ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY POOL CODE
BOCA NATIONAL BUILDING
Swimming Pools. Spas, and Hot Tubs
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 two 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 top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be four inches (102 mm). |
| 2. |
Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a four 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 1 3/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1 3/4 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 four inches (102 mm). Decorative cutouts shall not exceed 1 3/4 inches (44 mm) in width. |
| 6. |
Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 1 1/4 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 1 3/4 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 1 3/4 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 three inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate; and (b) the gate and barrier shall not have an opening greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism. |
| 9. |
Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, 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 alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds immediately after the door is opened. 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 from 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. |
The pool shall be equipped with an approved power safety cover |
|
| 10 |
Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or when 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. |
|
