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

If you live in Springdale 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. Springdale has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.

Safety Rules

Pools in Springdale must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. 8003) requiring anti-entrapment drain covers, the 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code adopted by Arkansas (circulation, bonding, alarms), and the Arkansas Department of Health Rules and Regulations Pertaining to Swimming Pools (A.C.A. 20-30-103 et seq.) for public pools.

Key details: Federal Law: VGB Act (15 U.S.C. 8003). Drain Cover Std: ANSI/APSP-16 (now PHTA-7). Pool & Spa Code: 2021 ISPSC via AR adoption. Bonding: NFPA 70 Article 680. AR Public Pool Law: A.C.A. 20-30-103 et seq..

Operating a public pool without VGB-compliant drain covers or an Arkansas Department of Health permit triggers federal CPSC enforcement and state closure orders. Residential failures of bonding, GFCI, alarm, or barrier rules are violations of Chapter 91 and Chapter 22. Discharging chlorinated pool water to the storm drain violates Chapter 107.

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

Pool Permits

Springdale requires a building permit from the Building and Development Services Department for any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 24 inches under Chapter 22 and the 2021 Arkansas Residential Code Chapter 42. Permits are issued at 201 Spring Street, 479-756-8200, and require site, barrier, plumbing, and electrical details.

Key details: Permit Trigger: Pool over 24 inches deep. Code Reference: Chapter 22; 2021 AR Residential Code Ch. 42. Permit Office: 201 Spring Street. Phone: 479-756-8200. Extra Review: Floodplain (Ch. 50) & grading (Ch. 107).

Installing a pool deeper than 24 inches without a city building permit is a violation of Chapter 22 and the Arkansas Residential Code. Building and Code Enforcement can issue stop-work orders, require after-the-fact permitting at higher cost, or order removal. Setback or floodplain violations may require relocation or elevation.

Fencing Requirements

Every pool, hot tub, or spa over 24 inches deep in Springdale must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward, under Springdale Chapter 91 Article III Division 3 and the Arkansas adoption of the 2021 IRC Appendix G and 2021 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code.

Key details: Min Barrier Height: 48 inches. Opening Limit: 4-inch sphere blocked. Gate Requirement: Self-close, self-latch, outward. Hot Tub Exception: ASTM F1346 lockable cover. Code Reference: Ch. 91 Art. III Div. 3 + IRC App. G.

An outdoor pool over 24 inches deep without a 48-inch barrier, a gate missing self-closing or self-latching hardware, or openings larger than the 4-inch-sphere test is a violation of Chapter 91 Article III Division 3 and the adopted IRC. Springdale Building and Code Enforcement can order the pool drained, issue daily fines, and pursue attractive-nuisance civil liability.

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

The Bottom Line

Springdale is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Springdale, 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 Springdale 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.