With summers typically ranging between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit, a nice dip in a pool can be exactly what you need to beat the summer heat. Having your own pool can be the ultimate convenience in this regard, but that doesn’t mean that you can just do whatever you like with one. There are some important pool safety regulations for private pools in the state of New York you need to know.
How the State of New York Defines a Pool
How do you define a swimming pool? As it turns out, not everyone has the same definition. The state of New York defines a swimming pool as any structure, basin, or tank that can hold water at depths over 24 inches. While two feet doesn’t sound like much, it’s more than enough for someone to drown in. Small children can drown in as little as a couple of inches of water. Two feet is plenty to worry about.
Fencing Requirements
So why does it matter what New York’s definition of a swimming pool is? If you have something that the state has defined as being a swimming pool, you are required to have a fence around it. Not just any fence will do though. The fence must be a minimum of four feet high. It has to prevent access from every point, completely surrounding the pool. If there is space between the ground and the bottom of the fence, it can’t be any more than two inches, and openings within the fence itself cannot be any more than four inches.
Gate Regulations
Clearly, there are some pretty strict requirements for the fences, but what about the gates? You still need to be able to get to your pool, so you have to have a gate. Even those have some regulations you need to know about. Any gate you have leading to your pool has to be both self-closing and self-latching. It also must open away from the pool. Remember, you want your gate to keep people who shouldn’t be in the pool out, not accidentally knock them back when they’re trying to leave.
Familiarity with private pool safety regulations is crucial for any pool owner. Failure to comply can result in legal action, though that could very well be the least of your concerns. Remember, safety regulations are in place to keep everyone safe. Make sure you follow them so your pool will be a safe, fun place for swimming.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not safety regulations are worth paying attention to, check out these facts to see just how important safety is.