Summer is official here! It’s time to open those pools and go for a swim. But before you pull back that pool cover, stop and consider one thing: safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission an estimated 260 children under the age of 5 years of age drown each year in residential swimming pools and spas. Another 3,000 children are treated annually following submersion accidents. So, before you open your pool for the summer, ask yourself one very important question; “is my pool safe?”
Of course, you pay close attention to your friends and family when they go for a swim, but you can’t be everywhere. And what happens when a young child wanders into your backyard when you are inside or a neighbor’s child wanders into your yard when you are not even home? To prevent accidents from happening when you are not around, invest in a Pool Fence.
Each city, town, or county in Maryland has the power to adopt its own pool fence laws, so it is best to check with your local jurisdiction before installing a fence. Many counties and districts have adopted the International Residential Code or the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s “Guidelines for Swimming Pool Barriers.” These guidelines specify that a safety barrier – traditionally a fence – must be constructed around any man-made body of water that is more than 24 inches deep.
Check with your local build code to make sure the fence you choose meets your counties pool code requirements. Typical requirements include:
- The fence must be at least 48 inches tall.
- Pickets should be spaced no more than 1 3/4 inches apart.
- Gates must swing outward and have a self-closing and safety locking mechanism.
- The vertical pickets should be no more than 4″ apart, and the barrier should be no less than 4ft tall.
- Some counties require 5ft or 6ft tall pool fence barriers. ALWAYS check with your local permit and inspection office as codes will change from time to time.
Any above ground pool taller than 48 inches with a detachable ladder does not require a pool fence or other barrier.
Pool Fence Installation in Maryland
The pool fencing ideas you consider should reflect and align with why you want to enclose your pool in the first place. Safety will factor heavily into your decision, but aesthetics and functionality need to be a part of the pool fence design as well. Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence can design and install a high-quality pool fence. We take great pride in what we do. From our company trained designers and installation experts to our incredible service department, we guarantee you piece of mind every time.
If you have any questions about Maryland Pool Fence Laws, please contact Mid Atlantic Deck & Fence (MAD Fence) today by clicking here or calling 1-800-833-9310. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well.
Tags: Maryland, pool fence