Pool Gate Self-Closing

PHOTO SHOWS → LIFE-SAFETY FAILURE → Gate propped open, no auto-close → Unsupervised child access in seconds → #1 cause of child drownings

What You Are Looking At

• Pool isolation barrier: 4-sided fence (≥48 inches tall) with self-closing, self-latching pedestrian gate
• Required for all commercial, multi-family, hotel, or public pools to prevent unsupervised child access

Why This Is a Serious Concern

• Non-self-closing gates are the leading factor in child drownings at residential/commercial pools
• Average wrongful-death settlements/awards range from $1.6M–$18M (2025 data from recent cases)
• Strict-liability violations under 2021 ISPSC §305, Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA) drain safety, and most state health codes

Good Condition (Acceptable)

• Gate self-closes fully and self-latches from any open position (even 6 inches) within 10 seconds
• Self-closing hinges/springs rust-free and adjusted for firm closure
• Latch release ≥54 inches above ground (child-unreachable) or pool-side with <½-inch openings within 18 inches
• Fence ≥48 inches tall, non-climbable (bars ≤4 inches apart, no horizontal rails/footholds on pool side)

Fix Needed – HIGH PRIORITY (Drowning Hazard)

• Gate remains open or closes weakly (as shown)
• Missing, rusted, or disconnected self-closing hinges/springs
• Latch <54 inches high, broken, or does not securely engage
• Fence <48 inches tall or climbable design

Corrective Actions & Proper Recommendation

1. Immediate (same day) – Manually prop gate closed or temporarily lock it; post “DANGER – POOL ACCESS PROHIBITED” signs.
2. Within 24–48 hours – Install/repair heavy-duty self-closing hinges and self-latching device adjusted to close/latch from any angle.
3. Within 7 days – Raise/replace latch to ≥54 inches; verify fence ≥48 inches/non-climbable; remove any nearby climbable objects.
4. Ongoing – Monthly test: Open gate fully, release, confirm closure/latch in ≤10 seconds; log results.

Exact Report Wording Suggestions

“Good” – “Pool gate self-closes and self-latches from any position, latch at ≥54 inches, fence ≥48 inches non-climbable.” 

“Fix Needed – HIGH RISK” – “Pool gate does not self-close/self-latch and remains open. Extreme drowning exposure. Recommend temporary lock today and installation of code-compliant self-closing hinges + 54-inch latch within 48 hours per 2021 ISPSC §305 and local health dept.”

LCA Certified Inspector Motto

“Close it. Latch it. Test it. Rec it.”

Disclosure: 

Non-compliant pool barriers create strict liability for drowning incidents. Always verify 2021 ISPSC §305, VGBA (drain safety), and local ordinances. When in doubt — recommend immediate licensed fence contractor repair.