5 rules for unincorporated Essex County, Massachusetts.
Verified from official government sources
Any residential swimming pool holding more than 24 inches of water needs a building permit from the town before construction. Separate electrical permits are mandatory for pump, heater, and bonding work. No pool may be used until it passes final inspection.
Every residential pool in Essex County towns must be fully enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, measured from the ground on the outside. Gaps under the barrier cannot exceed two inches, and vertical spacing keeps children from climbing through.
780 CMR 51.00 Appendix G, AG105.2
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches (1219 mm) above finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool.
Pool barrier gates in Essex County towns must swing outward, self-close, and self-latch. On public and semi-public pools the sanitary code adds a six-foot fence with latches set four feet high to keep young children out.
780 CMR 51.00 Appendix G, AG105.2
Pedestrian access gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device.
Above-ground pools count as pools under the state building code and need the same permit and barrier. Where the pool wall itself serves as the barrier, the access ladder or steps must be removable, lockable, or fenced off when unattended.
780 CMR 51.00 Appendix G, AG105.2
Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then the ladder or steps either shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier which meets the requirements of Section AG105.2, Items 1 through 8.
A hot tub or spa fitted with a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is exempt from the pool barrier requirement in Essex County towns. The spa still needs an electrical permit for its wiring, bonding, and heater.
780 CMR 51.00 Appendix G, AG105.2
Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 shall be exempt from the provisions of this appendix.
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