The provisions of this chapter apply to the design and construction of barriers for new or altered swimming pools located on the premises of Group R, Division 3 Occupancies and are in addition to the requirements of Chapter 11.50. (Ord. 95-0039 § 1 (part), 1995.)

In addition to the other requirements of this code, safety covers for spas shall meet the requirements as set forth in ASTM F 1346: Standard Performance Specification for Safety Covers and Labeling Requirement for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs. (Ord. 96-0017 § 1 (part), 1996.)

For the purpose of this chapter, certain terms, words and phrases are defined as follows:
A. “Above-ground/on-ground pool.” See definition of “swimming pool.”
B. “Barrier” is a fence, wall, building wall, or a combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.
C. “Dwelling unit” shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in Title 26 (Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code.
D. “Group R, Division 3 Occupancies” shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in Title 26 (Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code.
E. “Grade” is the underlying surface such as earth or a walking surface.
F. “Hot tub.” See definition of “spa, nonself-contained” and “spa, self-contained.”
G. “In-ground pool.” See definition of “swimming pool.”
H. “Pedestrian walkway” shall have the same meaning as that term is defined in Title 26 (Building Code) of the Los Angeles County Code.
I. “Spa, nonself-contained” is a hydromassage pool or tub for recreational or therapeutic use, not located in health-care facilities, designed for immersion of users and usually having a filter, heater and motor-driven blower. It may be installed indoors or outdoors, on the ground or on a supporting structure, or in the ground or in a supporting structure. It is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
J. “Spa, self-contained” is a continuous-duty appliance in which all control, water-heating and water-circulating equipment are an integral part of the product, located entirely under the spa skirt. A self-contained spa is intended for recreational bathing and contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
K. “Swimming pool” is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground swimming and fixed-in-place wading pools.
L. “Swimming pool, indoor” is a swimming pool which is totally contained within a residential structure and surrounded on all four sides by walls of said structure.
M. “Swimming pool, outdoor” is any swimming pool which is not an indoor pool. (Ord. 96-0017 § 2, 1996: Ord. 95-0039 § 1 (part), 1995.)

A. Outdoor Swimming Pool. An outdoor swimming pool shall be provided with a barrier that shall be installed, and inspected and approved by the building official prior to plastering or filling with water. The barrier shall comply with the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool.
EXCEPTION: Separation Fences (as defined herein) shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool.
2. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches (51 mm) measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier may be increased to 4 inches (102 mm) when grade is a solid surface such as a concrete deck, or when the barrier is mounted on the top of the above-ground pool structure. When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches (1143 mm) apart, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier. 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.
3. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 1-3/4 inch diameter (44 mm) sphere.
EXCEPTIONS:
a. When vertical spacing between such openings is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, the opening size may be increased such that the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere is not allowed.
b. For fencing composed of vertical and horizontal members, the spacing between vertical members may be increased up to 4 inches (102 mm) when the distance between the tops of horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more.
4. Chain link fences used as the barrier shall not be less than 11 gage.
5. Pedestrian walkway access gates shall comply with the requirements of Items 1 through 4. Pedestrian walkway access gates shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, (a) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate, and (b) the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism. Pedestrian walkway access gates shall swing away from the pool. Any gates other than pedestrian walkway access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use.
6. Where a building wall of a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy dwelling unit serves as a part of the barrier and the building wall has door opening(s) which provide direct access to the swimming pool, a wall or fence (herein referred to as a separation fence) shall be provided so as to prevent direct access from the house to the swimming pool. The separation fence shall comply with the requirements of Items 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 of this Section.
EXCEPTION: When approved by the building official, one of the following may be used instead of a separation fence:
a. Self-closing and self-latching devices installed on all doors with direct access to the pool with the release mechanism located at a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the floor.
b. An alarm installed on all doors with direct access to the pool. The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds within seven seconds after the door and its screen, if present, are opened, and be capable of providing a sound pressure level of not less than 85 dBA when measured indoors at 10 feet (3048 mm). The alarm shall automatically reset under all conditions. The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual means, such as a touchpad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last no longer than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the door.
c. Other means of protection may be acceptable so long as the degree of protection afforded is not less than that afforded by any of the devices described above.
7. Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then (a) the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access or (b) the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a separation fence which meets the requirements of Items 1 through 5 above. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall be protected by a separation fence complying with Items 1 through 6 above.
B. Indoor Swimming Pool. For an indoor swimming pool, protection shall comply with the requirements of subsection (A)(6) of this section.
C. Existing Fencing. If portions of the barrier are comprised of pre-existing fencing which complies with the provisions of Chapter 11.50 of this code, except as noted below, such pre-existing fencing need not comply with the provisions of this chapter. If a building wall of a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy dwelling unit serves as part of the barrier and the building wall has door opening(s) which provide direct access to the swimming pool, then the provisions of subsection (A)(6) of this section shall apply.
D. Nonself-Contained and Self-Contained Spas. For outdoor and indoor spas, protection shall comply with the requirements of this section.
EXCEPTION: A lockable spa cover complying with ASTM F 1346, as determined by the building official, shall be provided in lieu of the separation fence required by subsection (A)(6) of this section. (Ord. 96-0017 § 3, 1996: Ord. 95-0039 § 1 (part), 1995.)