Retaining wall as 4' barrier for inground pool?

MoreCowbell

Hi,

We have an inground pool in our backyard, and my property sits on a reasonably graded slope. The pool area as well as the immediate perimeter (small concrete walkway and thin strip of plants) sits on an area of land that was built up to accomodate the pool. Around this entire area, is a fence.

We back up to some beautiful woods and I would like to replace the current ugly fence with something as minimal as possible. Beyond the fenceline that runs parallel to the house, there is a steep dropoff as the land catches up to the gradual slope that extends far into our land.

I was thinking of putting in a retaining wall several yards past that current parallel fenceline such that the top of the wall is level with the pool, and the bottom of the wall sits 4' (or greater) down to the ground.

I'm wondering if anyone knows whether such a setup would satisfy safety regulations for a pool enclosure?

As I understand it, above ground pools are allowed to use the pool walls as a barrier as long as they satisfy the 4' rule. I suppose you could view the side of the pool furthest away from the home as my 'above ground wall' side. On the two sides running back to my house, standard 4' fencing.

Please let me know if my question / plan isn't entirely clear and I'll upload a couple drawings to illustrate.

Thanks for any opinions!

Bondo

Ayuh,... It Sounds to me that you want to count the 4' tall retainin' wall, as the safety enclosure fencin' for the pool,..??

Right,..??

I donno the answer, but wonder how big the resultin' terrace will be, 'n if it'll matter either way,..??

MoreCowbell

That's right, there are three sides to our current fencing around the pool. Between the two that are perpendicular to the home I'd like to use the retaining wall as the federally required enclosure for that side. Regarding the terrace size - do you mean the height of the dropoff? I would likely need to put in a railing for safety, but would much rather see a sliver of a railing than code compliant fencing which blocks a substantial portion of our view.

Thank you!