Baltimore County, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Dwelling-wall door alarm
- Required, UL 2017 listed
- Overhead wire clearance
- 10 feet (NEC 680.9)
- Underground wiring clearance
- 5 feet if not serving pool
- Easements
- No construction or re-grading allowed
- Energy measures
- Mandatory per 2015 IECC §403.10.4
Summary
Where a dwelling wall forms part of the pool barrier, Baltimore County requires doors with direct pool access to have a UL 2017-listed audible alarm. Pools must sit at least 10 feet from overhead electrical wires (NEC 680.9) and comply with mandatory energy-savings measures under the 2015 IECC.
Dwelling wall as a barrier. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier ... Doors with direct access to the pool through that wall shall be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door or its screen, if present, are opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2017.
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Residential Swimming Pool requirements (PAI BPP 10), where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool through that wall must be equipped with an alarm that produces an audible warning when the door or its screen is opened; the alarm must be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2017. The pool location cannot be within ten feet of any overhead electrical wires (NEC §680.9) or within 5 feet of underground wiring not serving the pool (NEC Table 680.9a); all measurements are from the inside pool walls, and BGE should be contacted at 800-233-1854.
Violations & Fines
Missing door alarms, unsafe electrical clearances, or grading in easements will fail inspection and trigger PAI Code Enforcement action. The pool cannot be approved for use until all safety conditions are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do house doors need alarms?
How far must a pool be from power lines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baltimore County
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