Avoiding Large Fines by Properly Operating in the Atlanta HOV

According to CDC data, a total of 182 children and teens under the age of 19 drowned in Georgia pools between 2006-2017. That’s an average of 18 drownings per year affecting children and teens alone. As pool season ramps up, you’ll want to make sure the pool on your property complies with all state and federal statutes governing pool operations and maintenance to ensure safety and legal protection in case of an accident on your property. If you are unclear as to any provision in the Georgia codes pertaining to maintenance and operation of your private pool, or if you believe a loved one has suffered unfairly due to another’s negligence in properly maintaining or operating their private pool, contact us at (404) 259-7635 for a free consultation immediately so we can advise you as to your rights and best course of action moving forward.

What Rules Do I Have to Follow If I Have a Pool on My Property?

The following regulations apply to all outdoor swimming pools, including above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and hot tubs or spas. Your failure as a pool owner to abide by these rules can not only result in serious injuries or death to others but also large fines and lawsuits in case of an accident on your property.

Barriers

Barriers must be at least four feet high, with the bottom of the barrier no more than two inches above the ground. Solid barriers must not have any protrusions (that would act as stepping blocks for intruders), and barriers with openings must not have any openings large enough to fit a four-inch (in diameter) sphere. Additional requirements apply for chain link fences and lattice fences, which you can read more about here. Furthermore, barriers must not be located near any objects that could be used as stepping blocks to climb over the barrier.

Gates

If you choose to use a gate or door to block off entry to your pool, you must ensure that your gate or door has a lock, is outward-opening, self-closing and self-latching, and complies with all general requirements for barriers. You can read more about gate requirements here.

Dwelling Walls

If your house serves as part of the barrier to your pool, you’ll need to ensure that all doors providing direct access to the pool are equipped with an alarm which sounds every time the door is open. The switch to deactivate the alarm must be located at least 4.5 feet above ground level.

What Should I Do If I Believe a Loved One Suffered an Injury Due to a Pool Owner’s Failure to Comply With the Above?

If you believe a loved one has suffered an injury due to a pool owner’s failure to comply with one of the above pool laws, call us at (404) 259-7635 or visit our Atlanta personal injury lawyers immediately to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys, as you or your loved one may be entitled to substantial compensation for your loved one’s injury as a result of a pool owner’s negligence.