The following code minimums shall be considered part of the approved plan, may be superseded by more stringent submitted specifications, and shall not be considered all inclusive of code requirements.

All pools, even temporary use or storable pools require a Building Permit. An Electrical Permit is required for the electrical work associated with pool installations. Storable-type pools may be plugged into a GFI protected outlet that must be at least 10' from the pool. This is a Connecticut State Statute.

Remember that Pool Safety is the responsibility of the pool's owner.

A man-made body of water is considered a pool if it meets any of the following conditions.

• If the water level is more than 24" deep
• If the surface area is greater than 250 sq. ft.
• If it has a permanent water recirculating system

Pools and spas or hot tubs require permits to ensure the work is done properly and is approved for the proposed location. The requirements for barriers, fences, gates, latches and the means of direct entry into a pool are designed to provide protection against accidental drowning, particularly for small children. However, nothing can replace direct supervision by an adult.

Residential pools/spas are considered as accessory use structures and must meet zoning and environmental protection requirements.

Barrier

1. Barrier (fence, pool wall, etc.) shall be not less than 48" in height and start 2" max. above grade
2. Openings shall not allow passage of a 4" sphere
3. No indentations / protrusions in solid barriers which would create a climbing hazard.
4. Horiz. rails less than 45" apart must be on inside of barrier w/ 1 ¾" spacing
5. Horiz. rails spaced 45" or more vertical / picket spacing max 4" on center.
6. Maximum chain link fence openings 2 ¼" square
7. Maximum diagonal openings (lattice w/ slats etc.) 1 ¾"
8. Safety glazing (on poolside) is required in walls & fences enclosing pools that are both within 3' horiz. and 5' vert. of a walking surface
9. Removable or fixed ladder or steps require a barrier which meet # 1-8 above
10. Barriers on top of pool rim require less than 4" from bottom of barrier to top of pool rim.

 

Access Gates

 

11. Gate material shall comply with # 1-8 above
12. All gates shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device
13. Pedestrian access gates shall open outward, away from pool
14. Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and self-latching
15. Other access gates shall have a self-latching device
16. All gate latches less than 54" above the ground shall be inside the gate and the gate material shall have openings ½" maximum within 18" radius of the latch. The latch shall not be less than 3" below the top of the gate. Examples of aboveground pool gating options

Doors providing Direct Access to the pool

17. Option 1 - Be equipped with an audible alarm when the door and its screen, if present, are opened. The alarm shall:
    • Commence less than 7 seconds after the door / screen are opened and shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds
    • Have a minimum sound rating of 85 decibels at 10' and shall be distinctive from other household sounds
    • Automatically reset under all conditions
    • Be equipped with manual means (touch pads, switches) located at least 54" above the door threshold to deactivate the alarm for not more than 15 seconds when opening the door / screen from either direction
18. Option 2 - Be equipped with a power safety cover capable, when closed, of holding 485 lbs. And shall:
• Not have openings greater than 4 ½ " and shall drain standing water
• Have a permanently installed, key operated control switch (spring loaded or momentary contact type) that when released instantly stops operation of the cover and is capable of reversing direction immediately. The switch shall be in the line of sight of the complete pool cover
19. Option 3 - Be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device with the release mechanism located a minimum 54" above the floor. Swinging doors must open away from the pool area
20. Pool alarm required

Other

25. Temporary enclosure shall be installed prior to the commencement of the installation of any in-ground swimming pool

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