Swimming Pools & Spas in Federal Way, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Federal Way 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. Federal Way has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Any Federal Way pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a fence or solid structure at least five feet tall, with self-closing, self-latching gates that keep small children out at all times.

Key details: Trigger depth: Pools, hot tubs, spas over 18 inches deep. Minimum fence height: 5 feet. Gate hardware: Self-closing, self-latching required. Latch height: At least 4 ft. 6 in. above ground. Max gate width: 4 feet unless building official approves.

Failing to install or maintain the required fence, gate, or self-latching hardware is a Code violation enforced under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. The city can issue a notice of violation and order to correct under FWRC 1.15.040, with monetary penalties of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, $300 for a third, and $500 for each additional day or violation beyond three. A pool never brought into compliance with the fencing chapter is declared a public nuisance and public hazard under FWRC 13.40.050.

Pool Permits

Federal Way requires plans for any swimming pool to be constructed in the city to show compliance with the swimming pool code before work proceeds, and the city withholds final inspection and approval until every requirement of that chapter is met.

Key details: Governing chapter: FWRC 13.40, Swimming Pool Code. Plan requirement: Plans must show compliance before construction. Inspection hold: Final approval withheld until compliant. Conflict rule: Most restrictive of pool/building code applies. First penalty: $100.00 per FWRC 1.15.040(5).

A pool built or maintained out of compliance with Chapter 13.40 FWRC is enforced as a Code violation under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. The community development or building official can issue a notice of violation and order to correct under FWRC 1.15.040, and a monetary penalty accrues for each day the violation continues past the correction date: $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second violation of the same nature, $300 for a third, and $500 for each additional violation beyond three. A pool never brought into safety compliance is separately declared a public nuisance and hazard under FWRC 13.40.050.

The Bottom Line

Federal Way'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 Federal Way is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Federal Way's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.