Pool safety in Harford County turns on the gate. Under Section 305.3 of the Maryland Swimming Pool and Spa Code, every pedestrian gate must swing outward away from the pool, close itself, and latch itself.
The 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, enforced by Harford County Building Services, sets the child-safety package in Section 305.3. Pedestrian access doors and gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and carry a self-latching device. Where the latch release is below 54 inches, it sits on the pool side, out of a child's reach. The barrier cannot offer handholds or footholds. House doors that open into the pool area need an alarm or approved protection. The building inspector verifies all of this before the pool passes final inspection.
A gate that fails to self-close or self-latch is a cited safety defect that keeps the pool from passing inspection. Propping a gate open defeats the barrier and creates owner liability.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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