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Swimming Pool Building Code Click here
Thinking of installing a pool this year?
Building Department
Department of Public Safety Division of Fire, Emergency and
Building Services
Thinking of installing a pool this year?
Questions regarding the 2005 State Building Code requirements for:
1. Accessible Route & elevator controls of Section 1104 in 2003 IBC.
2. Public Service Announcement addressing Swimming Pool requirements.
3. Building Official duties of Section R104 in 2003 IRC.
Department of Public Safety Division of Fire, Emergency and Building Services
Information from the Office of State Building Inspector
The following interpretation question applies to Section 1104, of the 2003 International Building Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
Question:
Does the 2005 State Building Code prohibit the use of a key card as the only means to access an elevator which provides the only accessible route to floors above and below the first floor?
Answer:
The intent of Section 1104 "Accessible Route" requirement is to provide unassisted use of an accessible route to all building occupants. Requiring a building occupant to obtain a key card to use the elevator would create a hardship that access would not be readily available at all times. This access hardship would occur when the building was open for activities such as school games, school plays, parent/teacher night and other times where the general public would have access and the front office is not open to issue key cards. A key card does not provide unassisted use of a code required accessible route, (which has been designed as being the elevator), to all building occupants.
Installation of a new swimming pool REQUIRES application for a permit to the local building official when the pool depth will be over 24 inches deep. This permit requirement includes in-ground swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools, on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
Outdoor private swimming pools MUST comply with the State Building Code barrier and entrapment protection minimum requirements. The primary reason for compliance with these minimum code requirements is for preservation of individual's life safety. They provide an effective barrier around the pool area to reduce the potential for young children to gain uncontrolled access, and to provide a level of protection against possible entrapment at the pool suction inlets. In addition to the State Building Code swimming pool requirements Connecticut General Statute Section 29-265a has specific criteria for installation of a pool alarm prior to issuance of a building permit.
An inflatable swimming pool containing water over twenty-four inches deep is a relatively new product that has been made available to the Connecticut consumer. The inflatable walls of an above grade inflatable swimming pool, (containing water over twenty-four inches deep), are not an effective pool barrier and require a pool barrier that is typically a fence enclosure.
The 2005 State Building Code provides detailed provisions for barriers around swimming pools, along with entrapment protection for swimming pool and spa suction outlets. All newly installed swimming pools, hot tubs and spas must comply with the August 1, 2009 Amendments to the 2005 State Building Code.
These requirements address:
• minimum heights and maximum openings allowed in fences
• criteria for the fence gates and latches
• criteria for the means of direct entry into a pool area from the house
• criteria for the pool and spa suction outlet cover and grate
• minimum number and separation distance of suction outlets
• criteria for circulation systems equipped with atmospheric vacuum relief systems
• minimum and maximum depths for pool vacuum cleaner fittings
• criteria for power safety covers
Your local building official can provide you information and can answer your questions about the State Building Code and its relationship to swimming pools. If further clarification governing installation of swimming pools and the State Building Code is needed the Office of State Building Inspector can be contacted by telephone at (860)-685-8310.
The following clarification questions apply to Section R104, Duties and Powers of the Building Official, of the 2003 International Residential Code portion of the 2005 State Building Code.
Question 1:
Are municipal building officials required per the State Building Code to verify if contractors are certified in accordance with the EPA's Renovation Repair and Painting Final Rule (40 CFR 745) before performing renovations within homes built pre-1978 and child occupied facilities?
Answer 1:
The State Building Code does not require municipal building officials to determine whether or not contactors are certified to perform this work.
Question 2:
Is the contractor required to have a certificate in addition to the Home Improvement Contractor license or does the Home Improvement Contractor registration cover this requirement?
Answer 2:
Yes, according to Richard Hurlburt, Director of Licensing, of the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the contractor would have to be both federally certified and have a State Home Improvement Contractor registration.
Question 3:
Would there be any requirement for Electrical, HVAC, or Plumbing Contractors to perform work in pre-1978 homes?
Answer 3:
I suggest that you contact the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and EPA regarding this issue because I do not have the information requested.
Thinking of installing a pool this year?
Check out building code requirements with your municipal Building Official.
 Swimming Pool Permit Application
Above - In or On Ground Pool Worksheet
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