County Offers Free Pool Inspections in May

As part of Water Safety Month 2023, the Upson County Building and Zoning Department is offering free, voluntary swimming pool safety inspections during the month of May to any Upson County homeowner.

Simply call the department at 706-647-1297 to schedule an inspection. The department has developed an associated, abbreviated checklist which may be used by the homeowner.

Each year, thousands of American families suffer swimming pool tragedies. Swimming pools are the most common site for drowning to occur for children ages 1-4. Often drowning is silent and happens in 20 to 60 seconds.

These drowning tragedies do not discriminate. Any child, from any family, who can gain access to their family pool, the pool of a neighbor, friend, or relative, can be a victim.

While there is no substitute for active adult supervision around water, building codes include design measures purely with safety in mind in the built environment. If you own a pool or spa, build in layers of protection.

Inspection Guidelines for Swimming Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs:

The following checklist is abbreviated from the 51-page ICC International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. It is provided as a summary list of major issues and design features consider, rather than a comprehensive, detailed list of design and equipment requirements.

•Four-foot non-climbable barrier around the perimeter of the pool and spa, including portable pools (=/< 2"-4" barrier ground clearance, < 4" barrier openings; chain link openings < 1 ¾")

•Barrier requirements: self-closing and self-latching gates. (Ask neighbors to do the same if they have pools or spas.)

•If the house serves as the fourth side of a fence around a pool or spa, install and use a door or pool alarm and or a pool or spa cover.

•Pool and spa covers maintained in good working order and repair.

•Anti-entrapment safety drain covers.

•Life-saving equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

•Decks, ramps, etc. with a surface that has been so treated or constructed to significantly reduce the chance of a user slipping; cleanable.

•Deck steps with three (3) or more risers must have handrails.

•On ground pool decks flush with the top rail of the pool-gap openings closed or capped. Cantilevered decks - not more than one (1) inch above top rail.

•Appropriate safety signage.

Call the building and zoning department about permitting for new pools and spas and whether a permit is required for any modification being made to an existing pool, spa, or deck.

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