Rockville, MD Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Swimming pool safety in Rockville is governed by Montgomery County building code provisions, Maryland state law, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted locally. Pool owners must maintain the required 5-foot fence or wall enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates at all times. Electrical systems for pools must be properly bonded and grounded in accordance with the National Electrical Code, with ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protection required for all pool-area electrical outlets and equipment. Pool drains must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which requires anti-entrapment drain covers on all public and residential pool drains. Water quality in private pools is the responsibility of the owner, but pools must not create mosquito breeding habitat or health hazards for neighbors. Pool equipment including pumps, heaters, and filtration systems must comply with noise ordinance requirements and not create a nuisance. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services provides pool safety education and enforces safety regulations through inspections of both public and residential pools. Diving boards and slides are subject to minimum water depth requirements to prevent injuries.