Richmond County, NY Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Pool safety in Richmond County layers federal, state, and NYC rules. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 USC §8003) requires ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 compliant anti-entrapment drain covers on every residential and public pool — violations are federally enforceable. NY General Business Law §399-aaa (Pool Safety Cover Act) requires safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 on all residential pools constructed after December 14, 2006. NYC Building Code §3109 mandates barriers (see fencing-requirements), and §3109.4 adds emergency lighting and signage for any pool over 5,000 gallons. CPR and rescue equipment signage is required at pool decks. Shared residential-building pools on Staten Island (a handful exist in Bay Street Landing, Cameron Estates, and some Todt Hill co-ops) must comply with NYC Health Code Article 165 — certified pool operator, daily water testing (pH 7.2-7.8, chlorine 1-5 ppm), 10 NYCRR Subpart 6-1, and either a lifeguard or posted no-lifeguard signage with deep-end depth markers. NY Real Property Law §462 (Property Condition Disclosure Act) requires sellers to disclose pool condition to buyers. Homeowner insurance carriers (Allstate, GEICO, etc.) commonly require compliance and may refuse or drop policies over violations.