Swimming Pool Requirements

Revised 9.1.22

Permitting

  • All swimming pools, as defined below, require a permit.
  • A swimming pool is defined as “any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
  • All public swimming pools require a permit. Contact Public Health for other requirements.
  • Separate plumbing and/or mechanical permits may be required.
  • Heated swimming pools must meet Washington State Energy Code standards.

Setbacks  

Any pool requiring a permit must meet minimum building setback requirements. Any part of an in-ground pool bottom must be a minimum distance of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical from the bottom of the footing of any structure or property line (at grade) unless engineering is provided.

Application Requirements

  • Building plans
  • Plot plans showing location of swimming pool or pools and barrier
  • Engineering plans for in-ground swimming pools stamped by an engineer or architect licensed in Washington

Barrier Requirements

  • Barriers are required around all swimming pools.
  • Barriers shall comply with adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, Section 305.

Entrapment Protection Requirements

  • Suction outlets shall be protected against user entrapment.
  • Atmospheric vacuum relief systems are required on outlet circulation systems that comply with ASME A112.19.17 or an approved gravity drainage system.

Plumbing Requirements for Pools and Spas

  • PERMITS: Plumbing permits are required for all pools if water supply, drainage, or sewer facilities are installed.  
  • BACKFLOW: All supply and auto fill lines to pool and spa must be protected with a reduced pressure backflow prevention device.
  • DRAINAGE: All drains must terminate to approved drain receptor and maintain a one-inch air gap.

Energy Code Requirements for Heated Pools

  • CONTROLS: All pool heaters shall be equipped with readily accessible ON/OFF switch to allow shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting. Controls shall be provided to allow the water temperature to be regulated from the maximum design temperature down to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • POOL COVERS: Heated swimming pools shall be equipped with a pool cover, approved by the building official.
  • PUMP OPERATION: Circulating hot water systems shall be controlled so that the pump(s) can be conveniently turned off, automatically or manually, when the hot water system is not in operation.