How Westminster Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Westminster maintains 97 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 Westminster falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
A backyard swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Westminster needs a building permit before construction starts, per Section 11-9-3(A)(1) of the Municipal Code. Only prefabricated pools or portable wading pools under 24 inches deep are exempt; anything permanent, including in-ground pools and hot tubs plumbed to a circulation system, must be permitted and inspected.
Key details: Governing section: Municipal Code § 11-9-3(A)(1). Permit required for: Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs. Exempt: Flexible pools under 24 inches deep. Barrier standard: Alarm, safety cover, or self-latching door. Unpermitted work fee: Double fee, $250 minimum first offense.
Building without the required pool permit means the eventual permit fee is doubled, with a minimum of $250.00 for a first offense and $500.00 for later ones, and a third offense can trigger revocation of the contractor's registration under Section 11-9-3(E)(5). Permits expire if work has not started within 180 days or is abandoned for 180 days, requiring a new permit at half the original fee.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Westminster amends the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code so a dwelling wall can serve as part of a required pool barrier only if the doors, gates or windows opening onto the pool carry an alarm, a listed safety cover, or self-closing, self-latching hardware. The Building Division enforces the standard through Title 11, Chapter 9 of the Municipal Code.
Key details: Governing section: WMC § 11-9-12(B), amending ISPSC § 305.4. Alarm standard: UL 2017 water-hazard entrance alarm. Alarm switch height: 48-54 inches above floor. Safety cover standard: ASTM F1346 listed cover. Gate alternative: Self-closing, self-latching device.
Failing to provide one of the three approved protections at a wall opening onto the pool blocks final inspection approval and can be enforced as a building code violation under Title 11, subject to the general penalty and correction provisions administered by the Building Official; permits will not be finaled until the barrier meets § 305.4 as locally amended.
The Bottom Line
Westminster'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 Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Westminster's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.