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.