Swimming Pools & Spas in Nashua, NH: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Nashua 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. Nashua has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Fencing Requirements

Residential pool fencing in Nashua follows the 2021 ISPSC adopted under NRO Sec. 105-25 (per RSA 155-A as updated by HB 1681, effective December 31, 2024). ISPSC Section 305.2.1 requires the barrier to be 'not less than 48 inches above grade' on the side facing away from the pool. Section 305.3 prohibits openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. Section 305.5 requires self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward, with the release on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top when the release is below 54 inches. Section 305.6 governs dwelling walls used as part of the barrier.

Key details: Minimum Barrier Height: 48 inches above grade (ISPSC Sec. 305.2.1). Max Grade Clearance: 2 inches (ISPSC Sec. 305.2.4). Sphere Rule: No 4-inch-diameter sphere may pass (Sec. 305.3). Gate Direction: Opens outward away from pool (Sec. 305.5). Self-Closing: Required on pedestrian gates (Sec. 305.5).

A pool barrier less than 48 inches above grade violates ISPSC Sec. 305.2.1. A grade-to-bottom clearance greater than 2 inches violates Sec. 305.2.4. Openings allowing a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass violate Sec. 305.3. Pool gates that swing inward, are not self-closing, lack self-latching hardware, or have a latch release below 54 inches not on the pool side, violate Sec. 305.5. Failed barrier inspection prevents the Department of Building Safety from finalizing the pool permit.

Compared to other cities, Nashua takes a harder line on fencing requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pool Permits

Residential swimming pool permits in Nashua are issued by the Department of Building Safety under NRO Chapter 105, which adopts the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, and 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code per New Hampshire's State Building Code (RSA 155-A, as updated by HB 1681 effective December 31, 2024). NRO Sec. 105-22.A.(2) treats 'in-ground swimming pools' as part of the building permit fee schedule (residential at $0.18 per square foot, $50 application fee). Electrical permits for in-ground pools cost $60 per NRO Sec. 105-22.C.(1)(g). Public pools are also regulated by NH DES under RSA 485-A:26 and Env-Wq 1100 per NRO Sec. 105-26.B.

Key details: Building Permit Authority: NRO Sec. 105-22.A.(2) - in-ground pools included. Building Fee (Residential): $0.18 per square foot + $50 application fee. Electrical Permit (Pool): $60 residential in-ground (Sec. 105-22.C.(1)(g)). Adopted Pool Code: 2021 ISPSC (NRO Sec. 105-25; RSA 155-A). Public Pool State Authority: RSA 485-A:26; Env-Wq 1100 (Sec. 105-26.B).

Installing an in-ground swimming pool without a building permit and electrical permit from the Department of Building Safety violates NRO Sec. 105-22 and NRO Sec. 105-25 (ISPSC), and is subject to a 100% fee surcharge under NRO Sec. 105-22.A.(14). Building or operating a pool that does not pass barrier inspection violates the adopted ISPSC Sec. 305. Public pools operating without compliance with NH DES Env-Wq 1100 and RSA 485-A:26 violate NRO Sec. 105-26.B. Penalties under NRO Chapter 74 and RSA 676:15-17-b apply per NRO Sec. 105-6.

Compared to other cities, Nashua takes a harder line on pool permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in Nashua follow the 2021 ISPSC adopted under NRO Sec. 105-25 (per RSA 155-A). Under ISPSC Section 305.7, spas and hot tubs equipped with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier provisions of Section 305 (the 48-inch fence requirement). A building permit through the Department of Building Safety is required for installation; electrical permits per NRO Sec. 105-22.C apply. Public spas (e.g., commercial, hotel, or HOA spas serving 15+ dwellings) are additionally regulated by NH DES under RSA 485-A:26 and Env-Wq 1100 per NRO Sec. 105-26.B.

Key details: Adopted Code: 2021 ISPSC (NRO Sec. 105-25; RSA 155-A; HB 1681). Safety Cover Exemption: ASTM F1346 cover exempts spa/hot tub from barrier (Sec. 305.7). Without Cover: 48-inch barrier required per ISPSC Sec. 305.2. Building Permit: Required - Dept. of Building Safety. Electrical Permit: Per NRO Sec. 105-22.C; NEC Article 680 bonding.

Installing a hot tub or spa without an ASTM F1346-compliant safety cover and without a 48-inch barrier meeting ISPSC Sec. 305.2 violates the adopted ISPSC and NRO Sec. 105-25. Installing without the required electrical permit (NRO Sec. 105-22.C) is a code violation subject to a 100% surcharge under NRO Sec. 105-22.A.(14). Operating a public spa without compliance with NH DES Env-Wq 1100 and RSA 485-A:26 violates NRO Sec. 105-26.B. Penalties under NRO Chapter 74 and RSA 676:15-17-b apply per NRO Sec. 105-6.

Safety Rules

Residential pool safety in Nashua is governed by the 2021 ISPSC adopted under NRO Sec. 105-25. Key safety provisions: 48-inch barrier (Sec. 305.2.1), 4-inch sphere rule (Sec. 305.3), self-closing/self-latching gates that open outward (Sec. 305.5), dwelling-wall doors leading to the pool must have an alarm meeting UL 2017 or be self-closing/self-latching (Sec. 305.6), and an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346 may serve as an alternative for hot tubs and spas. Public pools also follow RSA 485-A:26 and NH DES Env-Wq 1100 per NRO Sec. 105-26.B, including federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act drain-cover requirements.

Key details: Residential Safety Code: 2021 ISPSC (NRO Sec. 105-25; RSA 155-A). Dwelling-Wall Door Rule: Alarm/self-closing door/ASTM F1346 cover (ISPSC Sec. 305.6). Door Alarm Standard: UL 2017. Safety Cover Standard: ASTM F1346. Public Pool Authority: NH DES; RSA 485-A:26; Env-Wq 1100 (NRO Sec. 105-26.B).

A dwelling-wall door with direct access to an unfenced pool that lacks an alarm meeting UL 2017, self-closing/self-latching hardware, or an ASTM F1346 safety cover violates ISPSC Sec. 305.6 (as adopted by NRO Sec. 105-25). Public pools operating without compliance with NH DES Env-Wq 1100 and RSA 485-A:26 (including VGBA drain-cover requirements) violate NRO Sec. 105-26.B. Disabled or removed barrier hardware on a previously approved residential pool is a continuing violation under NRO Sec. 105-6.

This is one of the stricter rules in Nashua's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Nashua is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Nashua, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Nashua can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.