The adopted building code treats hot tubs and spas as swimming pools, so barrier rules apply unless the spa has an ASTM F 1346 safety cover. Public spas are regulated by SC DHEC as public pools.
SC-adopted IBC Section 3109 defines a swimming pool to include hot tubs and spas containing water over 24 inches deep, so the residential barrier requirements generally apply. However, a spa or hot tub equipped with a safety cover complying with ASTM F 1346 is exempt from the barrier rules. A spa or hot tub open to more than a single family's use (for example at a clubhouse, rental complex, or public facility) is a public pool and falls under SC DHEC Regulation 61-51 permitting and operation standards.
A qualifying hot tub without either a compliant barrier or an ASTM F 1346 cover fails inspection; unpermitted public spas face DHEC enforcement.
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