Larimer County, CO Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Colorado has no statewide residential pool barrier statute, so requirements are set by Larimer County's adopted building codes. Larimer County's Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2024 editions of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Fire Code, and related codes through resolution and Land Use Code amendments. Pool barriers are governed by the 2024 ISPSC (which is referenced from IRC Appendix G for one- and two-family dwellings) and apply to any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub with water depth greater than 24 inches. The barrier must be a minimum of 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool. The bottom of the barrier must not be more than 2 inches above a non-solid surface (grass, gravel) or more than 4 inches above a solid surface (concrete) or the top of the pool/spa structure. Openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through (2-inch maximum if any horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart). Gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors providing direct access to the pool must be alarmed or be self-closing/self-latching. Construction-phase fencing of at least 4 feet must be installed surrounding the site from excavation until the permanent barrier is complete. Pool, spa, and hot tub installations require a building permit from Larimer County Community Development.