What are the pool fence and setback rules in Lake Elsinore?

Lake Elsinore's code: The gap under the barrier may be no more than 2 inches. (§ 15.36.050); The gap under the barrier may be up to 4 inches. (Only where the ground is a solid surface a child cannot get through, such as a concrete deck.) (§ 15.36.050).

Swimming pools in Lake Elsinore: the local rules

Lake Elsinore code What Lake Elsinore's code adds
Pool barrier	The gap under the barrier may be no more than 2 inches. § 15.36.050 · code text The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be two inches measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The gap under the barrier may be up to 4 inches. Applies: Only where the ground is a solid surface a child cannot get through, such as a concrete deck. § 15.36.050 · code text The maximum vertical clearance at the bottom barrier may be increased to four inches when grade is a solid surface impenetrable by a child such as a concrete deck. The gap under the barrier may be no more than 4 inches. Applies: Applies to a barrier mounted on top of an aboveground pool. § 15.36.050 · code text Where the barrier is mounted on top of the aboveground pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be four inches. Vertical-member spacing may not exceed one and one-fourth inch when horizontal members have tops spaced less than 45 inches apart. Applies: barrier has horizontal members whose tops are spaced less than 45 inches apart § 15.36.050 · code text When barriers have horizontal members, the tops of which are spaced less than 45 inches apart, (1) the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier and (2) spacing between vertical members shall not exceed one and one-fourth inch in width. Vertical bars may be up to 4 inches apart. Applies: Fences of vertical and horizontal members, with at least 45 inches between the tops of horizontal rails. § 15.36.050 · code text For fencing composed of vertical and horizontal members, the spacing between vertical members may be increased up to four inches when the distance between the tops of horizontal members is 45 inches or more. No decorative work on the outer side that makes the barrier easy to climb. § 15.36.050 · code text Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations or cutouts, which render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited. An existing fence counts as the barrier if at least 60 inches high and no opening passes a 4-inch sphere. Applies: Existing fences at the pool area; the gap under the fence may be no more than 2 inches. § 15.36.050 · code text Existing fences surrounding property at pool area, which are at least 60 inches above grade, measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool, has a maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier of two inches and has no openings that will allow the passage of a four-inch diameter sphere are permitted. Chain-link barrier openings may not exceed one and one-fourth-inch square. Applies: chain-link fences used as the barrier, unless provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom § 15.36.050 · code text When chain link fences are used as the barrier, openings shall not exceed one and one-fourth-inch square, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom, and the wire size shall not be smaller than 11 gauge. Chain-link wire must be at least 11 gauge. Applies: Applies to chain-link fences used as the barrier. § 15.36.050 · code text When chain link fences are used as the barrier, openings shall not exceed one and one-fourth-inch square, unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom, and the wire size shall not be smaller than 11 gauge. A compliant manual or electric tracking safety cover replaces other barriers; electric cover controls at least 54 inches above grade. Applies: Outdoor pools with a safety cover that meets ASTM Standard F 1346-91. § 15.36.050 · code text Outdoor swimming pools with electrically operated or manual tracking safety covers that comply with the American Society for Testing Materials Standard F 1346-91 shall not be required to provide other barriers. When electrically operated safety covers are provided, the control for the pool cover shall be mounted at least 54 inches above grade.
Barrier height	At least 60 inches above the ground. Applies: Measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. § 15.36.050 · code text The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool.
Equipment and alarms	The door release must be at least 54 inches above the floor. Applies: Self-closing, self-latching devices on doors in a home or accessory building wall that forms part of the barrier. § 15.36.050 · code text A self-closing and self-latching device installed on all doors with the release mechanism located a minimum of 54 inches above the floor.
Gates	Gates must take a lock; separation gates open outward from the pool, self-close and self-latch; others need only self-latching. § 15.36.050 · code text Separation fence gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Gates other than separation fence gates are only required to have a self-latching device. If the self-latching release mechanism is less than 54 inches above grade, it must be on the pool side at least three inches below the gate top; openings within 18 inches of it may not exceed one-half inch. Applies: release mechanism located less than 54 inches from grade § 15.36.050 · code text Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from grade, (1) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least three inches below the top of the gate and (2) the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than one-half inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism.
Maintenance and empty pools	A barrier is required, unless the pool has a compliant tracking safety cover. Applies: Applies to outdoor pools, hot tubs and spas. § 15.36.050 · code text An outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, or spa shall be provided with a barrier.

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