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

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Tacoma, Washington, 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

Tacoma exempts small prefabricated above-ground pools from a building permit, under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons, but bigger or in-ground pools need one.

Key details: Exempt depth: Under 24 inches deep. Exempt volume: 5,000 gallons or less. Must be: Entirely above ground, prefabricated. Applies to: Group R-3 (single-family/duplex) homes. Governing section: TMC § 2.02.090, item 9.

Installing an above-ground pool that exceeds the 24-inch/5,000-gallon threshold without a permit is a code violation the Building Official can cite and require to be corrected or removed.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Tacoma requires a five-foot fence with a lockable, self-closing, self-latching gate around every outdoor public or semipublic swimming pool. Gate latches must sit at least 42 inches up, and no fence gap may exceed four inches. Private single-family backyard pools are exempt.

Key details: Minimum fence height: 5 feet. Gate type required: Lockable, self-closing, self-latching. Minimum latch height: 42 inches above ground. Maximum fence gap: 4 inches. Applies to: Public & semipublic pools only.

Operating a public or semipublic pool with a fence under five feet, without a self-closing/self-latching gate, or with gaps over four inches violates TMC Chapter 5.50; the Health Officer can suspend the operating permit until the enclosure is corrected.

The Bottom Line

Tacoma'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 Tacoma is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Tacoma's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.