Pool Safety & Compliance

D&D Technologies is the designer and manufacturer of the MagnaLatch® magnetically triggered gate latch and TruClose® self-closing, polymer safety gate hinges.

We are committed to preventing toddler drownings worldwide and we work closely with, and contribute to, water safety organizations globally. D&D is the founder and continuing support of the non-profit organization, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (www.NDPA.org), which is dedicated to drowning prevention.  The MagnaLatch gate latch and TruClose gate hinge meet international pool safety codes.  The MagnaLatch features dual electronic warnings: bright, flashing LED lights and an audible alarm that sound if a gate is opened or left unlatched. This provides the ability to see at glance and hear from a distance if your gate is not fully secured.  MagnaLatch is the #1 child safety gate latch in the world. D&D’s products can be purchased through Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon and fencing contractors. Please call us for D&D's "Blueprint for Gate Safety" (800) 716-0888 or email us at  info@ddtechusa.com



COMMON REQUIREMENTS

• Maximum clearance at bottom must be no more than 4” 
• Restricted fence openings, indentations or protrusions
• Fence must have adequate distance from other climbable structures
• Gates must swing outward
• Gates must be self-closing & self-latching
• There must be a locking device on the gate 
• In most codes, latch release mechanism must be at least 54” high as measured from the bottom of the gate
• Always check with local building officials for codes & ordinances in your area
 
STATE & LOCAL CODE VARIATIONS
• Clearance at bottom no more than 2” from soil surface or 4” from hard surface
 
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
• Do not alter or modify gate hardware to “make it fit”
• Avoid self-locking latches on residential pool gates
 
IMPORTANT POINTS
• Gate must be closed and latched each time to be effective
• Never prop open a pool gate
• Make sure the gate latch remains in proper alignment in order for it to latch securely when the gate closes
• Be sure toddler access to pools through “doggy doors” is prevented

STANDARDS & RECOMMENDATIONS

VGBA: Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act https://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/pssa.pdf

ICC: International Code Council https://www.iccsafe.org/

CPSC: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission https://www.cpsc.gov/

ASTM International – F1908 https://www.astm.org/Standards/F1908.htm

APSP: Association of Pool & Spa Professionals http://www.apsp.org/splash

NDPA National Drowning Prevention Alliance https://ndpa.org/

 Pool Safely  Consumer  Product Safety Commission (CPSC) https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/pools-and-spas

BARRIER CODES

National

VGBA – Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act

CPSC pool barrier recommendations are used in the development of most codes

ICC – IBC/IRC

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Sometimes in conflict with pool safety codes which take precedence

NFPA (National Fire Protection Assoc.)

LOCAL/STATES:

Codes vary. All offer multiple types of barriers that can be selected. Must first meet VGBA and ICC codes but can make stronger

ICC - International Building Code and International Residential Code have been adopted by all 50 states

 

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