Bellevue's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Bellevue, Washington, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Permits

Bellevue requires a building permit for constructing or altering a swimming pool under the general permit rule at BCC 23.05.090(A); only small prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons are exempt under BCC 23.05.090(B)(3)(i). Every permitted outdoor pool, spa or hot tub must also meet the barrier standard in BCC 23.16.010.

Key details: Permit trigger: Any pool outside the exemption, BCC 23.05.090(B)(3)(i). Exempt pools: Under 24 in deep, 5,000 gal, above ground. Adopted pool code: 2021 ISPSC, BCC 23.10.010(A)(1). Barrier requirement: BCC 23.16.010. Old-pool exception: Pre-IBC pools need only period-compliant fencing.

Building or altering a swimming pool without the required permit is unlawful under BCC 23.05.170(A), the same violations provision that covers the rest of the technical codes. The city can pursue a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC with a monetary penalty, or prosecute a misdemeanor under BCC Title 10's Criminal Code, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense under BCC 23.05.170(D).

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Bellevue requires every outdoor swimming pool, spa and hot tub, new or existing, to have a barrier meeting the state-amended 2021 International Building Code Section 3109.1 or the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Section 305, whichever governs the structure it serves. Older pools can keep the enclosure that met the code in effect when they were built.

Key details: Applies to: All outdoor pools, spas, hot tubs. Standard: IBC §3109.1 or ISPSC §305, WA-amended. Grandfather rule: Pre-IBC pools keep original enclosure. Governing code: BCC 23.16.010. In force since: 1961 code § 16.24.010.

Noncompliance with the pool barrier standard is enforced by the Bellevue building official under BCC 23.05.170: an unenclosed or noncompliant pool is a civil violation under Chapter 1.18 BCC carrying a monetary penalty, and the responsible owner can additionally be charged with a misdemeanor under the Bellevue Criminal Code, Title 10 BCC, for continuing noncompliance after notice.

The Bottom Line

Bellevue's swimming pools & spas rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bellevue is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Bellevue can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.