Residential pool, spa, and hot tub barriers in Apex follow NC Residential Code Appendix V (2018) / Appendix NC-A (2024). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the exterior side, openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, the grade-to-bottom clearance is capped at 2 inches (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b additionally requires that chain link used around residential pools be vinyl coated in black, brown, or dark green.
AV105.2 Item 1 (NC Residential Code Appendix V 2018): 'The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool... Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches.' AV105.2 Item 2: 'Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.' AV105.2 Item 5 generally requires that solid barriers without openings (such as masonry or stone walls) 'shall not contain indentations or protrusions, except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.' AV105.2 Item 8: 'Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than pedestrian access gates shall have a self-latching device.' Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b adds: 'Chain link fencing used for single-family recreational accessory uses as permitted in Sec. 4.5.4 such as but not limited to playgrounds, swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and basketball courts, shall be vinyl coated in black, brown or dark green, and must meet the requirements of Sec. 8.2.7.B.1 Fence/Wall Height.' Under NC Session Law 2023-108 (HB 488), Apex cannot impose stricter local pool-barrier amendments to the NC Residential Code.
A pool barrier under 48 inches violates AV105.2 Item 1. Barrier openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass violate Item 2. Gates that swing into the pool yard, are not self-closing, or lack self-latching hardware violate Item 8. Uncoated chain link around a residential pool violates Apex UDO Sec. 8.2.7.A.4.b. Failed barrier inspections will block final pool approval through Wake County.
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