Swimming Pools & Spas in Little Rock, AR: What Residents Actually Need to Know

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

Pool Permits

Residential swimming pools and spas in Little Rock require a building permit under Chapter 8, Article II of the Code of Ordinances. The city enforces the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code together with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix AG) adopted statewide through the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including the IRC AG105 barrier rules: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing self-latching gate, and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Key details: Building Code: Chapter 8, Art. II. Pool Code: 2021 ISPSC w/ App. A. Residential Code: 2021 IRC App. AG. Min Barrier Height: 48 inches. Phone: 501-371-4790.

Installing or operating a pool without a Chapter 8 building permit, or failing to maintain a code-compliant barrier, can result in stop-work orders, denial of final inspection, civil fines through Little Rock Environmental Court, and orders to drain the pool until the barrier is brought into compliance.

Fencing Requirements

Little Rock requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The fence must not have openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, consistent with building code safety standards.

Key details: Fence Height: 4 feet minimum. Gate: Self-closing, self-latching required. Latch Height: 54 inches on outside. Openings: No larger than 4 inches.

Failure to maintain required pool fencing may result in code enforcement action, fines, and orders to install compliant barriers. Pools without proper fencing may need to be drained or covered.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Little Rock actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.

Above-Ground Pools

Little Rock regulates above-ground pools with the same safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls at least 4 feet tall may serve as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable. Building permits may be required depending on pool size.

Key details: Barrier: 4-foot walls or separate fence required. Ladder: Must be removable or lockable. Permit: May be required for larger pools. Electrical: GFCI protection required.

Non-compliant above-ground pools are subject to code enforcement. Pools without required barriers must be secured or drained.

Safety Rules

Little Rock requires residential pools to comply with building code safety standards including proper fencing, electrical bonding, drain covers, and water circulation. Permits are required for pool construction and installation.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required for construction. Electrical: GFCI protection and bonding required. Drains: Anti-entrapment covers required. Code: International Building/Residential Code.

Pools constructed without permits may need to be brought into compliance. Safety violations are enforced through building inspectors.

The Bottom Line

Little Rock'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 Little Rock is broadly strict or permissive.

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