How Revere Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Revere maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Revere falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
Revere classes a swimming pool as a "structure," so it needs a building permit before it goes in the ground. Section 17.48.010 bars building, altering or using any structure without an inspector-issued permit, and the City charges $15 per $1,000 of construction cost for residential pool work plus a $55 electrical permit.
Key details: Pool = structure: Requires a permit under § 17.08.840. Swimming pool definition: >100 sq ft surface, water deeper than 18 inches. Building permit fee: $15 per $1,000 of construction value. Electrical permit fee: $55 for pool wiring. Late-start penalty: 3x the permit fee if work starts first.
Building, altering or using a pool without the permit Section 17.48.010 requires exposes the owner to the same permit-withholding and revocation powers the building inspector has for any unpermitted structure. Work started before a permit is obtained is charged three times the normal permit fee under the fee schedule's "work started before permit obtained" provision, on top of the underlying permit and any electrical permit due.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Revere Municipal Code Section 17.24.170 requires all swimming pools to be enclosed on all sides by a 6-foot barrier with self-locking gates, exceeding the Massachusetts state minimum.
Key details: Code Section: Revere Code Section 17.24.170. Barrier Height: 6 feet (exceeds 48-inch state minimum). Gates: Self-locking, inaccessible from outside. Horizontal Members: Must face pool side. State Backstop: 780 CMR App G; 105 CMR 435.
Non-compliant enclosures result in stop-use orders, denial of certificate of occupancy, and fines. The pool may not be filled until the barrier passes inspection.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Revere actively enforces its fencing & safety requirements requirements.
The Bottom Line
Revere'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 Revere is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Revere's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.