For above-ground (onground) pools in Howard County, the pool wall itself can serve as the required barrier if its top is at least 48 inches above grade, under Maryland's adopted 2021 code. Any ladder or steps must be removable, capable of being secured, or protected by an approved barrier.
Section 305.5 of the Maryland-adopted ISPSC lets an above-ground pool's structural wall act as the safety barrier when the top of the wall is at least 48 inches above grade. Where a ladder or steps provide access, they must be removable and lockable, or surrounded by a compliant barrier that meets the 48-inch standard when the pool is not in use. All other barrier rules, including openings that block a 4-inch sphere, still apply. A Howard County building permit and inspection are required just as for in-ground pools.
Leaving an unsecured ladder on an above-ground pool, or a wall under 48 inches without added barrier, is a code violation subject to correction orders and fines.
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See how Howard County's above-ground pools rules stack up against other locations.
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