Swimming pools require extra care within city - KOAM TV 7

Swimming pools require extra care within city

News release issued by the City of Parsons 

PARSONS, KS — Nationwide each year, about 260 children under the age of 5 drown in swimming pools. While a swimming pool is a great way to beat the heat this summer, homeowners should be aware of the city codes in place for your family's safety.

As swimming pools become more affordable, they have popped up all across the city prompting this safety release. The current city codes, the 2006 International Building Codes, do regulate swimming pools and enclosures, and it is important for residents to know what they are.

According to Section 3109 of the Code Book, a swimming pool is defined as any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing, or wading that contains water more than 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools, hot tubs, spas and fixed in-place wading pools.

Parsons City Codes Enforcement Office shared the following information, that all pools less than 48 inches deep are required to have some kind of protective fencing around them. Fences and walls should be at least 4-feet high and installed completely around the pool. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching. The latch should be out of reach of small children.

Swimming pools that stand higher than 48 inches can serve as their own protective barrier, however, ladders, steps or other access points have to be secured, locked or removable to prevent access when it is not in use.

Another tip offered was when you are setting up your swimming pool is to take a moment and look up. If the water surface is within 10 vertical feet of any type of lines (electric or cable), do not set-up below it; find an alternate location.

If you have questions or concerns, call the City Codes Enforcement Office at 421-7054. 

###