Swimming Pools & Spas in Billings, MT: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Billings or are thinking about moving there, swimming pools & spas are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Billings has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Billings requires a 4.5-foot self-latching fence around any pool or pond 18 inches deep or more, per City Code Sec. 18-401.

Key details: Minimum fence height: 4.5 feet. Trigger depth: 18 inches or more. Gate requirement: Self-latching, latch at 4.5 ft. Alternative: Constant supervision or pool cover.

Unfenced or unlatched pools are a misdemeanor under the Code's general penalty (Sec. 1-110): a fine up to $500, up to 6 months in jail, or both, with each day of violation a separate offense.

Pool Permits

Billings requires a 4.5-foot self-latching fence around any above-ground pool holding 18 inches of water or more, unless a supervising adult or pool cover is used instead.

Key details: Trigger depth: 18 inches of water. Fence height: at least 4.5 feet. Gate latch height: 4.5 feet above ground. No-fence alternative: constant supervision or pool cover. Max penalty: $500 fine, 6 months jail.

Sec. 18-401 isn't designated a municipal infraction, so a violation falls under the Code's general misdemeanor penalty: up to a $500 fine or six months in jail, with each day counted separately.

The Bottom Line

Billings's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Billings is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Billings's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.