What are the pool fence and setback rules in La Mesa?

La Mesa's code: At least 60 inches high. (Outdoor pools, spas and hot tubs. Measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool.) (§ 14.20.020); Pedestrian gates open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch; all gates take a lock at least 60 inches up. (Outdoor pools, spas and hot tubs. Other access gates must have a locking device.) (§ 14.20.020).

Swimming pools in La Mesa: the local rules

La Mesa code What La Mesa's code adds
Pool barrier	No more than 4 inches between a hard surface and the bottom of the barrier. Applies: Measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. § 14.20.020 · code text The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be four inches measured to a hard surface such as concrete No more than 2 inches between earth and the bottom of the barrier. Applies: Measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. § 14.20.020 · code text or two inches to earth. This measurement shall be taken on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Openings may not let a 4-inch sphere pass. Applies: Applies to all openings in the barrier. § 14.20.020 · code text Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere. Gaps between vertical members may be no more than 2 inches wide. Applies: Applies when the tops of horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart. § 14.20.020 · code text Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed two inches width. Gaps in decorative cutouts may be no more than 2 inches wide. Applies: Applies to decorative cutouts in vertical members, whatever the spacing of horizontal members. § 14.20.020 · code text Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed two inches in width. Gaps between vertical members may be no more than 4 inches. Applies: Applies when the tops of horizontal members are 45 inches or more apart. § 14.20.020 · code text spacing between vertical members shall not exceed four inches. Mesh may be no larger than 2 inches square. Applies: Applies to chain link fences. § 14.20.020 · code text Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a two inch square. wire shall not be less than eleven and one-half gauge Applies: chain link fences § 14.20.020 · code text The wire shall not be less than eleven and one-half gauge. Openings may be no larger than 2 inches square. Applies: Applies to barriers of diagonal members, such as lattice fences. § 14.20.020 · code text the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be no more than two inches square. Ladders or steps must be securable, lockable or removable, or surrounded by a compliant barrier. Applies: Aboveground pool used as or topped by the barrier, with ladder or step access. Openings left may not pass a 4-inch sphere. § 14.20.020 · code text the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access
Barrier height	At least 60 inches high. Applies: Outdoor pools, spas and hot tubs. Measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. § 14.20.020 · code text The top of the barrier shall be at least sixty inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool
Gates	Pedestrian gates open away from the pool, self-close and self-latch; all gates take a lock at least 60 inches up. Applies: Outdoor pools, spas and hot tubs. Other access gates must have a locking device. § 14.20.020 · code text Pedestrian-access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. The door release mechanism must be at least 54 inches above the floor. Applies: House doors to the pool yard when the house is part of the barrier. This is 1 of 4 allowed safety options. § 14.20.020 · code text All doors leading to the pool yard area must have self-closing, self-latching door hardware with a release mechanism no less than fifty-four inches above the floor.

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