5 rules for unincorporated Harford County, Maryland.
Verified from official government sources
In Harford County any pool holding more than 24 inches of water needs a building permit before the first shovel or panel goes in. The Division of Building Services issues it under the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
Harford County Swimming Pool Requirements (2021 ISPSC)
All swimming pools containing more than 24 inches of water and spas must be permitted, installed and protected in accordance with the commercial and residential pool provisions found in the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
A residential pool in Harford County must sit behind a barrier at least 48 inches high. The rule is the Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Section 305.2.1, measured on the side facing away from the water.
Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021 ISPSC) Section 305.2.1
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.
Pool safety in Harford County turns on the gate. Under Section 305.3 of the Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code, every pedestrian gate must swing outward away from the pool, close itself, and latch itself.
Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021 ISPSC) Section 305.3
Pedestrian access doors and gates shall open outward away from the pool or spa, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device.
An above-ground pool gets no free pass in Harford County. Its wall serves as the required barrier only when it stands 48 inches high, and under Section 305.5 the ladder must be removable, lockable, or secured.
Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021 ISPSC) Section 305.5
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.
A hot tub earns the one real break in Harford County's pool code. A spa fitted with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is excused from the barrier rules, so no 48-inch fence is required around it.
Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2021 ISPSC) Section 305.1
Where spas or hot tubs are equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 and swimming pools are equipped with a powered safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346, the areas where those spas, hot tubs or pools are located shall not be required to comply with Sections 305.2 through 305.7.
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