Pool Safety Recommendations

Arizona Department of Health Services Pool Safety Recommendations

• A child should never be left unattended in the pool or pool area.
• A child should always be watched when in or around the pool area.  Floatation devices & swimming lessons aren’t supervision.
• CPR instructions and the 911 emergency number should be posted in the pool area.
• All residential pool owners should attend water rescue and CPR classes.
• Lifesaving equipment should be easily accessible and stored in the pool area.
• A phone should be located in the pool area or easily accessible in case of an emergency.
• All gate locks and latches should be checked regularly to insure they are working properly.
• A gate should never be left open. All items that could be used to climb a pool barrier should be removed from around the barrier.

Pool Enclosure Requirements

• Entirely enclose the pool area
• Be at least 5 feet high
• Not have openings, handholds, or footholds that can be used to climb the barrier
• Have no openings through which an object 4 inches in diameter can pass
• Be at least 20 inches from the water’s edge
• Prevent direct access from the house to the pool

If the wall of the residence forms part of the pool enclosure, there must be:

• A barrier at least 4 feet high between the residence and the pool, or
• A motorized pool cover that has a key switch & meets the American Society of Testing/Materials (ASTM) standards in F1346-91
• Self-latching devices on all doors with direct access to the pool, and
• Self-latching devices at least 54 inches above the floor on all emergency or rescue windows with direct access to the pool or pool area, and for all other open able windows with access to the pool or pool area, screwed in place wire more than 4 inches, or self-latching devices at least 54 inches above the floor

Gate Requirements A.R.S. 36-1681(B)(3) requires that all gates for the pool enclosure be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward from the pool. The latches must be:

• Located at least 54 inches above the ground; or
• If on the pool side, with a release mechanism, located at least 5 inches below the top of the gate, and so that no opening greater than 1/2 inch is within 24 inches of the release mechanism; or
• Secured at any height if secured by a padlock or similar devices that requires a key, electronic opener, or integral combination 

Above Ground Pool A.R.S. 36-1681(C)(4) requires that the exterior sides of an aboveground pool are no climbable and a minimum of 4 feet high. Any access ladder or steps must be secured and locked or removed when the pool is not in use. Remember: 1.  Supervision is the only way to prevent drowning. 2.  Never leave a child unattended in the water or pool area. And always watch a child when in the water or pool area. In an emergency: 1.  Shout for help. 2.  Pull the child from the water. 3.  Call 911 (or the local emergency number) for help. Use CPR.