Boston enforces Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR Appendix G (ISPSC 305) requiring a 4-foot barrier around any pool or hot tub deeper than 24 inches, with self-closing self-latching gates.
Pools over 24 inches deep in Boston must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, with openings no larger than 4 inches and gaps under the fence no greater than 2 inches. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward from the pool with latches at least 54 inches from the ground. Chain link mesh must be no larger than 1.75 inches. Where a house wall forms part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool area need alarms or self-closing self-latching. Hot tubs covered with a lockable ASTM-compliant cover are exempt from the barrier rule. Inflatable pools over 24 inches still count.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Boston code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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See how Boston's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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