5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Richland County, South Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
A residential pool in unincorporated Richland County needs a county building permit before excavation; the SC Residential Code (Appendix G) governs construction and barriers. A PUBLIC pool additionally needs a Construction Permit from SC DES before any work begins.
SC Reg. 61-51.B(2)
Construction Permit. No public swimming pool may be constructed or altered until a permit to construct has been issued by the Department.
Under the adopted SC Residential Code (IRC Appendix G), a residential pool must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the outside. Pedestrian gates must open outward, self-close and self-latch.
SC Residential Code, IRC Appendix G, AG105.2
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.
Residential pool safety follows the adopted SC Residential Code (Appendix G): a compliant barrier, self-latching gates and, for house-wall barriers, door alarms. Public pools must meet the broader safety, drain-entrapment and attendant rules of SC Regulation 61-51.
SC Residential Code, IRC Appendix G, AG105.2(8)
Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool, and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
Above-ground residential pools follow the same SC Residential Code (Appendix G) barrier rule as in-ground pools: a 48-inch barrier. Appendix G lets the pool wall itself act as the barrier if the ladder or steps are removable, lockable or barrier-protected.
SC Residential Code, IRC Appendix G, AG105.2
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.
A residential spa or hot tub is exempt from the pool-barrier rules of the adopted SC Residential Code if it has a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346. Otherwise the full 48-inch barrier requirement applies. Public spas fall under SC Reg. 61-51.
SC Residential Code, IRC Appendix G, AG105.5
Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover which comply with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of this appendix.
1 cities in Richland County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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