Section 303 of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby amended and shall read as follows:

SECTION 303

SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, HOT TUBS, PONDS AND RESERVOIRS

303.1. Pools of water. Ponds, reservoirs, swimming pools, hot tubs or other receptacles of water shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary conditions and in good repair. They shall be maintained free of trash, debris, garbage or other effluvia, and shall not serve as breeding ground for insects or other vectors.

303.2 Enclosures. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas, containing water more than 24 inches in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier. Barrier height shall meet the requirements of the Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching. Where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate. Self-closing and self-latching gates shall be maintained such that the gate will positively close and latch when released from an open position of 6 inches from the gatepost. An existing pool enclosure shall not be removed, replaced or changed in a manner that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier.

Exception: Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.