5 rules for unincorporated Horry County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
A building permit and Horry County Code Enforcement inspections are required for residential pools. The pool cannot be used until all applicable inspections pass; permits run 180 days and renew with each inspection.
Horry County Pool Fence Affidavit (ISPSC Section 305, 2021)
The permit is in good standing for 180 days and each inspection renews for 180 days. If no inspections performed the permit will expire after 180 days.
Outdoor pools must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside. Openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, and ground clearance is capped at 2 inches on grass, 4 inches on solid surfaces.
ISPSC 305.2.1, 305.2.2 (adopted by Horry 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. ... Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.
Pedestrian gates must open outward, self-close and self-latch. Doors and windows with direct pool access need water-hazard alarms. Community and HOA pools follow DHEC Reg. 61-51, which requires a four- to six-foot fence.
ISPSC 305.3 (Horry County); SC DHEC Reg. 61-51.C(8)
Pedestrian access 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 wall can act as the barrier only if it is at least 48 inches high all around. Any ladder or steps must be secured, locked or removable to block access when the pool is not in use.
ISPSC 305.5(3) (adopted by Horry 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.
Spas and hot tubs follow the same ISPSC barrier rules as pools, but a hot tub is exempt from the fence requirement if it has a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346.
ISPSC 305.1 (adopted by Horry County)
Exceptions: 1. Spas and hot tubs with a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346.
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