5 rules for unincorporated Dorchester County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Dorchester County Building Services issues the building permit for every residential pool, spa, and permanent hot tub in the unincorporated county. The pool is built to South Carolina's adopted 2021 codes, and the electrical must be done by a SC-licensed contractor.
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code § 305.1.1 (Construction Fencing, as enforced in South Carolina)
The construction sites for in-ground swimming pools and spas shall be provided with construction fencing to surround the site from the time that any excavation occurs up to the time that the permanent barrier is completed. The fencing shall be not less than 4 feet in height [ISPSC 305.1.1].
A residential pool in Dorchester County must sit behind a barrier at least 48 inches high, under the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code South Carolina enforces. Openings in the barrier cannot pass a 4-inch sphere.
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code §§ 305.2.1, 305.2.2 (Pool Barrier, as enforced in South Carolina)
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade [ISPSC 305.2.1]. ... Openings in the barrier shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere. [ISPSC 305.2.2].
Dorchester County inspects pool safety under the ISPSC and the barrier rules South Carolina enforces. Federal law requires anti-entrapment drain covers on public pools; residential pools are not required to add them but are strongly encouraged to.
U.S. CPSC, Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act)
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, a federal law, requires all public pools and spas to have anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices, where needed. Residential pools are not required to install these, but they are highly recommended.
An above-ground pool in Dorchester County needs the same building permit and 48-inch barrier as an in-ground pool. The pool wall can serve as the barrier only where it meets the height and clearance rules.
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code § 305.5 (Onground Residential Pool Structure as a Barrier)
Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade, the top of the wall is not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of Section 305.2 and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
A hot tub or spa in Dorchester County is regulated like a pool under the ISPSC, needing a permit and a barrier. A safety cover listed and labeled to ASTM F1346 can stand in for a fence.
International Swimming Pool and Spa Code § 305.4 (Structure Wall as a Barrier, Exception)
Exception: Alarm is not required if a safety cover that is listed and labeled in accordance with ASTM F1346 is installed for the pools and spas.
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