BOCA Swimming Pool Codes

What are BOCA ( Building Officials and Code Administrators) code, and IRC code (International Residential Code)? This is a set of rules specified for building and safety for residential construction. There are electrical codes, plumbing codes, foundation codes, structural codes, and many more to ensure the correct compliant safety codes construction techniques. Here, we are discussing the swimming pool fencing requirements for safely securing a swimming pool to help prevent drownings and near-drownings.

Keep in mind that safely securing a swimming pool with safety pool fencing and gates is only ONE PART of an entire pool safety strategy. You should also consider motion detectors on the pool surface, safety drain systems, and alarms on doors and windows that access the pool area. Your local codes administration office will help you with the latest code updates.

Why do towns and counties adopt the BOCA or IRC building codes? DOLLARS! Simply put, there are not enough resources to develop your own set of building codes, so the best option is to adopt the national guidelines established by BOCA or IRC. In addition to these codes being adopted (updated every few years), some towns will tighten the requirements. An example of that is Knox County’s code requirement being 48″ pool fence height, while the City of Knoxville (inside the county) is more restrictive at 60″ (5′ high). You should always check your local codes officials for current requirements. And don’t forget to contact your insurance company, they may have their own requirements to meet.

The second is for Farragut, Tennessee, a town on the west side of Knox County. They use the International Swimming pool and spa code book. They are all very similar, so you need to contact your local code officials for updates on your specific project.