Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Barrier Height
Minimum 48 inches
Gates
Self-closing, self-latching
Latch Height
54 inches above grade
State Code
780 CMR

Summary

Brockton requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates, per the Massachusetts State Building Code.

Section 206. Every public and semipublic outdoor inground swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence six feet in height and firmly secured at ground level provided that any board or stockade fence or structure shall be at least five feet in height, but if over five feet in height, the fence shall be chain link. Such enclosure, including gates therein, shall not be less than six feet above the ground, and any gate shall be self-latching with latches placed four feet above the ground or otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to children up to eight years of age. Such enclosure shall be constructed of such material and maintained so as not to permit any opening in said enclosure, other than a gate, wider than three inches at any point along the enclosure. Any such pool shall be equipped with at least one life ring and a rescue hook. Every outdoor inground swimming pool open to the public, other than a public inground swimming pool fed by a spring or stream shall be drained or covered within seven days of closing. For the purposes of this section, ''semipublic outdoor inground pool'' shall mean a swimming or wading pool on the premises of, or used in connection with, a hotel, motel, trailer court, apartment house, country club, youth club, school, camp, or similar establishment where the primary purpose of the establishment is not the operation of the swimming facilities.

Source: Brockton Code of OrdinancesView official code

Full Breakdown

All residential swimming pools in Brockton must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high as required by the Massachusetts State Building Code (780 CMR). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade on the exterior. Barrier openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. The barrier must completely surround the pool. The house may serve as part of the barrier if doors have alarms. A building permit is required for pool construction and the barrier must be installed before filling the pool.

Violations & Fines

Pools without compliant barriers face stop-use orders and fines. The barrier must be installed before the pool is filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a fence around my pool in Brockton?
Yes. All pools must have a 48-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates per the Massachusetts State Building Code.
Can my house wall be part of the pool fence?
Yes, if doors to the pool area have alarms. The barrier must completely surround the pool.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brockton

All Brockton rules

Compare Brockton to another location·View the Massachusetts swimming pools & spas overview

Get notified when Fencing & Safety Requirements in Brockton, MA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.