So, for those who have been following the unfolding drama on the house we are trying to purchase, we had the appraisal done and the appraiser noted that the pool did not have an up-top-code fence around it. This left us no time to act. Found out there was never a final permit pulled on the pool for electric or building (fencing). So, everyone has been scrambling. The seller's taking care of the electrical and we agreed to go in on half the cost of the fence. However, we were under the impression we could attach a wire fence (w/small holes) to the existing split fence around the perimeter of the house. Found out we must have an iron or chain link fence around the pool itself. This will change the look of the house. We are working right now to find out if the county will allow us to have an automatic pool cover to satisfy the code. We will know more on Monday. Our position is that we would go with pool cover, but if we have to do a fence we are done with the deal.
We never used the pool cover as a safety feature, I'm not even sure that the one we had was designed for that purpose. We used it to help keep the pool clean when it was not in use. I can't imagine covering the pool each and every time you're not using it in the summertime.
I personally would not pay half for the fence in order to bring it up to code. Deal breaker for me.
About the pool cover? Have friends who have an absolutely gorgeous olympic sized pool way out in the country (no rules or regulations there of which I am aware) in which they installed an automatic pool cover which negates any need for manual labor and keeps the pool clean as well. I'm sure it was quite expensive but well worth the cost if this is something you can afford to install.
I don't think the usual "pool cover" would be enough to act as a safety feature. But the one they installed is absolutely child-proof and is far better than a security fence since it is embedded above 6 inches below the surface and comes out from all sides with no gaps. Their pool is rectangular in shape, however; can't remember the pool shape at the house in which you are dealing.
Just an idea to think about ~ not sure if it would work in your situation. Keep us posted... hope things work out for you.
PS. The type of pool cover that I am talking about is totally automatic ~ no work or manual labor involved. Takes less than 5 minutes to cover or uncover while you sit in a chair sipping a cold drink watching it do its thing! This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident,
Well, I'm confused. You said you would pay half of the fence then said you are done with the deal if you have to do a fence.
So where is the pool? This may be costly but I am wondering about putting up the fence for the closing, then removing the fence once the house is yours, then putting it back up again if you ever decide to sell.
What I see most often where people want a safety fence around a pool is the iron type of picket fence. They are visually less obtrusive and a usually can be made to fit in better with the style of a house.
You would want a fence for insurance and liability purposes.
Originally we were trying to get them to approve a fence around the interior perimeter of the property (we are on 40 acres). There is an existing metal split rail fence w/wooden posts. We were hoping to attach a welded metal fence to meet code. This could double as a fence for our pup. We were told that we couldn't do that. So, if our only option is an iron fence or chain link per code around the pool itself, we don't want to do that. Right now it is a seamless transition from the house to the pool area (with a pool house) and the deck looks out onto the pool and the property w/mountain views. We think putting up a 4' high iron fence wouldn't look good. So, the agents are looking into weather an automatic pool cover (one that you flip a switch on) would meet code as well. There are many homes on estates that have this exact thing with no fence, so I'm hoping they'll let it pass. I do know that the pool covers are the type you can walk on and help keep heating costs down and maintenance. We live in CO, so we really are talking about a very short pool season anyway. We are willing to pay for half the pool cover.This message has been edited. Last edited by: christyinco,
Permitting violations can exist. Improvements done without proper permitting by the authoritive branch of gov't of your area...i.e. city, town, county is a seller problem and e. In contrast, required improvement that were not done...same result possibly.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Idaho Resident, 
