As the weather turns warmer, swimming pools, tennis courts and other outdoor amenities across the country are preparing to open for the season. Especially around pools, safety is paramount, and there are plenty of products on the market to secure outside recreational areas. While great for some applications, electronic access control with all the bells and whistles is NOT a requirement. Code-compliant mechanical locks and hardware can do the job in many situations.
Here are some of the newer products on the market, starting with solutions designed for gated outdoor areas, rather than specifically for swimming pools.
Gate Solutions by Codelocks
Codelocks has added several new models to its Gate Solutions by Codelocks range, including the XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock. Codelocks’ single point, bolt through, fixed gate lock is specifically designed for gates where a coded lock is the preferred method of entry for secured perimeters and outdoor areas. It is a robust, durable access control solution designed to withstand the toughest conditions.
The XtraD Gate Lock is engineered to work with Codelocks’ heavy duty CL500 and CL600 mechanical locks for basic access control, and the electronic CL5000 lock for enhanced flexibility with time-sensitive codes. These options make the XtraD Gate Lock suitable for a wide range of gated access control environments, including those with high traffic use and in corrosive environments.
The range of options available for the XtraD Gate Lock include a marine grade finish for harsh outdoor and coastal environments. Lock options operated by either a knob or a lever are available.
The XtraD Gate Lock is especially suitable for public facilities that close to visitors at certain times to prevent access by unauthorized people but allow access to workers for off-hours maintenance.
Matt Welty, Vice President at Codelocks Inc. said, “Perimeter gates, and especially its locking systems, are crucial to the overall security of commercial properties and public areas like tennis courts, schools, parks and playgrounds. The XtraD is a long-lasting gate solution, with the convenience and quality of Codelocks’ mechanical and electronic locks, to withstand harsh conditions while providing secure and reliable access control.”
Codelocks’ XtraD Gate Lock has a full stainless-steel construction for corrosion resistance and durability and has been tested to over a million cycles. The heavy-duty latch bolt with a separate deadlocking plunger bolt can be adjusted up to 5/8” – to accommodate variations in the gap between gate and post – without the need for lock removal.
Also new is the Codelocks’ Surface Latch, a versatile, self-locking surface-mount latch designed for easy installation on light-duty gates where traditional tubular latches are not an option or where the gate structure allows for installation without a gate box.
"These days, securing outdoor spaces and property boundaries is a top priority for both homeowners and businesses. That's why at Codelocks we’ve introduced our new Surface Latch. We've designed it to be easy to install and self-locking, perfect for controlling access to external gates that see light to moderate use. It's specifically made for gates where heavy-duty hardware isn’t suitable – think residential side gates leading to shared gardens, backyard utility spaces, private parking spots and driveways, or even small farms and industrial sites," Welty said.
The Surface Latch has a simple, surface mount installation and is non-handed, making it suitable for left- and right-handed and in-swing gates of between 1⅜ to 2⅜ thickness. It also works seamlessly with locks from Codelocks’ mechanical and electronic ranges, giving customers the reassurance of Codelocks’ high-performance and reliability.
Codelocks’ Surface Latch comes in two finishes: Marine Grade Black and Brushed Steel, giving it an unobtrusive look and suitability for a range of external applications.
Part of the comprehensive Gate Solutions by Codelocks range of products, that are designed to protect perimeters and outdoor areas with easy-to-use, Surface Latch offers effective access control that is perfect for residential and commercial settings.
More information: https://www.codelocks.us/gatesolutions
Locinox Venus
The Venus from Locinox is a plug-and-play motorized gate closer for pedestrian swing gates. The compact all-in-one gate operator can easily be installed on any type of post and hinge, thanks to thanks different arm types. The innovative motor's performance remains unaffected by manual force. When combined with access control, the Venus also works as a low-energy gate opener.
The gate closer is equipped with a brushless reversible motor that responds smoothly to human interaction. The integrated obstacle detection ensures that the gate closes safely and even takes into account any reduced mobility of pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.
Installation is streamlined The installer only needs to drill five holes. A user-friendly app gives step-by-step guidance through the programming.
Locinox also offers an extensive line of gate locks and gate hardware. More info: www.locoox.com
Pool Safety: Code Considerations
Pool safety requirements are among the most stringent, aimed at preventing accidental drownings. Code requirements do vary by jurisdiction and by type of pool (private residential vs. community or multifamily vs. public), so we always recommend checking with the Local Authority Having Jurisdiction and erring on the side of greater life safety.
The International Building Code requires the design and construction of swimming pools, spas and hot tubs to comply with the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC). Section 305.3 – Doors and Gates provisions stipulate that:
- Doors and gates must be self-closing and outswinging.
- Self-latching doors and gates are required – pairs may have one leaf that is bolted or fixed and one self-latching leaf. A further safeguard would be self-locking doors/gates, meaning a key or credential is always required to enter.
- No openings of more than 1/2 inch are allowed within 18 inches of the latch – this helps to prevent children from retracting the latch from the outside.
- Service doors in the pool area must be locked when the utility rooms are not in use.
- For egress, releasing hardware should unlatch the door or gate with one motion, with no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and with no key, tool, special knowledge, or effort. Panic hardware is called for when the occupancy level is 100 or more people.
One key difference for swimming pool doors and gates is the allowable mounting height of the releasing hardware. This is because of the concern that young children might attempt to access a pool area unaccompanied. The codes and standards allow the hardware to be mounted higher to make it more difficult for small children to operate the hardware on their own.
An exception in the IBC addresses the mounting height of hardware on doors and gates that serve swimming pools, spas and hot tubs, stating: “Access doors or gates in barrier walls and fences protecting pools, spas and hot tubs shall be permitted to have operable parts of the latch release on self-latching devices at 54 inches (1,370mm) maximum above the finished floor or ground, provided that the self-latching devices are not also self-locking devices operated by means of a key, electronic opener or integral combination lock.”
This exception allows operable hardware for pool doors and gates to be mounted 54 inches maximum above the floor or ground, but the terminology used in this exception has caused some confusion. The intent is that the exception can’t be applied, and the hardware mounted 54 inches above the floor, if the door or gate has self-latching, self-locking hardware that prevents unauthorized access from the outside. It would have been interpreted more easily if the exception stated that the 54-inch mounting height isn’t allowed or required when the hardware is self-latching and self-locking.
When the door or gate has a lock on the ingress side, the requirement for a key or access control credential provides the necessary level of child safety. This allows the hardware to be installed at a height that meets the accessibility requirements — typically 34–48 inches above the floor or ground. If the door or gate isn’t always locked on the ingress side, the increased mounting height is allowed — and required.
Though not mandated by code, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pool Safely Campaign recommends installing proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa. Proper fences, barriers, alarms and covers can be lifesaving devices. A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be climbable for children. The water should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate. Teach children to never try to climb over the gate or fence. Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area, and keep pool and spa covers in working order.
D&D Technologies TruClose MULTI-ADJUST
D&D offers a full line of code-compliant pool gate locks, latches and hinges, including several models of the MagnaLatch child safety devices, LokkLatch gate latches and SureClose hydraulic gate hinge closers. For more information, visit www.ddtechusa.com.
Pool Gate Safety Checklist
Gates should open outward, away from the pool.
The latch-release knob should be out of reach of toddlers under 5 years of age. (Check local codes or standards for minimum requirements.)
Fencing should be at a minimum height to comply with your region and encompass the pool area. (Check local codes or standards for minimum requirements.)
Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
The fence perimeter should have adequate distance from other climbable objects or structures.
Gate hinges should be reliable, tension-adjustable, self-closing and rust-free.
The latch can’t be key-locked in the “open” position.
The latch can’t be opened through the use of implements or force.
The latch must be adjustable horizontally and vertically to accommodate gate movement.
Maximum clearance from the finished ground surface should be no more than 4 inches (100mm).
The gate should latch from any position.
The gate must comply with all relevant codes or standards and legislation for pool safety.
You should incorporate multiple layers of protection: https://ndpa.org/layers-of-protection/.
Courtesy of D&D Technologies and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
