Swimming Pools & Spas in Franklin, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Franklin 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. Franklin has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Safety Rules

Franklin's pool safety rules come from the City-adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC pre-1/1/2026, 2024 ISPSC via Ordinance 2025-37 thereafter) and from the Franklin Zoning Ordinance setbacks. Required safety measures include a 48-inch minimum barrier (ISPSC 305), self-closing/self-latching gates that open outward, no climbing aids near the barrier, suction-entrapment prevention (VGB Act compliance), door alarms or powered safety covers where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, and the 5-foot lot-line and 10-foot front-facade pool setbacks from the Zoning Ordinance.

Key details: Primary Safety Code: ISPSC (2018 ed. pre-1/1/2026; 2024 ed. thereafter via Ord. 2025-37). Adopting Ordinance: Franklin Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 7. Authorizing Statute: TCA Title 68, Chapter 120 (statewide building safety standards). Barrier Standard: ISPSC 305 - 48 inches, self-closing gates, no 4-inch openings. Climb Prevention: No permanent structures or equipment usable as climbing aids.

Climbable objects (chairs, ladders, AC units, planters) within reach of the barrier violate ISPSC 305 and must be removed. Pools without VGB Act-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers violate ISPSC Chapter 3. Failure to maintain self-closing gates is the most frequent enforcement issue. Pools in floodplains without flood-resistant construction violate ISPSC Chapter 4. Building and Neighborhood Services can require the pool to be drained or covered until violations are corrected.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Franklin actively enforces its safety rules requirements.

Fencing Requirements

Franklin pool barriers are governed by Section 305 of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the City (2018 ISPSC for plans pre-1/1/2026, 2024 ISPSC via Ordinance 2025-37 thereafter). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, openings may not allow a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass, gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward away from the pool, and the latch must be at least 54 inches above the bottom of the gate. Climbable objects may not be located so as to defeat the barrier.

Key details: Governing Code: ISPSC Section 305 (2018 / 2024 editions adopted by City). Minimum Barrier Height: 48 inches above grade (ISPSC 305.2.1). Max Ground Clearance: 2 inches on the side facing away from the pool. Max Opening: 4-inch-diameter sphere may not pass (ISPSC 305.2.2). Vertical Member Spacing (low horizontal): Max 1-3/4 inches (ISPSC 305.2.4).

Failure to maintain a compliant barrier is the most common pool-code violation. Self-closing gates that have failed, latches below 54 inches that are not pool-side, openings larger than 4 inches, and barriers under 48 inches all trigger code-enforcement action. Climbable objects (chairs, ladders, AC units, planters) within reach of the barrier must be removed. Building and Neighborhood Services may require the pool to be drained or covered until violations are corrected.

Compared to other cities, Franklin takes a harder line on fencing requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pool Permits

All swimming pools in the City of Franklin require a building permit issued by Building and Neighborhood Services (615-794-7012, 109 3rd Avenue South). The City has adopted the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) - the 2018 edition for plans submitted before January 1, 2026 and the 2024 edition via Ordinance 2025-37 for plans submitted on or after that date. Franklin Zoning Ordinance also requires outdoor residential pools to be located at least 10 feet behind the front facade and at least 5 feet from any lot line, and pools may not be located within easements.

Key details: Permitting Authority: Building and Neighborhood Services - 615-794-7012. Permit Required For: All swimming pools (in-ground, aboveground, on-ground), spas, hot tubs. Governing Code (pre-2026): 2018 ISPSC adopted via Title 12, Chapter 7. Governing Code (2026+): 2024 ISPSC adopted by Ordinance 2025-37. Lot Line Setback: 5 feet from any lot line (Franklin Zoning Ordinance).

Installing a pool without a building permit violates Title 12, Chapter 7 and can result in a stop-work order, civil penalties, and required submission of as-built engineering. Pools that violate the 5-foot side/rear setback or the 10-foot front-facade rule must be relocated or removed. Connecting plumbing without a licensed plumber's permit and inspection violates the Swimming Pool Procedures requirements. Failure to install a compliant ISPSC barrier can result in immediate closure of the pool.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Franklin actively enforces its pool permits requirements.

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in the City of Franklin are governed by the City-adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (2018 ISPSC pre-1/1/2026, 2024 ISPSC via Ordinance 2025-37 thereafter). Permanent residential spas must comply with ANSI/APSP/ICC-3 (ISPSC Chapter 6) and portable spas with ANSI/APSP/ICC-3 standards for portable units. Per ISPSC Section 305.6, spas or hot tubs equipped with a safety cover complying with ASTM F 1346 are exempt from the otherwise-required 48-inch pool barrier. Building permits are required for installation and a separate electrical permit is required for the bonding, GFCI, and dedicated circuit work.

Key details: Governing Code: ISPSC Chapters 3, 6 (2018 ed. pre-1/1/2026; 2024 ed. thereafter). Adopting Ordinance: Franklin Municipal Code Title 12, Ch 7 (Ord. 2025-37 for 2024 ISPSC). Permanent Spa Standard: ANSI/APSP/ICC-3 (Permanently Installed Residential Spas). Portable Spa Standard: Applicable APSP portable standard. Cover Barrier Exemption: ASTM F 1346-compliant cover exempts spa/hot tub from Sec. 305 barrier.

Installing a hot tub without a permit violates Title 12, Chapter 7 of the Franklin Municipal Code. Operating a hot tub without either a 48-inch barrier or an ASTM F 1346 cover violates ISPSC Section 305. Electrical violations (improper bonding, missing GFCI, no dedicated circuit) are cited by the City electrical inspector and can result in disconnection of power. A spa cover that has degraded and no longer meets ASTM F 1346 means the spa is no longer exempt and the property must install a compliant barrier or replace the cover.

The Bottom Line

Franklin is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Franklin, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Franklin's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.