Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR requires all residential pools in Middlesex County to have a 48-inch minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Applies to all 54 municipalities.
Pool barrier requirements in Middlesex County are set by the Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR Chapter 31, which adopts International Swimming Pool and Spa Code provisions statewide. Every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub with water deeper than 24 inches must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside ground level. Barrier openings cannot exceed 4 inches, gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground, and the gate must open outward away from the pool. Above-ground pools may use removable ladders as part of the barrier system. Houses serving as one side of the barrier must have alarms on doors leading to the pool area or a power safety cover. These rules apply in all Middlesex County communities including Cambridge, Lowell, Newton, Framingham, Waltham, Malden, and Medford. Permits are required from the local Building Department.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle pool barriers.
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