How much clearance around a 24' round pool?

Pools are a hard deal to correctly determine. My first suggestion is to go the Building Official in your area and ask for clarification, as this is only my opinion of what the code says. Your Building Official may interpret the code differently or the codes may not be the same in your area. First, the International Building Code places pools and spas in the "Assembly" occupancy where the minimum walking surface dimension is generally 48". The International Residential Code requires only 36" generally for walking surfaces. IMHO... I would require 48" as it is the most restrictive, and if you think about it, most people getting out of a pool would be getting out perpendicular to the edge of the pool and leaning across the walking surface. This requires more room. However, if you made a good argument, and it where residential only, I might be persuaded to let 36" go. Just my humble opinion. Terry P.S. Opinions are usually worth exactly what you pay for them!