Von Duprin 9852EO 3 26D Grade 1 Pool Gate 36" Exit Device, Weather Resistant, Exit Only, Less Trim, Satin Chrome Finish

The Von Duprin 9852EO is a Grade 1 rim exit device from the 98/99 series, specifically configured for pool gate applications. It's the smooth mechanism case version  the 9852. If you've been searching "von duprin 9852", "von duprin pool exit hardware", or "von gate" looking for code-compliant pool gate panic hardware  this is the product. The EO designation is exit only: push the bar from inside (pool side) and the gate opens. From outside, there's no trim on this listing. Outside access trim (the 252L lever) is sold separately and mounted at the required height for pool code compliance.

Why Standard Exit Hardware Doesn't Work on a Pool Gate

Pool enclosures have specific code requirements that standard commercial exit hardware doesn't meet. The hardware has to survive in an outdoor environment where chlorine-based pool cleaners, UV exposure, humidity, and temperature swings will degrade untreated components. The Von Duprin 9852EO uses weather-resistant components throughout  tested specifically to withstand the corrosive cleaners used in pool maintenance, not just general outdoor exposure. Standard interior exit devices will corrode and fail in that environment within a short time.

Beyond corrosion, pool enclosure codes require panic egress from inside the pool area, and they control how outside access hardware is configured to prevent unsupervised child access to the pool. The outside lever trim (252L) must be mounted at least 54 inches from finished floor or concrete when paired with this device. That height keeps young children from reaching the outside access lever. Standard exit device trim doesn't carry those pool-specific code clearances.

9852 vs 9952: The One Visual Difference

The 9852 has a smooth mechanism case. The 9952 has a grooved mechanism case. That's the only difference between them  it's purely aesthetic. The internal mechanism, weather resistance, certifications, latch, and compatibility with the 252L trim are identical. If your project specifies smooth case or if you're matching other 98 series devices on the project, the 9852 is the right choice. The 9952 is specified when the grooved look matches the project aesthetic.

Gate and Installation Requirements

The gate itself has minimum structural requirements for this hardware. Gate poles need at least 3 inches of stile width and 2 inches of depth for proper installation. The gate must swing away from the pool  not toward it  to satisfy code requirements for egress direction. The panic device mounts between 34 and 48 inches above the floor/ground on the pool side. The 252L outside trim mounts at least 54 inches above finished floor or concrete on the street side of the gate.

The 36-inch model handles gate widths from 30 inches to 36 inches. Measure the gate width before ordering. A 48-inch version is also available for wider gates.

Outside Trim: 252L Ordered Separately

This listing is the exit device body only. No outside lever or cylinder is included. The 252L is the compatible Von Duprin lever trim for the 9852/9952 pool gate devices and is purchased separately. It comes in a keyed version (key locks and unlocks outside lever) and a 252L-BE blank escutcheon version (always operable, no key). For pool gates where staff need keyed control of who enters from outside, specify the standard 252L. For unrestricted outside access, specify 252L-BE.

Specifications

Model: Von Duprin 9852EO

Case: Smooth mechanism case (98 series)

Series: 98/9952 Pool Gate Exit Device

Function: EO  Exit Only, less trim

Size: 3-foot rail, for 30" to 36" wide gates

Finish: 26D / 626 Satin Chrome

Weather Resistance: Yes  tested for corrosive pool cleaner exposure

Center Case: 8" x 2-3/4" x 2-3/8"

Mechanism Case: 2-1/4" x 2-1/4"

Latchbolt: Deadlocking, 3/4" throw

Strike: 699 roller strike

Handing: Non-handed

Grade: ANSI/BHMA A156.3 2014, Grade 1

UL: Listed for panic exit hardware (UL305)

Code Compliance: International Building Code (IBC) pool enclosures, 2010 ADA Standards

Gate Requirements: 3" min stile width x 2" depth; gate swings away from pool

Panic Device Mounting Height: 34" to 48" from ground

Outside Trim Mounting Height: 54" minimum from floor/concrete

Compatible Trim: Von Duprin 252L (sold separately)

American Locksets has stocked Von Duprin 98/99 series exit devices since 2001.