Most community pools require them to be a certain age. I believe 13. At least that's what age they had to be to get in alone when I was a lifeguard.
@taramay:
Ours is height too and its ridiculous as some kids are way tall. It should be done on skill, not height or age. When I was a kid you had to pass a safety test before you were allowed without a parent......it usually consisted of being able to do one lap, hold breath under water x amount of time and doggie paddle not touching the floor for x amount of time. For parents letting kids go on their own, it is a parent's choice but trust me when I say they don't follow the rules when they get there. This summer alone I have witnessed several kids ranging age 5 - teens at our pool without parents and almost the whole time some other parent there is having to babysit them and get after them for running, jumping, bullying,dunking, and screaming......you name it. Occasionally a life guard will speak out with a threat of time out......it's a joke and I don't care for spending my time there watching other people's kids trying to keep mine safe. 4951