Pool Barriers: Boulder vs Longmont
How do pool barriers rules compare between Boulder, CO and Longmont, CO?
Boulder and Longmont have similar restriction levels.
Boulder, CO
Boulder County
Boulder requires pool barriers meeting safety codes to prevent drowning. Fences must be at least 4 to 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
View full Boulder rules →Longmont, CO
Boulder County
All swimming pools deeper than 24 inches and all hot tubs and spas must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet tall with openings no larger than 4 inches, per the Building Services 'Fences' guide implementing LMC 15.05.100 and the adopted 2021 International Codes. Gates must have a latch meeting the adopted code, or, for hot tubs/spas, a lockable safety cover meeting the 150-pound load standard may substitute.
View full Longmont rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boulder | Longmont |
|---|---|---|
| Min Height | 48 to 60 inches | - |
| Gates | Self-closing, self-latching | - |
| Openings | Less than 4 inches | - |
| Enforcement | Inspection at permit | - |
| Trigger Depth | - | Pools deeper than 24 inches; all hot tubs/spas |
| Minimum Fence Height | - | 4 feet (LMC) / 48 inches (2021 IRC App. V) |
| Max Opening | - | Less than 4 inches |
| Gate | - | Latch per adopted code; self-closing/self-latching opening outward (2021 IRC) |
| Latch Release Height | - | At least 54 inches from bottom of gate |
| Hot Tub Alternative | - | Lockable cover supporting at least 150 lb, locked when not in use |
| Adopted Codes | - | 2021 IBC / 2021 IRC (effective Jan. 1, 2022) |
| Door Alarm | - | Required where dwelling door opens directly to pool area |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boulder FAQ
How tall does my pool fence need to be?
In Boulder, pool barriers must be at least 48 to 60 inches tall depending on local code. Check your specific requirements.
Can my house wall serve as part of the pool barrier?
Yes, but doors accessing the pool area must have self-closing mechanisms or alarms in Boulder.
Longmont FAQ
How tall must a pool fence be in Longmont?
At least 4 feet (48 inches) high, with no opening larger than 4 inches, per the LMC 15.05.100 Fence Building Guide and the 2021 IRC Appendix V that Longmont adopted effective January 1, 2022.
Do I need a fence around my hot tub?
Not necessarily. Hot tubs and spas may use a lockable safety cover capable of supporting at least 150 pounds in lieu of fencing - the cover must be locked whenever the tub is not in use. Otherwise the 4-foot fence rule applies.
What about kiddie/wading pools?
The barrier rule applies to any pool deeper than 24 inches. Wading or kiddie pools shallower than 24 inches are not required to be fenced, but the city still recommends emptying and storing them when not supervised.
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