Loudoun County, VA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Loudoun County Code Ch. 838
- Enforcing agency
- Loudoun County Health Department Director
- Perimeter barrier height
- 6 feet minimum
- Main drain outlets required
- Minimum of two, interconnected
- Scope
- Public pools only, not single-family residential
- Gate latch height
- 48 inches above deck
Summary
Loudoun County Code Chapter 838 requires every public swimming pool to carry anti-entrapment main drain covers and a six-foot, non-climbable perimeter barrier, and puts the Loudoun County Health Department Director in charge of enforcement. The chapter applies only to public and water recreation facilities, not pools serving a single-family residence.
This chapter shall apply to all water recreation facilities, as indicated and herein defined. This chapter applies only to public pools and does not apply to residential pools serving a single family residence... All outdoor pool areas shall be completely enclosed with a perimeter fence, or equivalent barrier, at least six feet in height... The fence or barrier shall be non-climbable from the outside of the enclosure... A main drain outlet opening shall be covered with a protective grate or anti-vortex cover which is not hazardous to patrons... and is designed to prevent body entrapment or injury.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 838 of the Loudoun County Code, adopted by Ordinance 07-14 in 2007, governs public swimming pools, spa pools and waterpark facilities. " Those covers must be secured so removal requires tools, must meet ASME/ANSI and NSF International suction-fitting standards, and the water velocity through the outlets is capped at one and one half feet per second in water eight feet deep or greater (one foot per second in shallower water). 46: outdoor pool areas must be completely enclosed by a perimeter fence or equivalent barrier at least six feet high, measured from the highest ground elevation within three feet of the barrier's outside.
The barrier must be "non-climbable," meaning no handholds, footholds or horizontal members that would aid climbing, and openings must be small enough to block passage of a sphere over one and three-quarter inches (or four inches on barriers without horizontal rails). Gates need self-closing, self-latching hardware with the latch release at least 48 inches above grade, and an emergency gate at least eight feet wide must be provided. 49. 06 before work begins.
Violations & Fines
Operating a public pool, spa or waterpark without a valid owner's permit, or in violation of the drain-cover or barrier standards, exposes the facility to permit suspension or revocation under Sections 838.08 and 838.09, which let the Health Department Director close a facility or revoke the owner's permit for noncompliance. Because Chapter 838 incorporates the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Loudoun County Fire Prevention Code by reference in Section 838.04, a facility can also face building or fire code enforcement action stacked on top of a Health Department closure order for the same barrier or drain-cover deficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chapter 838 apply to my backyard pool in Loudoun County?
What must cover the main drain of a public pool in Loudoun County?
How tall must a public pool's perimeter fence be?
Who enforces Loudoun County's public pool safety rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Loudoun County
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