers (which meet ASTM F1346 and can support weight).
Safety nets (also ASTM F1346) may be accepted for private foster or adoption agencies, which tend to be more lenient.
Always check directly with the agency or inspector before installation. Requirements can vary by county or case type.
As of January 1, 2018, California enacted the Swimming Pool Safety Act (SPSA) through SB 442. This law increases the safety requirements for residential pools and spas when a building permit is pulled or a home is sold.
While All-Safe is based in California and many of our examples reference CA pool safety laws, we work with families and professionals across the country. Pool fence code requirements can vary significantly by state, county, or city, so it’s important to understand what applies in your area.
Here are some examples:
Here’s what we recommend if you’re located outside of California:
ASTM F2286 for removable mesh pool fencing
ASTM F1346 for safety pool covers and nets
Disclaimer: The information provided above is based on regulations available as of May 2025. Pool safety laws and building codes are subject to change and may vary by locality. We strongly recommend verifying the current requirements with your local building department or relevant authorities to ensure compliance.
We understand how frustrating it can be to install a fence and later be told it doesn’t meet code. If this happens:
Contact your reseller to determine what updates or changes are needed
If you installed a 4-foot fence but need a 5-foot fence, the fence cannot simply be extended — a new, taller fence must be installed
Any modifications or product changes will be the responsibility of the pool owner
Tip: Before installation, check with your local agency or inspector if you anticipate needing to meet specific code requirements.
Some inspectors may reject pool covers that don’t meet certain ASTM standards — or that allow water to pass through during testing.
If your cover fails inspection:
Reach out to the reseller who installed the product
Depending on the situation, you may need to replace the cover entirely
Costs for replacement or upgrades are typically the responsibility of the homeowner
Important: Always verify code compliance before purchasing or installing a safety cover if inspection approval is required.
Pool safety laws and inspection requirements can be confusing — but we’re here to help.
Learn more about ASTM Fence requirements: Understanding ASTM Pool Fence Compliance>>
Need compliance info for pool nets or covers? (Coming soon)
Shop ASTM-compliant products: View Pool Fencing Options>>
If you’re not sure what rules apply to your project, we always recommend contacting your local agency, inspector, or reseller before installation.
It is very important to understand that having an ASTM Compliant product installed no way guarantees that your installation will pass any inspection.
Enter in your zip code to let us know where your pool is located.
Due to the many variations in monitors, phones, and browsers, color samples and product examples may appear different on different screens. Computers and mobile devices are not all calibrated equally and color reproduction on the Internet is not precise. The same is true for printed items such as brochures and other sales literature.
In addition, the colors of our products photograph differently under different lighting conditions. For example, photos taken in full sunlight will vary from photos taken on a cloudy or overcast day. Similarly, shadows from nearby objects can affect the color and transparency of our products. If a precise color or specific shade is important, please inspect the actual color of your product prior to installation.
Many of our products’ materials are not available through typical stores and vendors and therefore must be custom manufactured specifically for our use. In order to control costs and provide you with the best value possible, our raw materials are produced in large batches and can often take several months to receive. The colors of our materials can, and often do, vary slightly from batch to batch. Although we make every effort to minimize color variations, we cannot be responsible for these differences when they occur. If a precise color or specific shade is important, please inspect the actual color of your product prior to installation.
For example, we use the name “putty” to describe some of our products. Your idea of the color “putty” may be different than someone else’s idea of “putty”. In addition, products may have the same color name but may not be the exact same color. For example, we have different shades of “black”. Please do not order using color names as your only guide. If a precise color or specific shade is important, please inspect the actual color of your product prior to installation.
If it is important that your product be an exact color or shade, it is highly recommended that you inspect the actual product prior to its installation and address any concerns with your local independent installer. Most independent installers do not offer refunds or accept returns due to color variations.
