Swimming Pools & Spas in Winston-Salem, NC: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Winston-Salem 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. Winston-Salem has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Winston-Salem deeper than 24 inches require building permits and barrier protection. Pools with walls at least 48 inches high can use the pool wall as the barrier if the ladder is removable or secured when not in use.
Key details: Threshold: Over 24 inches needs permit. Wall as Barrier: If 48 in or higher. Ladder: Removable or secured. Setback: 10 ft typical. Decks: Separate permit over 30 in.
Failure to secure ladders or install required barriers is a code violation and can trigger orders to drain the pool until corrected.
Pool Permits
Winston-Salem requires a building permit for any in-ground or permanent above-ground swimming pool deeper than 24 inches. Permits are issued by the Winston-Salem Inspections Division and require plan review, zoning check, and inspections at multiple stages of construction.
Key details: Threshold: Over 24 inches deep. Setbacks: 10 ft side and rear typical. Inspections: Multiple stages required. Electrical: Licensed contractor only. Code: NC Residential Code Appendix V.
Pools constructed without permits are subject to stop-work orders, double permit fees, and possible removal orders.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas deeper than 24 inches follow the same permit and barrier rules as pools unless equipped with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. A cover that latches to the spa wall satisfies the barrier requirement.
Key details: Cover Standard: ASTM F1346 lockable. Alternative: 48-inch fence. Electrical: GFCI and bonding required. Circuit: Dedicated 240V typical. Permit: Required over 24 inches.
Non-compliant spas without a cover or fence fail inspection. Electrical violations are enforced by the Inspections Division.
Fencing Requirements
Winston-Salem requires all swimming pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch release at least 54 inches above the ground. These rules follow the NC Residential Code Appendix V.
Key details: Height: 48 inches minimum. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Latch: 54 inches above grade. Gap: No 4-inch sphere passage. Door Alarms: Required if house is barrier.
Failure to install a compliant barrier results in failed inspection and prohibits use of the pool until corrected. Ongoing violations are a minimum housing code issue.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Winston-Salem actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
Safety Rules
Winston-Salem pools must comply with federal VGB Act anti-entrapment drain cover requirements, NC electrical code for equipotential bonding, and barrier rules. Public pools are separately regulated by NC DHHS under NCGS 130A-280.
Key details: Drain Covers: VGB Act certified. Bonding: NEC equipotential required. GFCI: All pool circuits. Public Pools: NCGS 130A-280. Inspections: Annual for semi-public.
Non-compliant drain covers or bonding discovered at inspection triggers immediate closure until repaired.
This is one of the stricter rules in Winston-Salem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
The Bottom Line
Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
This guide is based on Winston-Salem's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.