Knowledge Base

In general, residential swimming pools in the City of Albany and Dougherty County must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition and in good repair.  Private pools, hot tubs, spas containing more than 24 inches of water must  be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier with a self closing gate.  The applicable sections of the International Property Maintenance Code states:

303.1 Swimming pools. Swimming pools shall be

maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good

repair.

303.2 Enclosures. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and

spas, containing water more than 24 inches (610 mm) in

depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at

least 48 inches (1219 mm) in height above the finished

ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from

the pool. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be selfclosing

and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is

less than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the bottom of the gate,

the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the

gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained

such that the gate will positively close and latch when

released from an open position of 6 inches (152 mm) from

the gatepost. No existing pool enclosure shall be removed,

replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness

as a safety barrier.

Exception: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that

complies with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from

the provisions of this section.

Residential swimming pools, hot tubs or spas not properly maintained in the unincorporated areas are deemed a nuisance and are in violation.