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

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Taunton, Massachusetts, 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.

Fencing Requirements

Taunton requires pool barrier fences per Massachusetts Building Code 780 CMR. Barriers must be at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Swimming pools require a building permit per the city's Permit FAQ. Gate latches must be at least 54 inches from ground.

Key details: Minimum Height: 48 inches. Gate Latch: 54 inches minimum from ground. Permit: Required for swimming pools. Openings: No 4-inch sphere passthrough.

Non-compliant barriers: immediate correction. Fines $100 to $500. Building inspector enforcement.

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

Safety Rules

Taunton requires building permits for swimming pool installations. Permit applications must include an accurate plan drawn to scale showing dimensions and location within the lot. All pools must comply with 780 CMR barrier and safety requirements.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Plans: Scale drawing with dimensions required. Barrier: 48-inch minimum fence. State Code: 780 CMR compliance required.

Non-compliant safety: correction order. Fines $100 to $500. Building inspector and board of health enforcement.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Taunton require a building permit and must comply with 780 CMR barrier requirements. Pools with sides less than 48 inches high need additional fencing. Ladders must be removable or have a lockable gate to prevent unsupervised access.

Key details: Permit: Required. Pool Sides < 48 in: Additional fencing required. Ladder: Must be removable or lockable. State Code: 780 CMR standards apply.

Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Taunton'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 Taunton is broadly strict or permissive.

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