Visalia Municipal Code Ch. 8.52 Swimming Pools

Definitions:

“Alternate methods” means any method or material, approved by the building official, that provides an equivalent means of meeting safety and other code requirements.

“Barrier” means any material or assembly which restricts access by children to a body of water. Fences, gates, walls, or the exterior walls of a building, or any combination thereof may be considered as part of a barrier.

“Pool” means any material or construction which is designed to hold or transfer water. Examples may include but are not limited to swimming pools, spas, fountains, and fish pond or tanks. Not included in this definition are natural or man-made bodies of water such as large ponds, lakes, channels, or ditches. (Ord. 9631 § 2 (part), 1996)

A. Every person owning land on which there is situated a pool which is eighteen (18) inches or more in depth at any point, shall erect and maintain thereon an adequate barrier sufficient to make such body of water inaccessible to small children. Such barrier, including gates therein, shall not be less than five feet in height above any elevation within five feet of the barrier. Barriers shall not be climbable. Vertical members may have a spacing between them of not more than four inches and all horizontal members which provide a foothold shall be separated by not less than four feet vertically, unless on the pool side of the barrier. Latching devices shall not be operable less than four and one-half feet above all elevations within five feet of an access.

B. All gates, doors, or other accesses through the barrier shall be self-closing and self-latching.

Exception: Except for doors from a garage, doors from the interior of a building need not have a self-closing device when an approved pool cover or other alternate method, that provides the same degree of protection, is approved by the building official.

C. Pools adjacent to or fronting on a body of water such as a lake or pond shall have a barrier on all sides except for the side or sides adjacent to the body of water. Side barriers shall extend four feet where possible. (Ord. 9631 § 2 (part), 1996)

The provisions of Sections 8.52.010 and 8.52.020 of this chapter shall not apply to this section. Public swimming pools or spas shall conform to the California Health and Safety Code and to the accessibility requirements of State Title 24. (Ord. 9631 § 2 (part), 1996)