Boston, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

10 targets a narrow but serious hazard: roof or ceiling collapse over indoor pools. It defines a CONSTRUCTED SWIMMING POOL as one built primarily of manufactured materials (cement, concrete, steel, tile, or fiberglass) with a filtration, treatment, circulation, or drainage system, and an ENCLOSED SWIMMING POOL as any such pool with a roof, ceiling, or other covering above it. A PRIVATE SWIMMING POOL, one built for a family residence of three or fewer units, used only by the household and its guests, is exempt. Every other enclosed pool counts as PUBLIC AND SEMI-PUBLIC, and no person or entity may open, operate, or allow its use without a current special permit from the ISD Commissioner.

Before issuing the permit, the Commissioner must receive satisfactory proof from a registered engineering firm attesting to the structural soundness of the roof, ceiling, or other covering, and holds sole discretion to reject that proof if deemed insufficient or inaccurate. The Commissioner also retains authority to inspect the covering directly before issuing or renewing the permit. The special permit is required in addition to, not instead of, any other ISD or public-authority permits or licenses a swimming pool needs. A permit runs for one year from issuance and renews on the same terms.