Pool barriers must be 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates (latch 54 inches above grade) under IRC Appendix G as adopted by Montgomery County.
Montgomery County enforces pool barrier requirements through the Department of Permitting Services (DPS) under the International Residential Code (IRC) Appendix G as adopted in the county building code. All outdoor residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas with water depth greater than 24 inches must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the exterior side. The barrier must not have openings, handholds, or footholds that would allow a child to climb it. Horizontal members must be spaced at least 45 inches apart or on the pool side of the fence. Chain-link fencing must have no more than 1.75-inch diamond openings. Gates in pool barriers must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground or on the pool side with a release mechanism that requires reaching over the gate. The dwelling wall of a house may serve as one side of the pool barrier if all doors with direct access to the pool area are equipped with alarms that produce an audible warning when the door is opened. A powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for a barrier on one or more sides when the cover is closed. DPS inspects the barrier as part of the pool permit final inspection.
Failure to maintain pool barriers triggers DPS enforcement. Cease-and-use orders until barriers are installed or repaired. Homeowner liability for injuries is significantly increased when barrier requirements are not met.
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