Every Philadelphia pool, spa, or hot tub must be restricted by one of three approved barrier options, the standard being a 48-inch-high enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate that swings away from the pool.
The City of Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) EZ Permit Standards for Pools and Spas state that 'Access to pools, spas and hot tubs must be restricted to prevent against potential drowning accidents' and that 'One of the three barrier options shown below is required for any pool, spa or hot tub.' Option 1 encloses the pool in the rear yard with a 48-inch-high barrier and a 'Self-closing and latching gate, swinging away from the pool.' Option 2 (above-ground pools only) uses a pool at least 48 inches deep with a stair or ladder barrier. Option 3 encloses the rear-yard pool with a 48-inch barrier where the dwelling wall forms one side and access doors have an 'Approved door or alarm.' For an above-ground pool with an access platform of up to 50 square feet, 'The required guardrail around the platform must be at least 36 inches high and may have a maximum opening of 4 inches.' Because Philadelphia has adopted the International Codes, the barrier also meets the Pennsylvania Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC) Section 305, which requires the barrier top to be 'not less than 48 inches above grade,' openings that 'not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere,' and pedestrian gates that 'open outward away from the pool or spa,' are 'self-closing,' and have a 'self-latching device.'
L&I will not pass the pool's final inspection or close the permit until the required barrier, gate, and (where the house forms part of the barrier) door alarms are verified on site. A pool left unenclosed or with a non-self-latching gate is a code violation subject to L&I notice, fines, and abatement, and an unsecured pool can be cited as a public nuisance.
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