Sec. 54-177. - Enclosure.
(a) All outdoor private, residential pools, whether below-grade or above-grade, must be enclosed by a fence or wall. For below-grade pools, the fence must be at least five feet and seven inches high, measured from the outside of the enclosure, with no openings allowing the passage of a four-inch diameter sphere. Above-grade pools require a 48-inch fence, measured from the outside of the enclosure. A dwelling or accessory building may be used as part of the enclosure.
(b) Any gates or doors within the enclosure must have a self-closing and self-latching device at least 45 inches above ground level and open away from the pool area.
(c) If a wall of the dwelling or other accessory structure is part of the enclosure, all doors, including sliding doors, that provide direct access to the pool must have an automatically resetting audible alarm, or must be self-closing and self-latching with the release mechanism for the latch installed at least 54 inches above the threshold.
(d) If a wall of the dwelling or other accessory structure is part of the enclosure, a power safety cover may be used as an alternative to an automatically resetting audible door alarm or self-closing and self-latching door for in-ground swimming pools. The control for the power safety cover must be at least 45 inches above ground level. A power safety cover does not replace the five-foot and seven inches minimum fencing requirement. This requirement applies to pools installed after the effective date of this section.
(e) An above-grade pool may be considered a barrier if it meets the 48-inch minimum height requirement, and the structure is sturdy and stable. A removable ladder shall not count as an acceptable barrier. If the pool structure serves as the barrier, the ladder access area must be enclosed by a minimum 48-inch high fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate or door.
(f) The regulations of this section shall apply to all residential pools and below-grade spas, other than indoor pools, with a minimum water depth of 24 inches, measured from the pool bottom to the point of overflow of the pool rim.
(g) In the case of pool installations prior to the adoption of this chapter, regarding design and construction requirements (including fences), these items would not be required to be brought into compliance with the chapter until such time as replacing or remodeling occurred.
(h) Private residential spas must have a safety cover complying with ASTM F 1346 and must be covered at all times when not in use.
(Code 1980, § 54-177; Ord. No. 33770, § 20, 12-19-95; Ord. No. 34232, § 1, 6-17-97; Ord. No. 37382, § 49, 5-23-06; Ord. No. 44471, § 1, 11-19-25)
