Tennessee Swimming Pool Law

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augie47

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
For those of you doing work in TN be aware that the legislature has passed a law requiring a pool alarm system be installed in any pool/hot tub or non-portable spa with a water depth of over 36".
Despite the good intention there appears to be a number of glitches in the
process and enforcement, but, the electrical inspector may not approve any new pool install without the often times expensive alarm.
 

Little Bill

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee NEC:2017
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrician
For those of you doing work in TN be aware that the legislature has passed a law requiring a pool alarm system be installed in any pool/hot tub or non-portable spa with a water depth of over 36".
Despite the good intention there appears to be a number of glitches in the
process and enforcement, but, the electrical inspector may not approve any new pool install without the often times expensive alarm.

Augie, would a coon hound tied to an oak tree beside the "swimmin hole" that barked when someone approached the bank count as an alarm?:grin::grin::grin:
 

augie47

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
No government agency will ever adopt anything that simple.:grin:
 

Dennis Alwon

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Staff member
Location
Chapel Hill, NC
Occupation
Retired Electrical Contractor
So Gus what system is required and are they all portable. Gee I could borrow my neighbors system to pass inspection...:grin: If they are battery what good is that when the battery dies? Seems like alot of flaws or am I missing something here.
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
For those of you doing work in TN be aware that the legislature has passed a law requiring a pool alarm system be installed in any pool/hot tub or non-portable spa with a water depth of over 36".
Despite the good intention there appears to be a number of glitches in the
process and enforcement, but, the electrical inspector may not approve any new pool install without the often times expensive alarm.

I assume you are talking intruder alarm? For the safety of possible small children wandering into pool?

If the alarm doesn't call 911 or somebody that monitors it 24/7 it is somewhat pointless.

A good fence with locked gates is still best protection.

Anybody that bypasses that is trespassing.

Ron White - "you can't fix stupid"
 

augie47

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee
Occupation
State Electrical Inspector (Retired)
I assume you are talking intruder alarm? For the safety of possible small children wandering into pool?"
Yes
If the alarm doesn't call 911 or somebody that monitors it 24/7 it is somewhat pointless. "
Thats a very good point, Thanks
A good fence with locked gates is still best protection.

Anybody that bypasses that is trespassing.

Ron White - "you can't fix stupid"
Fencing is not in my venue, but I believe in most instances a fence is still required. The intent (good) of the law was for family and friends visiting where young children might have easy access. The real problem seems to be with the reliability of the alarms as noted in Jaref's link and the rather absurd requirement that the EI to assure it is functioning properly.
In addition, I fear folks will buy a cheap, unreliable version of the alarm and let their guard down.
At the seminar one contractor had installed light beams...expensive but seemingly a better system.

All that aside, the prime purpose of the theead was to inform ECs working in TN.
 

mccayry

Senior Member
Location
Tennessee
For those of you doing work in TN be aware that the legislature has passed a law requiring a pool alarm system be installed in any pool/hot tub or non-portable spa with a water depth of over 36".
Despite the good intention there appears to be a number of glitches in the
process and enforcement, but, the electrical inspector may not approve any new pool install without the often times expensive alarm.

I was reading about this law and had a question. If a pool is installed and an alarm is not installed who is the responsible party? The pool installer,electrician or the HO? I recently bid on a pool and did not get the bid. I was doing work for the guy across the street the other day and saw that the pool was complete. I decided to go see what kind of work the HO got for the lower bid. There was no alarm installed and no fence. Evidently it was unpermitted work.:rant:
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
I was reading about this law and had a question. If a pool is installed and an alarm is not installed who is the responsible party? The pool installer,electrician or the HO? I recently bid on a pool and did not get the bid. I was doing work for the guy across the street the other day and saw that the pool was complete. I decided to go see what kind of work the HO got for the lower bid. There was no alarm installed and no fence. Evidently it was unpermitted work.:rant:


I'm sure it ultimately is the HO's responsibility, that doesn't necessarily mean he can't try to get it out of contractors that were hired - after all if he thought he had contracted a complete pool then this is possibly part of what is needed for it to be complete.
 

Little Bill

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Tennessee NEC:2017
Occupation
Semi-Retired Electrician
I was reading about this law and had a question. If a pool is installed and an alarm is not installed who is the responsible party? The pool installer,electrician or the HO? I recently bid on a pool and did not get the bid. I was doing work for the guy across the street the other day and saw that the pool was complete. I decided to go see what kind of work the HO got for the lower bid. There was no alarm installed and no fence. Evidently it was unpermitted work.:rant:

Along with the law, the HO's insurance company might have a problem with there being no fence. I'm not sure what they require as far the alarm.
 

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
For reference, here is a portion of the swimming pool barrier requirements in the state of Florida. I put the alarm section on bold:

424.2.17 Residential swimming barrier requirement. Residential swimming pools shall comply with Sections 424.2.17.1 through 424.2.17.3.

Exception: A swimming pool with an approved safety pool cover complying with ASTM F 1346.

424.2.17.1.1 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).

424.2.17.1.2 The barrier may not have any gaps, openings, indentations, protrusions, or structural components that could allow a young child to crawl under, squeeze through, or climb over the barrier as herein described below. One end of a removable child barrier shall not be removable without the aid of tools. Openings in any barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch diameter (102 mm) sphere.

424.2.17.1.3 Solid barriers which do not have openings shall not contain indentations or protrusions except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.

424.2.17.1.4 Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches (1143 mm), the horizontal members shall be located on the swimming pool side of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width. Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width.

424.2.17.1.5 Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm). Where there are decorative cutouts within vertical members, spacing within the cutouts shall not exceed 13/4 inches (44 mm) in width.

424.2.17.1.6 Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 21/4 inch (57 mm) square unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or bottom which reduce the openings to no more than 13/4 inches (44 mm).

424.2.17.1.7 Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, the maximum opening formed by the diagonal members shall be no more than 13/4 inches (44 mm).

424.2.17.1.8 Access gates, when provided, shall be self-closing and shall comply with the requirements of Sections 424.2.17.1.1 through 424.2.17.1.7 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.

424.2.17.1.9 Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following shall apply:
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 dB A at 10 feet (3048 mm). The exit alarm shall produce a continuous audible warning when the door and its screen are opened. The alarm shall sound immediately after the door is opened and be capable of being heard throughout the house during normal household activities. The alarm shall be equipped with a manual means to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation shall last no more than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the door. 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:

a. 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.
b. Windows facing the pool on floor above the first story.
c. Screened or protected pass-through kitchen windows 42 inches (1067 mm) or higher with a counter beneath.

2. All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, 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.

424.2.17.1.10 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, the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of Sections 424.2.17.1.1 through 424.2.17.1.9 and Sections 424.2.17.1.12 through 424.2.17.1.14. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked or removed, any opening created shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere.

424.2.17.1.11 Standard screen enclosures which meet the requirements of Section 424.2.17 may be utilized as part of or all of the "barrier" and shall be considered a "nondwelling" wall. Removable child barriers shall have one end of the barrier nonremovable without the aid of tools.

424.2.17.1.12 The barrier must be placed around the perimeter of the pool and must be separate from any fence, wall, or other enclosure surrounding the yard unless the fence, wall, or other enclosure or portion thereof is situated on the perimeter of the pool, is being used as part of the barrier, and meets the barrier requirements of this section.

424.2.17.1.13 Removable child barriers must be placed sufficiently away from the water's edge to prevent a young child or medically frail elderly person who may manage to penetrate the barrier from immediately falling into the water. Sufficiently away from the water's edge shall mean no less than 20 inches (508 mm) from the barrier to the water's edge. Dwelling or nondwelling walls including screen enclosures, when used as part or all of the barrier and meeting the other barrier requirements, may be as close to the water's edge as permitted by this code.

424.2.17.1.14 A wall of a dwelling may serve as part of the barrier if it does not contain any door or window that opens to provide direct access from the home to the swimming pool.

424.2.17.1.15 A mesh safety barrier meeting the requirements of Section 424.2.17 and the following minimum requirements shall be considered a barrier as defined in this section:

1. Individual component vertical support posts shall be capable of resisting a minimum of 52 pounds (24 kg) of horizontal force prior to breakage when measured at a 36 inch (914 mm) height above grade. Vertical posts of the child safety barrier shall extend a minimum of 3 inches (76 mm) below deck level and shall be spaced no greater than 36 inches (914 mm) apart.
2. The mesh utilized in the barrier shall have a minimum tensile strength according to ASTM D 5034 of 100 lbf, and a minimum ball burst strength according to ASTM D 3787 of 150 lbf. The mesh shall not be capable of deformation such that a 1/4-inch (6.4 mm) round object could not pass through the mesh. The mesh shall receive a descriptive performance rating of no less than "trace discoloration" or "slight discoloration" when tested according to ASTM G 53, Weatherability, 1,200 hours.
3. When using a molding strip to attach the mesh to the vertical posts, this strip shall contain, at a minimum, #8 by ? inch (12.7 mm) screws with a minimum of two screws at the top and two at the bottom with the remaining screws spaced a maximum of 6 inches (152 mm) apart on center.
4. Patio deck sleeves (vertical post receptacles) placed inside the patio surface shall be of a nonconductive material.
5. A latching device shall attach each barrier section at a height no lower than 45 inches (1143 mm) above grade. Common latching devices that include, but are not limited to, devices that provide the security equal to or greater than that of a hook-and-eye-type latch incorporating a spring actuated retaining lever (commonly referred to as a safety gate hook).
6. The bottom of the mesh safety barrier shall not be more than 1 inch (25 mm) above the deck or installed surface (grade).

424.2.17.1.16 Adjacent waterways. Permanent natural or permanent man-made features such as bulkheads, canals, lakes, navigable waterways, etc., adjacent to a public or private swimming pool or spa may be permitted as a barrier when approved by the authority having jurisdiction. When evaluating such barrier features, the authority may perform on-site inspections and review evidence such as surveys, aerial photographs, water management agency standards and specifications, and any other similar documentation to verify, at a minimum, the following:

1. The barrier feature is not subject to natural changes, deviations, or alterations and is capable of providing an equivalent level of protection as that provided by the code.
2. The barrier feature clearly impedes, prohibits or restricts access to the swimming pool or spa.
 

renosteinke

Senior Member
Location
NE Arkansas
Timing is everything.

Two days back, a boy in Tennessee - where this thread originates - nearly drowned after hopping a fence to use a closed pool. He's still in the hospital.

The fence was substantial enough to hinder rescue efforts. In that regard, maybe we'd be better off without such barriers. "Unintended consequences."

WHO installs what manner of alarm is an open question. Most EC's don't get involved in alarm work, leaving that to a dedicated alarm contractor. Unlike with fire alarms and burglar alarms, there are no 'standards' regarding pool alarms. Is an alarm on the door sufficient- or a 'splash sensor - or do you need both? Or something else?
 

bphgravity

Senior Member
Location
Florida
...WHO installs what manner of alarm is an open question. Most EC's don't get involved in alarm work, leaving that to a dedicated alarm contractor. Unlike with fire alarms and burglar alarms, there are no 'standards' regarding pool alarms. Is an alarm on the door sufficient- or a 'splash sensor - or do you need both? Or something else?


Sure there is. ANSI / UL 2017 & the installation instructions provided with the product...
 

kwired

Electron manager
Location
NE Nebraska
.. Is an alarm on the door sufficient- or a 'splash sensor - or do you need both? Or something else?

Mine field around the perimeter should be sufficient. At least nobody will drown.

Maybe a pit bull inside the perimeter will be seen as less violent, then again maybe not. Or how about a moat full of alligators?

I'm sorry but if you have a sufficient barrier and someone still climbs over it, then it is the intruders problem. Maybe someone needs to do a better job of keeping track of their children.

Fences around other hazardous places like a substation are easy to climb over if you wanted to. To a small kid a substation could look like an interesting place to climb on things.
 
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