Swimming Pools & Spas in Spokane, WA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Spokane 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. Spokane has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Pool Permits
Spokane requires a building permit for all in-ground pools and for above-ground pools over 24 inches deep per SMC 17F and the WA State Building Code. Electrical and plumbing sub-permits are also required. Plan review covers setbacks, barriers, and equipment placement.
Key details: Depth Trigger: Over 24 inches. Permit: Building required. Electrical: L and I permit. Setback: 5 to 10 feet typical. Code: SMC 17F / IRC.
Installing a pool without permits: stop-work order, double permit fees per SMC 17F.040.010, and potential removal order. Unsafe electrical work: immediate red-tag by L and I.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Spokane require an electrical permit from WA L and I and must comply with NEC Article 680. Hot tubs with ASTM F1346 locking safety covers are exempt from the 48-inch barrier requirement. Setback from property lines follows zoning standards.
Key details: Electrical: L and I permit required. Cover Exemption: ASTM F1346. GFCI: Required. Setback: 5 feet typical. Noise: 55/45 dBA limits.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Safety Rules
Spokane residential pools must comply with Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act anti-entrapment standards, IRC Appendix G barriers, and WA state electrical bonding. Public and semi-public pools (apartments, HOAs) are regulated by WA DOH under WAC 246-260.
Key details: VGB Act: Anti-entrapment required. Bonding: NEC Article 680. Public Pools: WAC 246-260. Inspector: Spokane Regional Health. Residential: IRC Appendix G.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Spokane actively enforces its safety rules requirements.
Fencing Requirements
Spokane requires a 48-inch minimum barrier around all residential pools per the WA State Building Code / IRC Appendix G. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with latches at least 54 inches above grade. Openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere.
Key details: Height: 48 inches minimum. Gate Latch: 54 inches above grade. Opening: No 4-inch sphere. Gate: Self-close, self-latch. Code: IRC Appendix G.
Non-compliant barrier: immediate building code violation, 250 to 500 dollar fine, and order to correct. Pool cannot be filled until barrier passes inspection.
This is one of the stricter rules in Spokane's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Spokane holding more than 24 inches of water require a building permit and must meet IRC Appendix G barrier requirements. The pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if at least 48 inches high and any ladder is removable or secured.
Key details: Permit: Required over 24 inches. Wall as Barrier: If 48 inches from ground. Ladder: Removable or locked. Setback: 5 feet typical. Electrical: L and I permit.
Installing an above-ground pool without a permit: stop-work order and double permit fees per SMC 17F.040.010. Removable ladder left down without secondary barrier: code violation with correction order.
The Bottom Line
Spokane is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Spokane, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
All of the above reflects Spokane'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.