Living in Wilmington means our backyards are often our sanctuaries. Whether you’re cooling off after a day at Wrightsville Beach or hosting a barbecue in Landfall, a pool is the centerpiece of the coastal lifestyle. However, owning a pool in New Hanover County comes with specific responsibilities. The city and county enforce strict safety codes designed to prevent accidents. At Coastal Poolscapes, we believe a safe pool is a happy pool. Whether you are planning a new build or updating your existing oasis, here is what you need to know about Wilmington’s pool safety laws for 2025.
1. The "4-Foot Rule" (Barriers and Fencing)
The most critical regulation in North Carolina’s residential building code is the barrier requirement. In Wilmington, you cannot simply have an open pool; it must be enclosed.
- Height: The fence must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) high from the finished ground level.
- Gap Size: Gaps between vertical slats cannot exceed 4 inches. If you have a chain-link fence, the mesh opening cannot be larger than 2.25 inches unless slats are used to reduce the gap.
- Ground Clearance: The bottom of the fence cannot be more than 2 inches off the ground. This prevents small children or pets from squeezing underneath.
- Climbability: The fence must be non-climbable. If your fence has horizontal bars, they must be located on the pool side to prevent them from being used as a ladder from the outside.
2. Gate Requirements: Self-Closing is Non-Negotiable
A fence is only as safe as its gate. Wilmington inspectors are very strict about this:
- Outward Opening: Pedestrian gates must open outward, away from the pool. If a child pushes on the gate, it should close tighter, not swing open.
- Self-Closing & Self-Latching: You cannot rely on memory. The gate must automatically swing shut and latch securely every time it is released.
- Latch Height: The release mechanism must be at least 54 inches high. If it is lower, it must be on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and protected so a child cannot reach through to open it.
3. The Door Alarm Rule: It’s Not About Burglars, It’s About Babies
This is the most common question we get: "I don't have small children, so why do I need an alarm on my back door?" If your home’s back wall serves as part of the pool barrier (meaning sliding doors open directly onto the pool deck), the code requires those doors to be alarmed. Here is the reality: The inspector isn't checking your family; they are checking the house. The law assumes that even if you live alone, you might eventually sell the home to a family, or a neighbor’s child could wander onto the property.
These alarms are designed specifically to prevent the accidental drowning of children under the age of 5. Here is how they work:
- The 54-Inch Rule: The button to deactivate the alarm must be mounted at least 54 inches high. This specific height is chosen because it is vertically out of reach for the average 4-year-old.
- Immediate Sound: Unlike a burglar alarm which might have a delay, a pool alarm must sound immediately (within 7 seconds) after the door is opened.
- The "Adult Pass-Through" Button: The good news is that you don't have to live with a siren going off every time you grill a burger. Compliant alarms feature a "bypass button." You press it before you open the door, giving you roughly 10-15 seconds to pass through silently. The alarm then automatically re-arms itself behind you—because the law assumes a child would forget to reset it.
Note: The only code-compliant way to avoid door alarms is to install an ASTM-approved power safety cover on the pool itself.
4. The Coastal Factor: Salt, Storms, and Safety
In Wilmington, we don't just deal with safety codes; we deal with the elements. At Coastal Poolscapes, we recommend going beyond the basic code to ensure your safety equipment lasts in our environment:
- Corrosion Resistance: Salt air eats standard steel. We always recommend aluminum or vinyl fencing and high-grade stainless steel latches. A rusted latch that sticks is a safety hazard.
- Hurricane Prep: Your fence acts as a wind barrier. In high-wind zones like ours, ensure your fence posts are set deep with proper concrete footing to withstand tropical storms. A downed fence during a hurricane instantly makes your pool non-compliant.
5. Permits and Inspections
Planning a renovation? Remember that in New Hanover County, almost any major change to your pool barrier requires a permit. This includes replacing an old fence.
Final Thoughts - Compliance isn't just about avoiding fines from the city inspection office—it’s about peace of mind. When you know your barrier is secure, your gate self-latches, and your alarms are functional, you can relax and truly enjoy the water.
Need a safety audit or a fence upgrade? Contact Coastal Poolscapes today to ensure your backyard is as safe as it is beautiful.
