5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Greenville County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Yes. In unincorporated Greenville County, a building permit is required before installing any in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground swimming pool. Apply through the Building Safety and Code Enforcement Department via the eTrakit online system before construction begins.
Greenville County Building Safety & Code Enforcement, Permit Requirements
Any new construction, addition or alteration of existing residential or commercial structures... swimming pools, shed, signage... require a permit.
Greenville County has adopted the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Outdoor pools and spas must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high, with limited ground clearance and openings that won't pass a 4-inch sphere.
ISPSC Section 305.2.1 (adopted by Greenville County)
The top of the barrier shall be not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. Such height shall exist around the entire perimeter of the barrier.
Where a house wall serves as part of the barrier, doors and low windows with direct pool access must have an audible alarm. Pedestrian gates must open outward, be self-closing, and self-latching, per the ISPSC adopted by Greenville County.
ISPSC Section 305.3 (adopted by Greenville County)
Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device.
An on-ground or above-ground pool wall at least 48 inches high can act as the required barrier. Ladders and steps must be removable, lockable, or securable to prevent access, per the ISPSC adopted by Greenville County.
ISPSC Section 305.5(3) (adopted by Greenville County)
Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps are surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Section 305.
Greenville County treats hot tubs and spas as swimming pools. They need a compliant barrier unless fitted with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F 1346, which exempts them from the barrier requirements.
ISPSC Section 305.1 (adopted by Greenville County)
Exceptions: 1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
1 cities in Greenville County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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