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

Chapter 155 of the Southborough Code covers all outside or open-air wading or swimming pools, whether already in existence or to be constructed or installed. Section 155-2(A) requires each pool to be enclosed and made safe by a fence, wall or other suitable barrier, and it sets the minimum height of that enclosure at four feet. Past that single number, the enclosure must otherwise meet with the approval of the Building Inspector, so the Inspector judges the remaining design questions. The chapter prints no self-closing or self-latching gate requirement.

Section 155-2(B) addresses pools built totally aboveground whose height would form a natural barrier. Those pools shall have removable stairs and cannot be left unattended with the stairs in position.

Section 155-1 requires a permit from the Building Department before any swimming pool or appurtenance is constructed, installed, enlarged or altered. Section 155-3 exempts artificial and man-made ponds and portable wading pools that are less than 24 inches deep and have a surface area of less than 250 square feet. Section 155-4 gave owners of existing pools 90 days from the date the chapter took effect to erect an enclosure. Under § 155-6, the Select Board can grant exceptions on petition, after public notice and hearing, where it finds the exception will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise not detrimental to the public welfare. That section carries an 11-1-2021 Special Town Meeting Article 2 amendment note.

Pool placement is a separate zoning question. In the Residence A District, § 174-8.2(D)(3) prints a 10-foot rear and side setback for swimming pools, against the general 50-foot rear and 25-foot side setbacks.