Centennial's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Centennial, Colorado, there are 3 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Safety Rules

Centennial requires building permits for pool construction with multiple inspections. Pools must comply with the Colorado-adopted IRC including drain safety (VGB Act), electrical bonding, and barrier requirements. Property owners have premises liability for pool safety.

Key details: Permit: Required for construction. Inspections: Multiple required. Drain Safety: VGB Act compliance. Liability: Owner responsibility.

Construction without permit: stop-work order. Failed inspections: remediation required. Non-maintenance of safety features: premises liability exposure.

Fencing Requirements

Centennial follows Colorado's adopted building codes requiring pool barriers. The Colorado code requires a minimum 60-inch (5-foot) barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches high. Picket spacing cannot exceed 4 inches. Building permits and inspections are required.

Key details: Barrier Height: 60 inches (5 feet) minimum. Gate Latch: 54 inches minimum. Picket Spacing: 4 inches maximum. Fence First: Before filling pool.

Non-compliant barrier: building code violation. Pool filled before fence completion: stop-work order.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Centennial actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Centennial must meet the same barrier and safety standards as in-ground pools. Pool walls may serve as part of the 60-inch barrier. Ladders must be removable or secured when not in use. Hot tub covers meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for barriers.

Key details: Barrier: Same 60-inch requirement. Pool Wall: Can count toward barrier. Ladder: Must be secured when not in use. Hot Tub Cover: ASTM F1346 may substitute.

Non-compliant above-ground pool: building code violation. Unsecured ladder access: safety violation.

The Bottom Line

Centennial'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 Centennial is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Centennial's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.