Murfreesboro's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Murfreesboro, Tennessee, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Pool Permits

Murfreesboro will not issue a building permit to build or substantially alter a swimming pool at a one-family home unless the plans call for a functioning pool alarm that sounds at fifty decibels or more. The Chief Building Official enforces this under City Code § 7-13.1, and the electrical inspector withholds final wiring approval until the alarm is installed.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 7-13.1(J) to (L). Code adopted: 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Alarm sound level: At least fifty decibels. Alarm trigger weight: Person or object of fifteen pounds or more. Pool depth covered: Water over thirty-six inches deep.

Section 113.4 as amended makes anyone who violates the pool code, or who builds or alters a structure against approved construction documents, the building official's directive or a permit, subject to penalties as prescribed by law. No fine amount is printed in § 7-13.1. A pool built without an alarm cannot clear the permit stage, and the electrical final stays unapproved until a working alarm is installed.

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

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Every residential swimming pool installed or substantially altered in Murfreesboro since January 1, 2011 must carry a functioning pool alarm that sounds when a person or a fifteen-pound object enters the water.

Key details: Alarm mandate start: January 1, 2011. Alarm sound level: At least 50 decibels. Trigger weight: 15 lb. object or person. Covered water depth: Over 36 inches.

A pool without a functioning alarm keeps the Building and Codes Department from finalizing electrical approval and violates the swimming pool code's general penalty provision for noncompliance.

The Bottom Line

Murfreesboro'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 Murfreesboro is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Murfreesboro'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.