Hot tubs and spas whether permanent or freestanding will now have to be protected the same as a swimming pool. This will mean they can no longer set in the yard or on a deck unprotected by a fence or other enclosure. Above ground swimming pools, which are at least 4 above, the grade with no steps may remain unfenced as they have in the past. However, if you have a deck for access to the pool the gate at the stairs must swing out away from the deck, be self-closing and positive latching. There must also be a minimum of a 3 landing on each side of the gate.
Swimming pools located within a fenced rear yard also now have unique requirements.
The gates leading to the yard must swing out, be self-closing and positive latching. The biggest change affecting swimming pools in fenced rear yards has to do with the alarm required on all doors leading from the house to the pool area. This alarm shall sound for a minimum of 30 seconds at a minimum of 85 decibels. The sound of the alarm shall be distinct and different from other household sounds like smoke alarms, doorbells and telephones. The code does allow a cut off switch to be mounted at least 54 inches above the floor, which would allow for a seven-second delay in the alarm activation.