What is the primary safety feature required for residential pools?

The primary safety feature required for residential pools is indeed a barrier, such as a fence, to prevent unauthorized access. This requirement is crucial as it serves to enhance the safety of the pool area by providing a physical obstruction that deters unsupervised access, particularly by young children or pets who may accidentally wander into the area.

Fences are a fundamental aspect of pool safety regulations because they can significantly reduce the risk of drowning incidents. These barriers are often mandated by local building codes and typically need to meet specific height and design criteria to effectively limit access. This proactive measure is essential in ensuring that the pool environment is as safe as possible.

While pool covers, depth markers, and the presence of lifeguards contribute to overall pool safety and are important practices, they do not serve the primary function of preventing unauthorized access, which makes barriers the foremost requirement. Hence, the emphasis on having a secure fence or barrier stands out as the key focus in residential pool safety regulations.