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Code Summary
Definitions
SWIMMING POOL
Any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools. BARRIER
A fence, dwelling wall or non dwelling wall or any combination thereof which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool, especially access from the residence or from the yard outside the barrier. R4501.17 Residential Swimming Barrier Requirement
Residential swimming pools shall comply with Sections R4501.17.1 through R4501.17.3. Exception: A swimming pool with an approved safety pool cover complying with ASTMF 1346. R4501.17.1.1
The top of the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side of th0?e barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier must be 2 inches, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, the barrier may be: mounted on top of the pool structure Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier must be 4 inches. R4501.17.1.2
The barrier cannot have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier One end of the barrier must be removable only with the aid of tools Openings in the barrier cannot allow passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere R4501.17.1.3
Solid barriers without openings cannot have indentations or protrusions, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints. R4501.17.1.4
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members—and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches—the horizontal members must be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members cannot exceed 1¾ inches in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts cannot exceed 1¾ inches in width. R4501.17.1.5
Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members—and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches or more—spacing between vertical members must be less than 4 inches. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts cannot be more than 1¾ inches in width. Image Ref
R4501.17.1.6
Maximum mesh size for chain link fences must be a 2¼-inch square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom which reduce the openings to no more than 1¾ inches. Image Ref
R4501.17.1.7
Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members must be no more than 1¾ inches. Image Ref
R4501.17.1.1 through R4501.17.1.7
Access Gates must be self-closing and be equipped with a self-latching locking device located on the pool side of the gate. Where the device release is located no less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate the device release mechanism may be located on either side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be reached by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap from the outside. Gates that provide access to the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool The gates and barrier shall have no opening greater than ½ inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism Image Ref
R4501.17.1.9
Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall apply:
A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Such pool alarm must meet and be independently certified to ASTM Standard F2208, titled "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms," which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared alarms. For purposes of this paragraph, the term "swimming pool alarm" does not include any swimming protection alarm device designed for individual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm that complies with UL 2017 that Has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet. Any deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the thresh hold of the access. Separate alarms are not required for each door or window if sensors wired to a central alarm sound when contact is broken at any opening. A screened or protected window having a bottom sill height of 48 inches (1219mm) or more measured from the interior finished floor at the pool access level. Windows facing the pool on floor above the first story. Screened or protected pass-through kitchen windows 42 inches (1067mm) or higher with a counter beneath. All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self latching device with positive mechanical latching/locking installed a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold, which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Check for alarms at doors and windows (if homeowner chose it as an option All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with positive mechanical latching/locking installed at least 54 inches above the threshold which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction. R4501.17.1.10
Where an above ground pool structure is used as a barrier or Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and The means of access is a ladder or steps, the ladder or steps must either Be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or Be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of R4501.17.1.1 through R4501.17.1.9 and R4501.17.1.12 through R4501.17.1.14 When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created must not allow the passage of a 4 inch diameter sphere Image Ref
R4501.17.1.11
Standard screen enclosures which meet the requirements of section R4101.17 may be utilized as part of or all of the “barrier” and shall be considered a “non-dwelling” wall. Removable child barriers shall have one end of the barrier non-removable without the aid of tools. R4501.17.1.12
The barrier must be placed around the perimeter of the pool and must be separate from any fence, wall, or other enclosure surrounding the yard unless: the fence, wall, or other enclosure or portion thereof is situated on the perimeter of the pool, is being used as part of the barrier, and meets the barrier requirements of this section R4501.17.1.13
The barrier must be placed no less than 20 inches away from the water’s edge to prevent a young child or medically frail elderly person who may get through the barrier from immediately falling into the water. Dwelling or non-dwelling walls—when used as part or all of the “barrier” and meeting the other barrier requirements—may be as close to the water’s edge as permitted by this code. R4501.17.1.14
A wall of a dwelling may serve as part of the barrier if it does not contain any door or window that opens directly from the home to the swimming pool. R4507.17.1.14.1
Adjacent waterways. Permanent natural or permanent man-made features such as bulkheads, canals, lakes, navigable waterways, etc., adjacent to a public or private swimming pool or spa maybe permitted as a barrier when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. When evaluating such barrier features, the authority may perform on-site inspections and review evidence such as surveys, aerial photographs, water management agency standards and specifications, and any other similar documentation to verify, at a 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 the code The barrier feature clearly impedes, prohibits or restricts access to the swimming pool or spa From Tom's experience: When building on a lake or river, the barrier must extend 36" into the water R4501.17.1.15
A mesh safety barrier meeting the requirements of Section R4501.17 and the following minimum requirements shall be considered a barrier as defined in this section:
Individual component vertical support posts shall be: capable of resisting a minimum of 52 pounds(229 N) of horizontal force prior to breakage when measured at a 36-inch (914 mm) height above grade. Vertical posts of the child mesh safety barrier shall extend a minimum of 3 inches (76mm) below deck level and shall be spaced no greater than 36 inches (914 mm) apart The mesh utilized in the barrier shall: have a minimum tensile strength according to ASTM D 5034 of 100 pounds per foot (149 kg/m) and a minimum ball burst strength according to ASTM D 3787of 150 pounds per foot (223 kg/m). The mesh shall not be capable of deformation such that a 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) round object could pass through the mesh. The mesh shall receive a descriptive performance rating of no less than “trace discoloration” or “slight discoloration" when tested according to ASTM G 53 (Weatherability, 1,200 hours). When using a molding strip to attach the mesh to the vertical posts, this strip shall contain, at a minimum, #8 by /2-inch (12.7 mm) screws with a minimum of two screws at the top and two at the bottom with the remaining screws spaced a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) apart on center. Patio deck sleeves (vertical post receptacles) placed inside the patio surface shall be of a non conductive material. A latching device shall attach each barrier section at a height no lower than 45 inches (11 613 mm) above grade. Common latching devices that include, but are not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a hook-and-eye-type latch incorporating a spring actuated retaining lever (commonly referred to as a safety gate hook). The bottom of the child mesh safety barrier shall not be more than 1 inch (25 mm) above the deck or installed surface (grade). Image Ref
R4501.17.2
Indoor swimming pools. All walls surrounding indoor swimming pools shall comply with Section R4501.17.1.9
R4501.17.3
Prohibited locations. A barrier may not be located in a way that allows any permanent structure, equipment, or window that opens to provide access from the home to the swimming pool
R4501.19
Final inspection. Final electrical and barrier code inspection shall be completed prior to filling the pool with water
Image Ref
Wiki
Swimming Barrier Requirement
