South Carolina Statewide Pool Barrier Building Code

The South Carolina Building Codes Council, established under SC Code Section 6-9-40, adopts the IRC and IBC as the mandatory minimum statewide construction codes. Local governments cannot adopt less stringent standards. Under IRC Appendix G (or current adopted Appendix), residential swimming pools deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward. Openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Doors providing direct access from a dwelling must have alarms or self-closing devices. These standards apply uniformly across all SC jurisdictions.

Code violations may result in stop-work orders, denial of certificate of occupancy, and civil penalties enforced by local building officials under state authority.