Residential pools across Essex County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with gaps under 4 inches and a self-closing, self-latching gate under the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR).
The Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR) requires every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub capable of holding more than 24 inches of water to be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Openings can't allow a 4-inch sphere to pass, gates must swing away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above grade, and above-ground pool ladders must be removable or lockable. Salem, Lynn, Peabody, and every Essex town enforce this at pool permitting and final inspection.
A pool without a compliant barrier fails inspection and can't be filled or used until fixed. Building inspectors issue orders and fines, and an unfenced pool exposes the owner to negligence liability if a child is injured.
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See how Swampscott's pool barriers rules stack up against other locations.
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