454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances

All public pools shall be surrounded by a minimum 48 inch (1219 mm) high fence or other approved substantial barrier. The fence shall be continuous around the perimeter of the pool area that is not otherwise blocked or obstructed by adjacent buildings or structures and shall adjoin with itself or abut to the adjacent members. Access through the barrier or fence from dwelling units, such as homes, apartments, motel rooms and hotel rooms, shall be through self-closing, self-latching lockable gates of 48 inch (1219 mm) minimal height from the floor or ground with the latch located a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate or at least 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate on the pool side. If the self-closing, self-latching gate is also self-locking and is operated by a key lock, electronic opener or integral combination lock, then the operable parts of such locks or openers shall be 34 inches minimum (864 mm) and 48 inches maximum (1219 mm) above the finished floor or ground. Doored access points from public rooms such as lobbies or club houses need not be through gates if the door(s) meet the same self-closing, self-latching requirements as a gate. Gates shall open outward away from the pool area. A latched, lockable gate shall be placed in the fence within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the closest point between the pool and the equipment area for service access.

Instead of a fence, permanent natural or manmade features such as bulkheads, canals, lakes, navigable waterways, etc., adjacent to a pool may be permitted as a barrier when approved. When evaluating such barrier features, the applicable governing body may perform onsite inspections, and review evidence, such as surveys, aerial photographs, water management agency standards and specifications, and any other similar documentation to verify at minimum, the following: the barrier feature is not subject to natural changes, deviations or alterations and is capable of providing an equivalent level of protection as that provided by a structure, and the barrier feature clearly impedes, prohibits or restricts access to the pool.

Screened pool enclosures must be hardened on the bottom 3 feet (914 mm). Fencing consideration shall be given to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publication, No. 362, March 2005, guidelines available from CPSC.gov; or Sections 454.2.17.1.1 through 454.2.17.1.8. Safety covers that comply with ASTM F1346-91 (Reapproved 2003), titled Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, and available from ASTM.org, do not satisfy this requirement.