Swimming Pools

Door & Window Alarms

1) Alarms must be installed on all doors and windows with direct access to a pool, spa or hot tub area. Alarms on windows can be omitted under the following conditions:

When bottom edge of windows are 48 inch or more above floor
When an approved 48 inch tall barrier is provided near the perimeter of the pool
When windows are equipped with approved opening control devices such as those meeting ASTM F 2090 (See examples below):

2) Alarms must sound within 7 seconds after the door is opened and continue to sound for a minimum of 30 seconds or until the alarm is reset by an adult.

3) Alarms must be capable of creating an audible notification that is at least 85 dBA when measured 10 feet away from the alarm mechanism. The alarm must be audible throughout the house. 85 dBA is a noise or sound level equivalent to that of a food blender, heavy traffic, a noisy restaurant, or a cinema.

4) The alarm sound should be distinct from other sounds in the house, such as the telephone, doorbell, security system "open/closed door" chirp, and/or smoke alarm.

5) Alarms must have a reset button.

6) Alarms must be installed at least 54 inches above the floor and be mounted to the door/wall so that it cannot be easily removed.

7) Alarms must have a manual means to temporarily deactivate it for no more than 15 seconds for a single opening. This allows adults to pass through doors without setting off the alarm. The deactivation switch could be a touchpad (keypad) or a manual button and should be located at least 54 inches above the threshold and out of the reach of children. Note: An "On-Off" switch that shuts off the alarm does not suffice as the temporary deactivation means.

8) Alarms can be battery powered or connected to the permanent electrical wiring system.

9) A “Pre-Plaster/Safety Inspection” is required for all pool/spa construction projects. In order to pass this inspection, all door/window alarms, window opening control devices, permanent fencing, and self-closing gates must be installed and found to function properly. Motorized gates (electrical or solar) are not considered to be an acceptable pool/spa barrier.

Typical door alarm for swimming pool.

Water Safety Videos

Please note that all swimming pools (in-ground and above-ground), hot tub and spa owners must also sign the permit application submitted with the construction documents and confirm that they have viewed one or more of the following water safety videos: