Except as set forth in §§B, C, and D of this regulation, an owner shall ensure that a recreational pool, semipublic pool, or public spa, including the required deck area, is completely surrounded by a barrier that complies with the following requirements: The top of the barrier is at least 72 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa; The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 4 inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa; Except when a door or gate that allows access to the pool or spa area enclosed by the barrier is open, an opening in the barrier including in a door or gate does not allow passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter; Fence pickets have a maximum separation of 4 inches; The barrier discourages climbing by preventing access to nearby structures to simplify climbing over it, such as light poles, site furnishings, overhanging tree limbs, or other obvious footholds or handholds; A barrier with horizontal members less than 45 inches apart measured top to top does not have: Vertical openings greater than 1-3/4 inches in width; or Horizontal members on the outside of the barrier; The barrier does not have decorative cutouts greater than 1-3/4 inches in width; A chain link fence has a maximum mesh size of 2-1/4 inches; A lattice fence has a maximum mesh size of 1-3/4 inches; Except as provided in §A(11) and (12) of this regulation, a door or gate that allows access to the pool or spa area enclosed by the barrier shall: Have the release to open the door or gate located: At least 54 inches from the floor level; or Between 34 and 48 inches from the floor level when an electronic or combination mechanical release device is used to release the door or gate; Be locked to prevent unauthorized entry to the pool or spa area; Open away from the pool or spa area; Have an opening that provides a minimum width of 32 inches between the gate or door stop and the face of the gate or door with the gate or door open 90 degrees; and Comply with Regulation .37 of this chapter; A door or gate that allows access to the pool or spa area enclosed by the barrier and is designated as fire egress from a building: May not be included in any facility approved for construction after May 27, 2022; and Is exempt from §A(10)(c) of this regulation; A door or gate used exclusively for maintenance or service access is exempt from §A(10)(a) and (c)—(e) of this regulation; and A window that is a part of the barrier may not be able to be opened more than 4 inches. An owner shall ensure that a barrier at a semipublic pool or semipublic spa: Has a minimum height of 60 inches; and Has a gate that is self-closing and self-latching. Except as provided in §D of this regulation, an owner may surround a pool and spa, multiple pools, or multiple spas at one facility with one barrier instead of separate barriers for each pool or spa. An owner shall ensure that a wading pool or infant pool is separated from a pool or spa by a barrier that has: A minimum height of 36 inches; A maximum 4-inch separation between the deck and the bottom of the barrier; No opening that allows the passage of a sphere 4 inches in diameter; and An entrance gate with a latch. An owner of a pool or spa with a barrier that includes a door or gate designated as a fire egress from a building shall ensure that whenever a lifeguard is not on duty, the pool or spa is secured: With a cover that has a visible label indicating that it meets ASTM F1346 — 91; or By following procedures per a variance under Regulation .53 of this chapter.