Swimming Pools & Spas in Savannah, GA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Savannah 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. Savannah has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Pool Permits

Savannah requires building permits for all swimming pool construction. Georgia Building Code governs pool standards.

Key details: Permit: Required for all pools. Plans: Site, engineering, electrical. Inspections: Multiple stages. Code: Georgia Building Code.

Building without permit: $500 to $2,000. Stop-work order. May require demolition if non-compliant. Retroactive permitting may be available.

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

Safety Rules

Savannah enforces pool safety rules under Georgia Building Code and federal VGB Act. Anti-entrapment drain covers and barriers required.

Key details: Drain Covers: VGB Act compliant required. Barriers: Required on all pools. Electrical: GFCI protection required. Enforcement: Building dept + DPH.

Safety violation: $250 to $1,000. Pool closure order possible. Criminal liability for injury due to non-compliance.

Compared to other cities, Savannah takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Fencing Requirements

Savannah requires pool barrier fencing for residential swimming pools. Minimum 48-inch height with self-closing, self-latching gates.

Key details: Height: 48 inches minimum. Gate: Self-closing, self-latching. Climbable: No features within 4 ft. Enclosure: Must fully enclose pool.

Non-compliant fencing: $250 to $1,000. Immediate correction required. Pool closure order possible until compliant.

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

Hot Tub Rules

Savannah regulates hot tub and spa installation including electrical permits, barrier requirements, and placement rules.

Key details: Electrical Permit: Required for 240V. Safety Cover: May satisfy barrier rules. Setbacks: From property lines. GFCI: Required.

Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required correction. Drainage violations: remediation required. Safety cover violations: immediate correction.

Above-Ground Pools

Savannah regulates above-ground pools including permit requirements, setbacks, and barrier standards. Pools over a certain depth or capacity typically require permits.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 24 inches deep typically. Barrier: 48-inch walls may qualify. Electrical: GFCI required. Setbacks: From property lines.

Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.

The Bottom Line

Savannah is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Savannah, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Savannah 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.