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In most states, it is a legal requirement to have a fence around your pool. Laws vary by state and city, so check with your state and local government for regulations specific to you. Additionally, most homeowners' insurance providers will require some type of fence surrounding a residential pool before they provide coverage.

Some but not all types of pool enclosures block ultraviolet (UV) rays. You can opt for specially coated glass for your enclosure that helps block the harmful UV rays from reaching you in the pool. To keep yourself safe from harmful UV rays while swimming, it’s best to routinely use waterproof sunblock. 

A retaining wall can only function as a fence if it’s high enough on all sides to prevent someone from accidentally falling into the pool. However, most retaining walls retain dirt, which means their purpose is not related to safety. There would need to be nothing on the other side of the wall for it to be considered a fence, but in that case, it wouldn’t retain anything and would cease to be a retaining wall.  

The regulations for pool fence heights vary by state, so be sure to research what the legal, minimum height is in your area before purchasing or installing a fence. Though every region is different, generally a pool fence must be at least 4 and ½ feet high. If you’re unsure whether you need a fence around your pool, and how high that fence should be, contact a local pool enclosure expert to help you successfully, and safely, move forward.