Swimming Pools & Spas in Charles County, MD (2026)
2 rules for unincorporated Charles County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Charles County requires a $110 swimming pool permit from the Health Department and enforces the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local amendments strengthening chain-link fencing and eliminating mesh fences and windowed walls as approved pool barriers.
Charles County Swimming Pool Permit and Barrier Rules
Some RestrictionsCharles County, MD Code § 224-1.9
§ 224-1.9. International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. (1) ISPSC Section 305.2.7, Chain link dimensions, add "wire gauge must meet or exceed 11.5" awg." (2) ISPSC Section 305.2.4, Mesh fence as a barrier, delete without replacement. (3) ISPSC Section 305.4, Structure wall as a barrier, delete all mentions of "windows," without replacement.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Charles County amends the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code to tighten what counts as a pool barrier. Chain-link fencing must use wire at least 11.5 AWG gauge, mesh fencing is no longer an acceptable barrier at all, and a house wall can no longer rely on its windows to satisfy the 'structure wall as a barrier' option.
Charles County Pool Barrier Fence Rule
Some RestrictionsCharles County Code § 224-1.9(1)-(3) (ISPSC §§ 305.2.7, 305.2.4, 305.4)
ISPSC Section 305.2.7, Chain link dimensions, add "wire gauge must meet or exceed 11.5" awg." ISPSC Section 305.2.4, Mesh fence as a barrier, delete without replacement. ISPSC Section 305.4, Structure wall as a barrier, delete all mentions of "windows," without replacement.
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