A spring hinge has a coiled spring in its barrel that pulls the door shut on its own. They're used where a door or gate must never be left open — pool gates, fire doors, and self-latching entries — and most are adjustable so you can dial in exactly enough force to latch without slamming.
How they work
Instead of a free-swinging pin, a spring hinge stores tension in a spring inside the barrel. You wind it during installation with a hex key and a locking pin; release the pin and the spring drives the door closed. Adjustable models let you add or remove tension later without removing the hinge.
Where they're required or useful
- Pool and spa gates — most safety codes require gates to self-close and self-latch.
- Fire-rated doors — must close fully on their own; use a listed closer or spring hinge that matches the door's label.
- Garage-to-house doors — often required to self-close for fire separation.
- Any door you're tired of finding open — shed, gate, screen door.
Setting the tension
Too little tension and the door won't latch; too much and it slams. Wind it up a notch at a time, test the swing, and stop at the lightest setting that closes and latches reliably from a few inches open. On a gate, pair the hinge with a proper self-latch. Outdoors, choose stainless — 304 inland, 316 near salt or a chlorinated pool — so the spring mechanism doesn't corrode.
Frequently asked questions
Do spring hinges meet pool code?
Spring or hydraulic self-closing hinges plus a self-latch are the standard way to meet pool-gate codes, but requirements vary by jurisdiction — confirm your local rule for latch height and closing distance.
How many spring hinges per door?
Usually two, though heavier doors may use two spring hinges plus a standard hinge, or three springs. Distribute the closing force so the door doesn't twist.