North Carolina State Fence Code
 

A. All private swimming pools which are designed to utilize mechanical filtering systems, whether in ground or above ground shall be protected by a fence, wall, building or other enclosure, or any combination thereof, which completely encloses the swimming pool area such that all of the following conditions are met:

a. Constructed so as to afford no external handholds or footholds.  However the use of wire mesh fences with mesh size of 2 1/4 inches or less is permitted.

b.  A four foot minimum height (measured from the outside approach) is provided entirely around the swimming pool area.

c.  The horizontal space between vertical members of the enclosure shall not exceed (4) four inches, there shall be at least fourty-five (45) inches between any horizontal stringer.

d.  The height of any opening under the bottom of the enclosure shall not exceed two (2) inches.

e.  all gates leading to the pool area shall be equipped with self-closing, and positive self-latching mechanisms.  Release of the latch on the self-latching mechanism shall b activated at a height no less than 54 inches above the bottom horizontal rail of a picket or ornamental access gate or on the pool side of the gate at a distance of no more than 3 inches below the top of the gate.  If the latch is located on the poolside of the gate there must be an 18 inch shield protecting the latch so no one can reach through the fence to reach the latch.

f.  Utility gates used for vehicular traffic do not have to meet Section X e. if, locked at all times except while being used, and is attended to prevent young children and other unwary persons from entering the pool area.