Under Maryland's adopted 2021 pool code, every pedestrian gate or door in a Howard County pool barrier must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. A pool-side release must sit at least 3 inches below the top of the gate.
Section 305.3 of the Maryland-adopted ISPSC governs access points. Pedestrian gates must swing outward, self-close, and self-latch automatically. Where the latch release is on the pool side of the barrier, it must be at least 3 inches below the top of the gate and the barrier around it must block a 4-inch sphere within 18 inches of the release. Doors from a dwelling that provide direct access to the pool require an alarm or an approved self-closing, self-latching device. These devices, like the barrier, are inspected before the pool may be filled.
A gate that fails to self-latch or self-close is a barrier violation that can result in failed inspection, fines, and enforcement action by Howard County DILP.
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