South Fulton, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Layered safety requirements apply. From South Fulton's own code (Sec. 303.17): the pool must be completely surrounded by an enclosure to prevent access by unsupervised children and animals; the gate must be self-closing and positive-latching; the entrance must be locked when the pool is not open for use; surrounding objects must be 5 feet from the enclosure for an unclimbable space; and construction must comply with regulations administered by the Fulton County Board of Health. From Georgia's mandatory International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC, applicable statewide): the barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool; ground clearance beneath the barrier must not exceed 2 inches over non-solid surfaces (e.g., grass) or 4 inches over solid surfaces; pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching; and the latch release for residential pools must be at least 54 inches above the floor/ground (or otherwise shielded). The ISPSC also addresses entrapment-protection drain covers and similar mechanical safety items reviewed under the building/health permit. Because these rules overlap, the most restrictive provision controls — in South Fulton that is generally the 5-foot (60-inch) local enclosure height. Owners should verify the latest county health and state code editions, as Georgia adopts updated ISPSC editions periodically (2024 edition effective January 1, 2026).