Swimming Pools & Spas in Hendersonville, TN: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Hendersonville 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. Hendersonville has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Every swimming pool and hot tub in Hendersonville must be enclosed by a fence that meets the city's residential fence standards, the adopted pool code, and any other applicable law. The pool itself has to sit in the rear yard at least five feet off every lot line, or be screened with evergreen landscaping or a six-foot wall if placed between the house and the street.
Key details: Fence required: Pool/hot tub enclosed per Chapter 10.4.11 fence rules. Rear yard setback: Pool, apron, deck: 5 feet from every lot line. Front-yard pools: Allowed only with 90% evergreen screen or 6-ft wall. Walkway setback: 5 ft at grade; 10 ft if deck raised 1+ ft. Permit: Zoning Permit required before construction begins.
Building a pool, deck or required screen without the Zoning Permit, or removing the street-side screening once it's approved, violates the Zoning Ordinance. Section 4.13 makes any Zoning Ordinance violation a misdemeanor carrying a $50.00 fine, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense and additional daily penalties allowed by law. The Planning Department reviews the required architect-stamped screening plans before it will issue the permit.
Pool Permits
Hendersonville requires a Zoning Permit and a 5-foot property-line setback for any pool, and front-yard pools must be screened from the street.
Key details: Permit required: Zoning Permit before construction. Rear yard setback: 5 feet from lot line. Elevated deck setback: 10 feet from lot line. Front yard pools: Must be street-screened.
Building or placing a pool without a Zoning Permit, or inside the required setback, is a zoning violation the Planning Department can order corrected or removed; unscreened front-yard pools must add the required landscaping or wall.
The Bottom Line
Hendersonville'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 Hendersonville is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Hendersonville 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.