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421.10 Enclosures for private swimming
pools, spas and hot tubs:
Private swimming pools, spas and hot tubs shall be enclosed
in accordance with Sections 421.10.1 through 421.10.4 or by
other approved barriers.
421.10.1 Outdoor private swimming pool:
An outdoor
private swimming pool, including an in-ground,
above-ground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be
provided with a barrier which shall comply with the
following.
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches
(1219 mm) above finished ground level measured on the
side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming
pool. The maximum vertical clearance between finished
ground level and the barrier shall be 2 inches (51 mm)
measured on the side of the barrier which faces away
from the swimming pool. Where the top of the pool
structure is above finished ground level, such as an
above-ground pool, the barrier shall be at finished
ground level, such as the pool structure, or shall be
mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier
is mounted on the pool structure, the opening between
the top surface of the pool frame and the bottom of the
barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch (102 mm)
diameter sphere.
2. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a
4-inch (102 mm) diameter sphere.
3. Solid barriers shall not contain indentations or
protrusions except for normal construction tolerances
and tooled masonry joints.
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 (1143 mm),
the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming
pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members
shall not exceed 1¾ inches (44 mm) in width. Decorative
cutouts shall not exceed 1¾ inches (44 mm) in width.
5. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and
vertical members and the distance between the tops of
the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more,
spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4
inches (102 mm). Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1¾
inches (44 mm) in width.
6. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a
1¼-inch (32 mm) square unless the fence is provided with
slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the
openings to not more than 1¾ inches (44 mm).
7. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members,
such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening formed by
the diagonal members shall be not more than 1¾ inches
(44 mm).
8. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of
items 1 through 7 of Section 421.10.1, and shall be
equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian
access gates shall open outwards away from the pool and
shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a
self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the
self-latching device is located less than 54 inches
(1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate:
(a) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool
side of the gate at least 3 inches (76 mm) below the top
of the gate; and
(b) the gate and barrier shall not have an opening
greater than ½ inch (13 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of
the release mechanism.
9. Where a wall of a dwelling unit serves as part of the
barrier and contains a door that provides direct access
to the pool, one of the following shall apply:
9.1. All doors with direct access to the pool through
that wall shall be equipped with an alarm which produces
an audible warning when the door and its screen, if
present, are opened. The audible warning shall commence
not more than 7 seconds after the door and door screen,
if present, are opened and shall sound continuously for
a minimum of 30 seconds. The alarm shall have a minimum
sound pressure rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet (3048 mm) and
the sound of the alarm shall be distinctive from other
household sounds such as smoke alarms, telephones and
door bells. The alarm shall automatically reset under
all conditions. The alarm shall be equipped with manual
means, such as touchpads or switches, to deactivate
temporarily the alarm for a single opening from either
direction. Such deactivation shall last for not more
than 15 seconds. The deactivation touchpads or switches
shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the
threshold of the door.
9.2. All doors with direct access to the pool through
that wall shall be equipped with a self-closing and
self-latching device with the release mechanism located
a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the floor.
Swinging doors shall open away from the pool area.
9.3. The pool shall be equipped with a power safety
cover. Where in a closed position, the cover shall be
capable of holding a weight of 485 pounds (2157 N),
shall not have any openings that allow passage of a
4½-inch (114 mm) sphere and shall incorporate a system
to drain standing water that collects on the cover. The
cover control switch shall be permanently installed in
accordance with NFPA 70 listed in Chapter 35, and be
key-operated and of a spring-loaded or momentary-contact
type. Where the switch is released, the operation of the
cover shall stop instantly and be capable of reversing
direction immediately. The switch shall be in the line
of sight of the complete pool cover.
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 fixed or
removable ladder or steps, the ladder or steps shall be
surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of
items 1 through 9 of Section 421.10.1. A removable
ladder shall not constitute an acceptable alternative to
enclosure requirements.
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