454.2.17.1 Outdoor swimming pools.

Outdoor swimming pools shall be provided with a barrier complying with Sections 454.2.17.1.1 through 454.2.17.1.14.

454.2.17.1.1

The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. 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. Where the top of the pool structure is above grade the barrier may be at ground level or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches (102 mm).

454.2.17.1.8

Access gates, when provided, shall be self-closing and shall comply with the requirements of Sections 454.2.17.1.1 through 454.2.17.1.7 and shall be equipped with a self-latching locking device located on the pool side of the gate. Where the device release is located no less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, the device release mechanism may be located on either side of the gate and so placed that it cannot be reached by a young child over the top or through any opening or gap from the outside. Gates that provide access to the swimming pool must open outward away from the pool. The gates and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.

Note: on the following it is ONE of the following shall apply:

454.2.17.1.9

Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall apply:

1. 1.All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool shall be equipped with an exit alarm complying with UL 2017 that has a minimum sound pressure rating of 85 dBA at 10 feet (3048 mm). Any deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the access. Separate alarms are not required for each door or window if sensors wired to a central alarm sound when contact is broken at any opening.

Exceptions:

1. 1.Screened or protected windows having a bottom sill height of 48 inches (1219 mm) or more measured from the interior finished floor at the pool access level.

2. 2.Windows facing the pool on the floor above the first story.

3. 3.Screened or protected pass-through kitchen windows 42 inches (1067 mm) or higher with a counter beneath.

4. 2.All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a selfclosing, self-latching device with positive mechanical latching/locking installed a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold, which is approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

5. 3.A swimming pool alarm that, when placed in a pool, sounds an alarm upon detection of an accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. Such pool alarm must meet and be independently certified to ASTM F2208, titled “Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms,” which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared alarms. For purposes of this paragraph, the term “swimming pool alarm” does not include any swimming protection alarm device designed for individual use, such as an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water.

Within ASTM F2208 it states "5.1.1 Alarms shall sound both at poolside and inside any adjacent residence or building of occupancy via a remote receiver within 20 s or less when tested in accordance with This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
Section 6."  In other words, there has to be a separate alarm within the residence.