Swimming Pools & Spas in Fort Smith, AR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Fort Smith 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. Fort Smith has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Pool Permits

Fort Smith requires a building permit and inspection for every swimming pool. Permits are issued by the Building Safety Division at 623 Garrison Avenue under Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances and the 2021 International Residential Code as adopted by the city.

Key details: Permit Required: All pools (any depth). Code Reference: Ch. 6; 2021 IRC App. G. Permit Office: Building Safety, 623 Garrison. Phone: (479) 784-1051. Public Pool Permit: ADH (state plan review).

Installing a pool without a city permit is a code violation. Building Safety can issue stop-work orders, require after-the-fact permitting at higher fee, or order removal. Failure to install required barriers, GFCI, or bonding triggers separate violations and creates attractive-nuisance liability.

Safety Rules

Pools in Fort Smith must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 8003) for anti-entrapment drain covers, the 2021 IRC Appendix G for barriers and alarms, NFPA 70 Article 680 for electrical bonding and GFCI, and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.). Public pools also need an Arkansas Department of Health permit.

Key details: Federal Law: VGB Act (15 U.S.C. 8003). Drain Cover Std: ANSI/APSP-16 (now PHTA-7). Electrical: NFPA 70 Article 680. State Pool Permit: ADH (A.C.A. 20-7-110). State Pool Safety: A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq..

Operating a public pool without VGB-compliant drain covers or an ADH permit triggers federal CPSC enforcement and state closure orders. Residential failures of bonding, GFCI, alarm, or barrier rules are city code violations with stop-work orders, fines, and attractive-nuisance civil liability.

Compared to other cities, Fort Smith takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Fencing Requirements

Every residential pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 24 inches in Fort Smith must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward, under the 2021 IRC Appendix G as adopted in Chapter 6 of the Code of Ordinances and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq.).

Key details: Min Barrier Height: 48 inches. Opening Limit: 4-inch sphere blocked. Bottom Gap Max: 4 inches. Gate Requirement: Self-close, self-latch, outward. Hot Tub Exception: ASTM F1346 lockable cover.

An outdoor pool deeper than 24 inches without a compliant 48-inch barrier, or a gate missing self-closing/self-latching hardware, violates the IRC as adopted by Fort Smith and Arkansas state law. Building Safety can order the pool drained, fence completed, or impose citations and daily fines.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fort Smith's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Fort Smith is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Fort Smith, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Fort Smith's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.