Massachusetts 780 CMR Appendix G and 248 CMR 6.00 require 4-foot minimum barriers around all residential pools over 24 inches deep. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latches 54+ inches above grade. Fall River and New Bedford inspect at permit.
Mass State Building Code 780 CMR Appendix G (swimming pool safety) mandates barriers around all residential pools, spas, and hot tubs capable of holding 24 inches or more of water. Minimum barrier height is 48 inches measured from the outside; maximum opening below the barrier is 2 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above grade or on the pool side of the gate with no opening greater than 0.5 inches within 18 inches of the latch. Openings in the barrier cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. Doors from a dwelling opening directly to the pool area must have an alarm or a self-closing, self-latching device. Above-ground pools with walls 48 inches or higher qualify as the barrier if the ladder is secured or removable. Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton inspect barriers at pool permit finalization; 248 CMR 6.00 governs the plumbing/gas components.
Non-compliant barrier: immediate correction order, pool use prohibited until passed. Fines $100 to $500 per violation. Drowning incident with non-compliant barrier: civil liability exposure and potential criminal negligence.
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See how Bristol County's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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