Swimming Pools & Spas in Colorado Springs, CO: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Colorado Springs or are thinking about moving there, swimming pools & spas are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Colorado Springs has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Pool Permits
A building permit from the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department is required before installing any in-ground or permanent above-ground pool, spa, or water feature in Colorado Springs; only prefabricated above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep and not more than 5,000 gallons are permit-exempt.
Key details: Permit authority: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (PPRBD). Permit required: All in-ground and permanent/portable on-ground pools and spas. Permit exemption: Above-ground pool <24 inches deep and <=5,000 gallons. Code Section: City Code 7.3.105.A.2.k (pools allowed in residential zones). Structural plan: Required for in-ground pools (CO-licensed design professional).
Installing a pool or spa that exceeds the exemption thresholds without a PPRBD permit is a building code violation. PPRBD can issue stop-work orders, require uncovering of completed work for inspection, and withhold final approval; unresolved violations may be referred to City of Colorado Springs Code Enforcement.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Colorado Springs over 24 inches deep require a building and electrical permit through Pikes Peak Regional Building Department. They must have either a compliant barrier (60-inch fence) or a locking rigid safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Electrical work must comply with NEC Article 680 bonding and GFCI requirements.
Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 24 inches deep. Barrier Alternative: ASTM F1346 locking cover. Electrical: NEC 680 bonding and GFCI. Deck Rules: Separate permit over 200 sq ft. High-Altitude Note: Propane heaters need mechanical permit.
Operating a hot tub without permits is a 500-dollar fine plus triple-rate retro permitting. Non-compliant covers or missing GFCI protection may result in immediate shutoff orders and electrocution liability.
Safety Rules
All swimming pools in Colorado Springs require a building permit, electrical permit, and gas/mechanical permit as applicable. Multiple inspections are required during and after construction. Above-ground pools must also comply with barrier requirements.
Key details: Building Permit: Required — all pools. Electrical Permit: Required for wiring and bonding. Gas/Mechanical Permit: Required for heaters. Inspections: Structure, bonding, backflow, gas, fence/final. Permitting Agency: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department: 719-327-2880.
Non-compliant safety: correction order. Fines $250 to $1,000. Disclosure required at sale.
Fencing Requirements
Outdoor residential pools and spas in Colorado Springs must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching, outward-opening gates, under the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) Section 305 enforced by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department.
Key details: Adopting authority: Pikes Peak Regional Building Department (2021 ISPSC). Code Section: ISPSC 2021 Section 305 (Barrier Requirements). Minimum barrier height: 48 inches above grade. Max opening: No passage of a 4-inch sphere (1-3/4 inch chain link). Gates: Outward-opening, self-closing, self-latching.
PPRBD will not approve plans or pass a final inspection until the barrier, gates, and any dwelling-wall alarms comply with ISPSC Section 305. A pool installed or operated without a complying barrier can be cited as a building code violation and may also be referred for nuisance abatement by City of Colorado Springs Code Enforcement.
Compared to other cities, Colorado Springs takes a harder line on fencing requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Colorado Springs require a building permit and must meet the same barrier/fencing requirements as in-ground pools. The pool walls may serve as part of the barrier if they meet height requirements.
Key details: Permit Required: Yes — building permit from PPRBD. Barrier Requirement: Same as in-ground — 48-inch minimum. Pool Wall as Barrier: Permitted if 48"+ tall and not climbable. Ladder/Steps: Must be removable or lockable when not in use. Permitting Agency: PPRBD: 719-327-2880.
Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.
The Bottom Line
Colorado Springs'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 Colorado Springs is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Colorado Springs 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.