Swimming Pools & Spas in Kennewick, WA

Kennewick maintains 93 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Kennewick falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Pool Permits

Kennewick requires a building permit for most residential swimming pools under the International Residential Code's Appendix G, which the city has adopted by ordinance. Public and semi-public pools also need written approval from the Benton-Franklin Health District before a permit issues. Small prefabricated pools with walls entirely above grade and under 5,000 gallons are exempt from the permit requirement.

Key details: Governing code: IRC Appendix G via WAC 51-51-003. Exempt pools: Prefab, walls above grade, under 5,000 gallons. Public/semi-public pools: Need Benton-Franklin Health District approval. Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine / 90 days jail. Appeals: Through KMC Chapter 4.04 process.

Building or altering a pool that needs a permit without one is a Title 15 violation under KMC 15.04.070, which makes any unpermitted work a misdemeanor. Under the citywide penalty at KMC 1.12.010, that carries a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Pool safety in Kennewick is governed by a layered set of standards: the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 USC 8003) for anti-entrapment drain covers on public pools and spas; Washington's water recreation facility rules at WAC 246-260 under RCW 70.90 for public/semi-public pools; NEC Article 680 and WAC 296-46B-680 for electrical bonding and GFCI; and IBC Appendix G / ISPSC via WAC 51-50 for residential barriers and door alarms.

Key details: Federal Drain Covers: VGB Act 15 USC 8003 (public pools). State Pool Rule: WAC 246-260 + RCW 70.90. Electrical: NEC Art. 680 / WAC 296-46B-680. Residential Barriers: WAC 51-50 / IBC App. G / ISPSC. Public-Pool Permit: Benton-Franklin Health District.

VGB Act violations are subject to CPSC civil penalties (up to over $100,000 per violation under 15 USC 2069 as adjusted for inflation). Washington water recreation facility violations on public pools are enforced by the Benton-Franklin Health District with fines and immediate closure orders under WAC 246-260. Residential State Building Code violations are enforced by Kennewick under RCW 19.27 and KMC Title 15 with daily Class 1 civil infraction fines plus civil liability to any injured party.

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

The Bottom Line

Kennewick'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 Kennewick is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Kennewick'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.