Spartanburg County, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Spartanburg County, SC, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Wall as barrier
- Allowed if 48+ inches
- Ladders
- Securable, lockable, or removable
- Ladder opening
- No 4-inch sphere passes
- Low walls
- Separate fence still required
- Code section
- ISPSC 305.5
Summary
An above-ground (onground) pool in Spartanburg County may use its own wall as the required barrier if the wall is at least 48 inches above grade around the entire pool and any ladders or steps can be secured, locked, or removed to block access.
Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade, the top of the wall is not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of Section 305.2 and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as a barrier.
Full Breakdown
Under the county-adopted ISPSC §305.5, an onground residential pool wall (or a barrier mounted on top of it) serves as the barrier only when the wall is at least 48 inches above grade for the entire perimeter, the wall meets §305.2, and the manufacturer allows it. Access ladders and steps must be capable of being secured, locked, or removed, and any opening left when a ladder is removed cannot pass a 4-inch sphere. If the pool wall is lower than 48 inches, a separate compliant fence is still required. A permit and final inspection through County Building Codes still apply to above-ground pools of regulated size.
Violations & Fines
Leaving a removable ladder in place, or a wall under 48 inches with no added barrier, is a barrier violation that fails inspection and can draw code-enforcement action until corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground pool need a separate fence?
What about the ladder?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Spartanburg County
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