Part of proper pool maintenance in Virginia Beach includes ensuring effective pool safety barriers are in place and properly maintained. An effective barrier prevents children from going over, under, or through the barrier, and keeps them from accessing the pool when supervising adults are not present. 

There are specific requirements that address in-ground and above-ground pools, and the type and size of safety barriers. Having effective safety barriers in place also applies to hot tubs and spas.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1- to 4-year-olds have the highest drowning rates. Among this age group, most occur in home swimming pools.

​​​​​​The City of Virginia Beach is committed to ensuring a safe environment for all residents and visitors. 

Owners and operators of swimming pools have special responsibilities to help ensure a safe environment by complying with state and city codes intended to prevent access to swimming pools by children.​

Residential Swimming Pool Safety Barrier Code Requirements

The City of Virginia Beach enforces the Virginia Maintenance Code and city codes, which contain provisions for the construction and installation of new swimming pools and barriers, and provisions for the maintenance of existing swimming pools and barriers.

• The Residential Swimming Pool Safety Barrier Code Requirements & Guidebook provides information and diagrams to help residents ensure compliance with the city and state codes. 
  • Whether you keep your pool open all year or close it up at the end of the summer season, help keep children safe by following proper safety barrier guidelines and requirements at all times.
• For information on new pool and barrier installations and permits: Contact the Permits and Inspections Division of the Department of Planning and Community Development at (757) 385-4211 or perminsp@vbgov.com. 
• For concerns regarding the existing pools and barriers: Contact the Code Enforcement​ Division of the Department of Housing and Neighborhood Preservation at (757) 385-4421.