(a) Both public and private swimming pools shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than forty-eight inches (48") in height above the finished ground level as measured on the side of the fence or wall away from the pool. The fence or wall shall not be closer than ten feet (10') to the edge of the pool regardless of whether or not the pool is constructed in ground or above ground. The maximum vertical clearance between the ground and the bottom of the fence or wall shall be two inches (2") as measured on the side of the fence or wall which faces away from the swimming pool.
(b) All gates or doors used for ingress/egress to and from the pool area shall be self-closing, self-latching, and lockable. When the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than fifty-four inches (54") above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least three inches (3") below the top of the gate, and the gate, fence, or wall shall have no opening greater than one-half inch (1/2") within eighteen inches (18") of the release mechanism. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of six inches (6") from the gatepost. No existing fence or wall shall be removed, replaced, or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.
(c) On the side of the fence or wall facing away from the pool, the fence or wall shall be constructed without members that would create a ladder or otherwise permit or facilitate climbing up the fence or wall. Openings in the fence or wall shall not allow passage of a four-inch (4") diameter sphere.
(d) Exception: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.
(Ord. 21-2018. Passed 4-16-18.)