ASTM F1908-98
(Guide)Standard Guide for Fences for Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
Standard Guide for Fences for Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs, and Spas
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides recommended minimum requirements for various types of fences for residential outdoor swimming pools, hot tube, and spas.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for information only.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F 1908 – 98
Standard Guide for
Fences for Residential Outdoor Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs,
and Spas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1908; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1993 SBCCI Bluebook, Standard Swimming Pool Code
2.6 NFPA Document:
1.1 This guide provides recommended minimum require-
National Electrical Codet, NFPA 70-1996
ments for various types of fences for residential outdoor
swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
3. Terminology
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1 See Terminology F 552 for definitions of terms relating
as the standard. The values stated in parentheses are for
to chain link fencing.
information only.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Referenced Documents 3.2.1 fence, n—a type of barrier that surrounds and ob-
structs access to the pool, tub, or spa.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.2 grade, n—the finished elevation at any specified point
A 392 Specification for Zinc-Coated Steel Chain-Link
of the ground or pavement outside the pool area.
Fence Fabric
3.2.3 hot tub, n—See spa.
A 491 Specification for Aluminum-Coated Steel Chain-
3.2.4 outdoor, adj—located outside of a completely en-
Link Fence Fabric
closed building or other structure.
F 552 Terminology Relating to Chain Link Fencing
3.2.5 residential, adj—situated on the premises of a de-
F 668 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC)-Coated
tachedone-ortwo-familydwellingoraone-familytownhouse
Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
not more than three stories in height.
F 1183 Specification for Aluminum Alloy Chain-Link
3.2.6 spa (nonportable), n—a permanent structure contain-
Fence Fabric
ing water over 24 in. (610 mm) deep, in which the water-
F 1345 Specification for Zinc-5 % Aluminum-Mischmetal
heating and water-circulating equipment are not an integral
Alloy-Coated Steel Chain-Link Fence Fabric
3 part of the product, intended for recreational bathing.
2.2 CPSC Document:
3.2.7 spa (portable), n—a nonpermanent structure contain-
CPSC Staff Recommendations, Barriers for Residential
ing water over 24 in. (610 mm) deep, in which all controls,
Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs (March 1992)
water-heating, and water-circulating equipment are an integral
2.3 NSPI Document:
part of the product, intended for recreational bathing.
ANSI/NSPI-8 1996 Model Barrier Code for Residential
3.2.8 swimming pool, n—an in-ground, on-ground, or
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs
5 above-ground structure of a permanent, semi-permanent, or
2.4 BOCA Document:
portable fabrication containing water over 24 in. (610 mm)
The BOCA National Building Code/1996—13th Edition
6 deep and designed and constructed in accordance with local
2.5 SBCCI Document:
codes, used for bathing, swimming, diving, racing, or other
activity.
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-14 on Fences and
4. Summary of Practice
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F14.10 on Specific Applications.
Current edition approved July 10, 1998. Published November 1998.
4.1 Thisguideisbasedinpartuponrecommendationsofthe
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 01.06.
United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Available from United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Wash-
ington, DC 20207. It also incorporates certain provisions of the National Spa and
Available from National Spa and Pool Institute, 2111 Eisenhower Avenue,
Pool Institute (NSPI) Model Barrier Code for Residential
Alexandria, VA 22314.
Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs.
Available from Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc.,
4051 W. Flossmoor Rd., Country Club Hills, IL 60478–5795.
Available from Southern Building Code Congress International, 900 Montclair
Rd., Birmingham, AL 35213–1206. Available from the National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA 02269.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1908
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This guide sets forth minimum standard requirements
for use in local codes and ordinances relating to residential
outdoor swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
5.2 This guide does not have the effect of law, nor is it
intended to supersede local codes and ordinances of a more
restrictive nature.
5.3 Studies, as listed in Annex A1, have been referenced as
the bases for certain recommendations in this guide and will
assistthosewhointendtoprovideprotectionagainstdrownings
and near-drownings by restricting access to children under the
age of five years in residential swimming pools, spas, and hot
tubs. This would include, but not be limited to, state and local
FIG. 1 If Horizontal Members are Less Than 45 in. Apart, Vertical
governments, model code organizations, building code groups,
Spacing Shall Not Exceed 1- ⁄4 in.
and consumers. It is understood that the format will vary
depending upon the specific use and local conditions.
6. Requirements
6.1 Height—The top of the fence shall be a minimum of 48
in. (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the fence
that faces away from the swimming pool. If the fence is
mounted on top of an above ground pool, the top of the fence
shall be a minimum of 36 in. (914 mm) above the top of the
pool structure, provided the top of the pool structure is a
minimum of 48 in. (1219 mm) above grade (see 3.2.2 for
definition of grade specific to this guide).
6.2 Visibility—The fence on top of an above ground pool
shall be so designed and constructed that it has at least a 65 %
openareatoallowvisibilityfromadesignatedsupervisingarea
FIG. 2 If Horizontal Members are Equal to or More Than 45 in.
outside the pool area to inside the pool area. Apart, Vertical Spacing Shall Not Exceed 4 in.
6.3 Ground Clearance—The maximum vertical clearance
between grade and the bottom of the fence shall be 4 in. (102
measured horizontally between the corners of the installed
mm) measured on the side of the fence that faces away from
mesh, as illustrated in Fig. 3 (see Note 1), unless the fence is
the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is
provided with privacy slats (see Note 2) fastened at the top or
above grade, such as an above ground pool, the fence may be
the bottom, in which case no opening in the mesh shall exceed
at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where
1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm).
the fence is mounted on top of the pool structure, the space
NOTE 1—If the tolerance of 6 ⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) indicated in Specifica-
between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the
tions A 392, A 491, F 668, F 1183, and F 1345 is rigidly applied to an
fence shall be no greater than 4 in. (102 mm) in any direction.
ordered nominal mesh size of 1 ⁄4 in. (32 mm) measured between the
6.4 Solid Barriers that do not have openings, such as
parallel sides of the mesh, the result could be a dimension exceeding the
masonry or stone walls, shall not contain indentations or
specified maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm) measured horizontally between
protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and
tooled masonry joints. Such indentations shall not be deeper
than 0.375 in. (10 mm).
6.5 Horizontal and Vertical Members—Where the fence is
composed of horizontal and vertical members and if the
distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less
than45in.(1143mm),thehorizontalmembersshallnotextend
more than 0.375 in. (10 mm) outside of the enclosure, and the
spacing between the vertical members shall not exceed 1 ⁄4 in.
(44 mm) (see Fig. 1). If the distance between the tops of the
horizontal members is 45 in. (1143 mm) or more, the spacing
between the vertical members shall not exceed 4 in. (102 mm)
(see Fig. 2). Where there are decorative cutouts, the spacing
within the cutouts shall not exceed 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm).
6.6 ChainLinkFences—Meshopeningforchainlinkfences
shall be a nominal 1 ⁄4 in. (32 mm) measured between the
parallel sides of the mesh, and a maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm) FIG. 3 Nominal 1- ⁄4 in. Square Chain Link Mesh
F 1908
the corners of the installed mesh. The degree of tension applied to the
6.9.1.1 An alarm capable of detecting unauthorized entry
fabric during installation could also affect this horizontal dimension. In all
through the door into the pool area and which, when activated,
cases, the horizontal opening between the corners of the fabric mesh after
emits a sound of sufficient volume to be heard in the building
tensioning shall not exceed 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm).
or dwelling. The audible warning shall commence not more
NOTE 2—Caution Regarding Privacy Slats—Privacy slats where used
than 7 s after the door and/or its screen, if present, are opened
shall not violate the requirements of 6.2 regarding visibility.
andshallsoundcontinuouslyforaminimumof30s.Thealarm
6.7 Diagonal Members:
shall have a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dB at 10 ft
6.7.1 Where the fence is composed of diagonal members,
and the sound of the alarm shall be distinctive from other
such as in a lattice fence, any opening created by the diagonal
household sounds such as smoke alarms, telephones, and door
members shall be a maximum of 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm) measured in
bells. The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions.
its largest direction.
The alarm shall be equipped with manual means such as touch
6.7.2 Diagonal bracing members extending from one side to
pads or switches to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a
the opposite side creating a ladder effect on all styles of fences
single opening from either direction. Such deactivation shall
and gates are not permitted where spacing of vertical members
last for no more than 15 s. The deactivation touch pads or
in any area between posts exceeds 1 ⁄4 in. (44 mm).
switches shall be located at least 54 in. (1372 mm) above the
6.8 Access Gates:
threshold of the door; or
6.8.1 Double Leaf access gates shall comply with the re-
6.9.1.2 A self-latching device on a self-closing door that is
quirements of 6.1-6.6 and shall be equipped with a padlock or
either:
other key-operated locking deice that must be locked when the
gate is not in use.
(1) At least 54 in. (1372 mm) above floor level, or
6.8.2 Single Leaf access gates shall open outward away
(2) At any convenient height if the device uses a key,
from the pool, shall be self-closing, and shall have a self-
electronic opener, or integral combination lock, so long as it
latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-
does not negate the function of the door.
latching device is located less than 54 in. (1372 mm) above
6.9.2 Windows—Windows in the wall of a building or
grade, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side
dwelling that allow direct access through the wall to the pool
of the gate a minimum of 3 in. (76 mm) below the top of the
and are located 48 in. (1219 mm) or higher above floor level,
gate and the gate and fence shall have no opening greater than
andwherethereisnofootholdinthebuildingordwellingwall,
⁄2 in. (13 mm) within 18 in. (457 mm) of the release
shall be exempt and considered equivalent protection to the
mechanism when the gate is in the fully closed position (see
fence.Windowsinthewallofabuildingordwellingthatallow
Fig. 4).
direct access through the wall to the pool and where the lowest
6.9 Buildings—The fence shall completely surround the
opening is at a height of less than 48 in. (102 mm) above floor
pool structure except where a building or dwelling or portion
level, shall comply with one of the following requirements:
thereof is utilized as part of the pool enclosure. If the exterior
6.9.2.1 Window guards, screens, or other means of equal
wall or walls of that portion of the building contains doors,
protection shall limit access such that there are no openings
windows, or other openings, it shall comply with the following
exceeding 4 in. (102 mm); or
provisions:
6.9.1 Doors—Doors in the wall of a building or dwelling 6.9.2.2 Windows shall be fixed in such a way that they will
that allow direct access through the wall to the pool shall be not open sufficiently far to create a gap exceeding 4 in. (102
provided with one of the following: mm); or
FIG. 4 Latch Release Mechanism
F 1908
6.9.2.3 The lowest opening panel of a window shall be 6.10.3.3 Visibility—Where fencing is required and/or pro-
located not less than 48 in. (1219 mm) above the floor and vided with the pool or deck, it shall comply with the require-
there shall be no footholds wider than 0.4 in. (10 mm) on the ments of 6.2.
internal wall down to 42 in. (1067 mm) below the lowest 6.10.4 Deck—Where an above-ground or on-ground pool
opening panel. has a deck that abuts or is adjacent to a dwelling and direct
6.10 Above-Ground Pools or On-Ground Pools: access to the deck is through the exterior wall of the dwelling,
6.10.1 Pool Wall—An above-ground or on-ground pool such access shall be in compliance with 6.9.
wall itself may be the barrier if the pool structure is on grade 6.11 Bonding and Grounding—Continuous runs of metal
and the wall is at least 48 in. (1219 mm) in height. Other types fencing, installed in the ground within 10 ft of the pool, shall
of barriers can be mounted on the pool structure or can bebondedandgroundedatthedistributionpaneloftheelectric
surroundthepoolatgroundlevel.Wherethebarrierismounted power source for the swimming pool, or otherwise in compli-
on the pool structure, the opening between the top surface of ance with Section 680–22 of the National Electrical Code.
the pool frame and the bottom of the fence shall be no greater
than 4 in. (102 mm) in any direction. Where an above-ground 7. Prohibited Locations
or on-ground pool wall is less than 48 in. (1219 mm) above the
7.1 Fences shall be located so as to prohibit the use of
ground, it is not considered a barrier and therefore a barrier
permanent structures, equipment, or similar objects to aid in
fence in accordance with 6.1-6.8 shall be provided.
climbing the fence.
6.10.2 Ladders or Steps—Where an above-ground or on-
7.2 Clear Zone—There shall be a clear zone of at least 48
ground pool wall is used as a barrier or where the barrier is
in. (1219 mm) between the swimming pool barrier and any
mounted on the pool structure, and the means of access to the
permanent structures or pool equipment such as pumps, filters,
pool is a ladder or steps, then:
heaters, etc. that can be used as an ai
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.