The Florida Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act and Florida Building Code R4501 set strict, specific rules for pool barriers. They exist because failed barriers cost lives. Every homeowner with a pool or planning a pool needs to understand the basics.
Minimum height
Pool barriers must be at least 48 inches tall, measured from the outside ground surface. Gates must also be a minimum of 48 inches.
Picket spacing & openings
No opening in the barrier may allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. That means vertical picket spacing maxes out at 4 inches clear, and any decorative cutouts must be checked.
Climbability
No horizontal rails may be located in a way that allows a child to climb. The standard solution is to keep horizontal rails to the very top and very bottom of the fence, with smooth vertical pickets in between.
Gate hardware
All pool gates must be self-closing and self-latching from any open position. The latch must be installed at a code-compliant height (generally on the pool side and out of reach of small children, or hardware-locked).
Barrier between house and pool
If the home itself forms part of the pool barrier, doors leading to the pool must have alarms or other approved safety devices.
Why DIY pool fence is risky
Inspectors fail more pool fences for hardware-height mistakes than any other reason. Self-closing gates that don't actually self-close from any position are the second-biggest issue. Hire a fence contractor who installs to pass inspection on the first walkthrough.