When it comes to swimming pool equipment, it is always best to err on the side of caution. After all, a proper safety fence, cover, or net might literally save a life one day! That’s why Lifeguard on Duty strives to install durable, high quality equipment that will keep your loved ones safe and give you peace of mind.
And it appears that many state and local governments agree with our commitment to safety — so much so that they’ve developed several residential swimming pool regulations. If you’re building a new pool in your house, getting ready to sell, or simply want to keep your home up to code, you need to be aware of these regulations.
Why Swimming Pool Codes Matter
According to the CDC, 3,960 people die by accidental drowning each year — around 11 deaths per day. And sadly, many of those deaths are children. In fact, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children ages 1-4!
All these facts prove one thing: that swimming pool codes and regulations are necessary. The right regulations can go a long way toward preventing drowning deaths and saving many families from unspeakable tragedy. This is why both local and state governments have developed safety regulations for residents who have swimming pools.
What exactly are those regulations? Obviously, the answer depends on where you live. Here at Lifeguard on Duty, we serve clients all over the Bay area and Northern Nevada, so today we’ll discuss some of the regulations in place for swimming pools in those areas.
Local Residential Swimming Pool Regulations
Anyone who is selling a home, installing a pool, or simply upgrading their pool’s safety features should heed their state and local pool regulations. While it’s always best to check with your city or county before installing any pool safety features, let’s review the state regulations for our customers.
In California
The California Pool Safety Act of 2018 established statewide regulations that apply to all residential swimming pools, and the act was further amended to add more regulations in 2019. According to these safety codes, all residential swimming pools in the state need to have at least two of the following seven drowning prevention measures:
- An enclosure (fence, wall, or other barrier) that isolates the swimming pool from the house.
- Self-closing and self-latching removable mesh fencing.
- An ASTM-approved safety pool cover
- Exit alarms on any doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
- A self-closing and self-latching device on any doors that lead to the pool, placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
- A swimming alarm for individual use, such as an alarm that is attached to a child and sounds when placed in water.
- Any other means of protection that meet standards set by the ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
In Nevada
Lifeguard on Duty is also proud to serve customers in the Reno area — which means we are also familiar with the residential swimming pool regulations in Nevada. In the Silver State, the following regulations apply:
- All residential pools need a barrier around them that is at least 48”.
- The barrier cannot have more than 2″ of vertical clearance between the ground and the bottom of the barrier.
- Openings in the barrier cannot exceed 4″ in diameter.
- Access gates in barriers must be equipped to accommodate a locking device, must open outward from the pool, and must be self-closing and self-latching.
- Release mechanisms on access gates cannot be located less than 54” from the bottom of the gate. If you use your home wall as part of your barrier, you must also equip the pool with an ASTM-compliant cover or install pool alarms on any door with direct access to the pool.
These regulations are clearly very thorough, and the Lifeguard on Duty team is always careful to make sure our work makes the grade. However, it’s important to remember that you should always check local regulations before starting any projects on your pool.
What are ASTM Safety Standards?
You might have noticed the word “ASTM” popping up on the regulations above. This refers to The American Society for Testing and Materials (also known as ASTM International), an organization that develops global standards for a wide variety of products, including pool safety equipment.
All the pool safety equipment we offer at Lifeguard on Duty meets (and even exceeds) ASTM standards. When you work with us, you can be confident that you’re working with high quality equipment that meets local swimming pool codes and regulations.
What Happens if I Don’t Pass Inspection?
There are few things more frustrating than installing a new pool safety feature… only to find out it doesn’t meet your local safety code. It is important to remember that ASTM-compliant products only pass inspection if they’re installed properly.
This is why it’s always best to work with experts like our Lifeguard on Duty installers. We will install the right fence, cover, or net for your pool AND ensure it’s installed to meet your area’s regulations. We can even help you with repair work if your old fence isn’t up to code any more!
Get the Right Pool Fence Today
Swimming pool codes and regulations can be a real headache, but Lifeguard on Duty is here to help you have the safest swimming pool on the block. If you want a high-quality pool fence, net, or cover that meets ASTM standards and your local pool codes, we’re the team to make it happen!
Do you have questions about our pool safety equipment? Use our cost calculator to estimate the budget for your pool safety project, or contact us today to learn more about how we can make your swimming pool (and your family) a whole lot safer.
