Horry County, SC Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Horry 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
- 48 inches high all around
- Ladders
- Secured, locked or removable
- Removed-ladder gap
- No 4-inch sphere passes
- Mesh fence
- Not allowed atop on-ground pools
- Depth trigger
- 24 inches or more deep
Summary
An above-ground pool wall can act as the barrier only if it is at least 48 inches high all around. Any ladder or steps must be secured, locked or removable to block access when the pool is not in use.
Ladders or steps used as means of access to the pool are capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access except where the ladder or steps are surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Section 305.
Full Breakdown
Adopted ISPSC Section 305.5 lets an on-ground residential pool wall (or a barrier mounted on top of it) serve as the required barrier when the top stays at least 48 inches above grade for the entire perimeter and complies with Section 305.2. Ladders and steps must be capable of being secured, locked or removed. Openings created by removing a ladder cannot pass a 4-inch sphere. Mesh fences may not be installed on top of on-ground pools. Any pool 24 inches or more deep needs a barrier unless it has an ASTM F1346 powered safety cover.
Violations & Fines
An above-ground pool whose wall is under 48 inches, or whose ladder cannot be secured, must add a separate compliant barrier before it passes inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground pool need a separate fence?
Can I put a mesh safety fence on top of the pool wall?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Horry County
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