The core rule
A minimum 48-inch barrier around the pool, with no gaps or footholds a young child could climb. Gates into the pool area must be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism out of a small child's reach.
Where it trips people up
A house wall that forms part of the barrier needs alarmed doors or an approved alternative. Above-ground pools have their own variant (the pool wall itself can count as part of the barrier). None of this is optional based on HOA preference — it's code, enforced at final inspection.
Drain safety, separately
The VGB Act (federal) requires compliant anti-entrapment drain covers, and NEC 680 sets the electrical bonding and GFCI protection for pool equipment. Both get checked alongside the barrier.
Where this applies today
Live now — click through for the pack-specific page, or run the address widget above.