Waltham, MA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence Height
- 48 inches minimum
- Gate Type
- Self-closing, self-latching
- Latch Height
- 54 inches minimum
- Opening Size
- 4 inches maximum
- Door Alarms
- Required at house walls
Summary
Waltham follows the Massachusetts Building Code requiring all pools over 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates.
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 po
Full Breakdown
Massachusetts State Building Code 780 CMR Appendix G and the International Residential Code Section AG105 require a permanent barrier around any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub with water more than 24 inches deep. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high measured from the ground outside, with openings no larger than 4 inches, no toeholds or handholds, and positioned at least 20 inches from the water edge. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward, with latch release at least 54 inches above ground. Where a house wall serves as part of the barrier, doors leading to the pool area must have alarms. Waltham ISD enforces these rules during final inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must my Waltham pool fence be?
Can my house serve as one side of the barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Waltham
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