5 rules for unincorporated Clackamas County, Oregon.
Verified from official government sources
A residential swimming pool holding water over 24 inches deep is a structure governed by the Oregon Residential Specialty Code (ORSC, Appendix V/G). Clackamas County Building Codes issues the building permit, which covers the pool structure, electrical, plumbing, and the required barrier.
ORSC Appendix AG102.1 (Swimming pool definition)
Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
Oregon requires every residential pool holding over 24 inches of water to be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high, with openings that will not pass a 4-inch sphere. Gates must open away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching.
ORSC Appendix AG105.2, Items 1-2
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Residential pool safety in Clackamas County follows the Oregon Residential Specialty Code barrier rules. Public and semi-public pools are separately regulated by Oregon Health Authority rules (OAR 333-060), which require an enclosure at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
An above-ground pool holding water more than 24 inches deep is treated as a pool under the Oregon code, so it needs a permit and a compliant barrier. When the pool wall itself serves as the barrier, the access ladder or steps must be removable, lockable, or separately fenced.
ORSC Appendix AG105.2, Item 10
Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier... the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access; or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of Section AG105.2.
A hot tub or spa holding water more than 24 inches deep meets the Oregon code's pool definition and normally needs a barrier. The key exemption: a spa or hot tub with a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 is exempt from the barrier requirement.
ORSC Appendix AG105.5
Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover which complies with ASTM F1346... shall be exempt from the provisions of this appendix.
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