Bill > H2172

This bill mandates the installation of "pool alarms" on residential swimming pools, which are defined as any structure holding water over 24 inches deep used for swimming or bathing, including hot tubs and spas, regardless of whether they are indoors or outdoors and intended for family and guest use. A "pool alarm" is specifically defined as a device independently certified to meet the ASTM Standard F 2208, which covers various detection technologies like motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared, but excludes personal safety alarms for individual use. The bill states that no building permit will be issued for constructing or significantly altering a residential swimming pool unless a pool alarm is installed, and existing pools must have one installed to be used. Furthermore, local building inspectors will be required to conduct annual inspections to ensure these alarms are present and operational. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in fines for the owner or tenant, ranging from $100 to $500 per offense.