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

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Snellville, Georgia, there are 5 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

Snellville requires a building permit for any pool, spa, or hot tub holding more than 24 inches of water. Plans, site plan, barrier details, and electrical submittal required.

Key details: Permit Issued By: Snellville Planning and Development. Trigger Depth: >24 inches of water. Inspections: Footing, electrical, barrier, final. Penalty: Double fee + fines for no permit.

Unpermitted work: double permit fee, stop-work order, $500+ fine.

Compared to other cities, Snellville takes a harder line on pool permits. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs/spas require Snellville electrical permit. Safety cover listed to ASTM F1346 exempts hot tubs from the 48-inch barrier requirement per IRC Appendix G.

Key details: Electrical Permit: Required (GFCI circuit). Barrier Exemption: ASTM F1346 locked cover. Setback: Per accessory structure rules. Bonding: Metal within 5 ft bonded.

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require Snellville building permit and must meet IRC Appendix G barrier requirements. Pool wall (48"+) can serve as barrier if ladder is removable or lockable.

Key details: Permit: Required for pools >24" deep. Setback: Typically 10 ft side/rear. Barrier: Pool wall 48"+ or separate fence. Ladder: Removable or lockable.

Unpermitted pool: double permit fee + $150-$500 code enforcement citation.

Fencing Requirements

Pool barriers required per GA Residential Code (IRC Appendix G): 48-inch minimum height, self-closing and self-latching gates, latch 54 inches above ground. Applies to all residential pools deeper than 24 inches.

Key details: Height: 48 inches minimum. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Latch Height: 54 inches above ground. Applies To: Pools deeper than 24 inches.

Stop-work order; certificate of occupancy withheld until compliance. Civil penalty up to $1,000.

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

Safety Rules

GA Residential Code requires pool alarms or approved safety covers when a door opens directly onto the pool area. Public pools must meet GA DPH Rules 511-3-5.

Key details: Door Alarm: Required if house opens to pool area. Drain Covers: VGB-compliant federally required. Public Pools: GA DPH Rules 511-3-5, annual permit. Diving Boards: Depth 8'6" minimum per IRC.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Snellville actively enforces its safety rules requirements.

The Bottom Line

Snellville 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 Snellville, 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 Snellville 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.