An above-ground pool gets no discount in Hampshire County. Its wall can serve as the required barrier only when it reaches 48 inches, and the access ladder must be removable or lockable so it cannot be climbed when the pool is unattended.
Under 780 CMR Appendix G, an above-ground pool with a wall at least 48 inches high may use that wall as the barrier. Where access is by a ladder or steps, AG105.2 requires the ladder or steps to be secured, locked, or removed to prevent access, or the ladder area itself must be surrounded by a compliant barrier. That reads the same in Northampton, Amherst, South Hadley, and every valley town. A permit still applies because the pool is a structure, and pump bonding needs an electrical inspection. Many owners take the pool down or winterize it before the first hard freeze.
Leaving the ladder in place and unsecured on an above-ground pool is a cited barrier defect. A pool wall under 48 inches without an added fence fails final inspection.
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See how Hampshire County's above-ground pools rules stack up against other locations.
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