Denver, CO Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- DRMC Chapter 51, Swimming Pools
- License required
- From director of excise and licenses
- Enforcement
- Immediate closure for imminent hazard
- Scope
- Public/limited-access pools, not private family pools
Summary
Denver requires every public and limited-access swimming pool to meet minimum health and safety standards covering fencing, swimmer load, swimmer safety, bather control, disinfection and water quality, enforced by the Department of Public Health and Environment under Chapter 51.
All swimming pools shall conform to minimum health and safety standards governing the following:(a)Disinfection;(b)Storage and handling of chemicals;(c)Fencing;(d)Swimmer load;(e)Swimmer safety;(f)Swimming pool water supply;(g)Water testing equipment;(h)Bacterial quality;(i)Chemical quality;(j)Turbidity;(k)Swimming pool operation;(l)Heating and ventilation;(m)Bather control;(n)Waste disposal;(o)Disease control;(p)Facilities to be kept clean and in good repair. (Ord. No. 212-97, § 1, 4-7-97; Ord. No. 427-18, § 28, 6-11-18)
Cross reference— Health and sanitation generally, Ch. 24.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code Chapter 51 covers pools open to the public, hotels, apartments, condos, health clubs, not private pools used solely by a family. Section 51-2 requires an operating license from the director of excise and licenses. Section 51-3 directs the board of public health and environment to set minimum standards for fencing, swimmer load, swimmer safety, bather control, disinfection, water quality and sanitation, on top of base design-criteria rules for new or remodeled pools. Under Section 51-5, if noncompliance creates an imminent hazard, the manager can order the pool closed immediately until it's abated.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license, hindering a health inspector's lawful entry, or violating adopted pool safety rules or a manager's written order is unlawful under Sections 51-2, 51-4 and 51-7; a pool posing an imminent health or safety hazard faces immediate closure under Section 51-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denver require pool fencing?
Can Denver shut down an unsafe pool?
Do backyard pools need a Denver pool license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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