Swimming Pools & Spas in Carroll County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Carroll County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Carroll County only exempts small 'storable' pools, those 42 inches deep or less with non-metallic or inflatable walls, from a building permit. Any in-ground pool or above-ground pool built beyond that depth or with rigid walls needs a full building permit from the Bureau of Permits and Inspections.
Carroll County Residential Pool Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsCarroll County Code of Ordinances § 170.15(4)(c)
Amend No. 9 to read: "Storable swimming or wading pool - those that are constructed on or above ground and are capable of holding water to a maximum depth of 42 inches, with non-metallic, molded polymer walls or inflatable fabric, regardless of dimension." Compliance with all safety standards shall apply and is subject to investigation upon a formal complaint being submitted.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Carroll County adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Edition, and locally rewrites its barrier trigger at § 170.22: every pool and spa must meet the code's Section 305 barrier standards for restricting entry, unless the spa or hot tub has a lockable safety cover certified to ASTM F1346, in which case Sections 305.2 through 305.7 do not apply.
Carroll County Pool and Spa Barrier Rule
Some RestrictionsCarroll County Code of Ordinances § 170.22
Delete Section 305.1 and replace with "The provisions of this section shall apply to the design of barriers for restricting entry to pools and spas. Where spas and hot tubs are equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 the areas where those spas and hot tubs are located shall not be required to comply with sections 305.2 through 305.7".
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