5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Larimer County, Colorado.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Larimer County requires a building permit to construct an in-ground pool or permanent spa. Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep are exempt. Submit three copies of a site plan showing pool location, deck, equipment, and nearby windows and doors.
Larimer County Building Division (2021 ISPSC)
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep do not require building permits.
Outdoor pools and spas in unincorporated Larimer County must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured on the outside. Openings may not pass a 4-inch sphere. Barriers follow the adopted 2021 ISPSC Section 305 (or an ASTM F1346 safety cover).
2021 ISPSC Section 305 (Larimer County)
The top of the barrier shall be at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the outside and extending 3' out. ... Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere.
Pool barrier gates in unincorporated Larimer County must open outward, be self-closing and self-latching. If the latch release is on the outside and not self-locking, it must be at least 54 inches high. Doors from the house to the pool need a listed water-hazard alarm.
2021 ISPSC Section 305 (Larimer County)
Pedestrian access doors and gates shall open outward, shall be self-closing and shall have a self-latching device. Where a latch release on the outside of the barrier is not self-locking, it shall be at least 54" high.
Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in unincorporated Larimer County still need a barrier. Where the pool is above grade, the barrier may be installed on grade or mounted on top of the pool structure. Mesh fences may not be installed on top of on-ground pools.
2021 ISPSC Section 305 (Larimer County)
Where the pool or spa is above grade, the barrier shall be installed on grade or mounted on top of the pool or spa. ... Mesh fences shall not be installed on top of on ground residential pools.
In unincorporated Larimer County, a spa or hot tub may satisfy the barrier requirement with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 instead of a fence. Portable and permanent spas need a permit with manufacturer specifications and listing labels.
2021 ISPSC Section 305 (Larimer County)
Manufacturer's specifications for a lockable safety cover that complies with ASTM F 1346 for spas and hot tubs.
2 cities in Larimer County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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