Franklin's pool safety rules come from the City-adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC pre-1/1/2026, 2024 ISPSC via Ordinance 2025-37 thereafter) and from the Franklin Zoning Ordinance setbacks. Required safety measures include a 48-inch minimum barrier (ISPSC 305), self-closing/self-latching gates that open outward, no climbing aids near the barrier, suction-entrapment prevention (VGB Act compliance), door alarms or powered safety covers where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, and the 5-foot lot-line and 10-foot front-facade pool setbacks from the Zoning Ordinance.
The 2018 and 2024 ISPSC editions adopted by the City of Franklin under Title 12, Chapter 7 (most recently by Ordinance 2025-37) set the technical safety standards. Section 305 establishes the barrier rules (48-inch minimum height, 4-inch maximum opening, self-closing/self-latching gates, climb-prevention requirements). Chapter 3 (General Compliance) requires compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act) for entrapment prevention - all main drains in pools and spas must be equipped with anti-entrapment covers complying with ANSI/APSP 16, and single-main-drain pools must have a secondary protection system such as a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), an automatic pump shut-off, or other listed device. Chapter 8 (in-ground residential pools) requires compliance with ANSI/APSP/ICC-5. Chapter 9 (aboveground/on-ground residential pools) requires compliance with ANSI/APSP/ICC-4. Section 305.4 (Dwelling wall as a barrier) requires either UL 2017 door alarms, powered ASTM F 1346 safety covers, self-closing/self-latching doors with releases at least 54 inches above the floor, or other approved means when a house wall is part of the barrier. The Franklin Zoning Ordinance adds local location rules: 'Outdoor swimming pools on residential lots shall be located at least ten feet behind the front facade and at least five feet from any lot line,' and pools may not be placed in easements. The City's Swimming Pool Procedures confirm all electrical work must be permitted and inspected, and plumbing work connecting to City of Franklin water requires a licensed plumber and inspection. Backflow prevention devices are required per Title 18 (Water and Sewer) when pools connect to City water. Pools in FEMA floodplains must comply with ISPSC Chapter 4 (flood-resistant construction).
Climbable objects (chairs, ladders, AC units, planters) within reach of the barrier violate ISPSC 305 and must be removed. Pools without VGB Act-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers violate ISPSC Chapter 3. Failure to maintain self-closing gates is the most frequent enforcement issue. Pools in floodplains without flood-resistant construction violate ISPSC Chapter 4. Building and Neighborhood Services can require the pool to be drained or covered until violations are corrected.
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