Cambridge, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Fence Height
- 48 inches
- Opening Limit
- 4 inches max
- Gate Hardware
- Self-closing self-latching
- House Door
- Alarm or pool cover
- Inspection
- Required before use
Summary
Pool barriers in Cambridge must be at least 4 feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates per the Massachusetts State Building Code and International Swimming Pool and Spa 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.
Full Breakdown
Under 780 CMR and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code adopted by Massachusetts, all residential pools deeper than 24 inches must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high measured from the outside. Vertical fence openings cannot exceed 4 inches, and horizontal members must be spaced to prevent climbing. Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground or on the pool side. Doors from a house leading to the pool area must have alarms or the pool must have a powered safety cover. Cambridge ISD inspects barriers before final approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use existing property fence?
What about the door from my house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cambridge
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