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

Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Yakima, Washington, there are 4 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.

Fencing Requirements

Residential pool, spa, and hot tub barriers in Yakima follow IRC Appendix V Section AGV105.2 as adopted by Washington under WAC 51-51 and applied through YMC 11.22 (Residential Code). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, openings must not allow a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass, the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. The perimeter pool fence must also satisfy YMC 15.05.020(G) height limits (6 feet residential) and the YMC 15.05.040 clear view triangle.

Key details: Minimum Barrier Height: 48 inches above grade (AGV105.2 Item 1). 4-Inch Sphere Rule: No opening allows passage of a 4-inch sphere (Item 2). Max Ground Gap: 2 inches (4 inches on concrete/solid surface). Pedestrian Gate Direction: Opens outward away from pool. Gate Hardware: Self-closing and self-latching required (Item 8).

A pool barrier under 48 inches above grade violates IRC Appendix V AGV105.2 Item 1. Barrier openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass violate Item 2. Pedestrian access gates that swing inward toward the pool yard, are not self-closing, or lack a self-latching device violate Item 8. Failed barrier inspections by the City of Yakima Codes Division block the final pool inspection and the pool may not be placed in service.

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

Pool Permits

Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Yakima require a building permit from the City of Yakima Codes Division when they hold more than 24 inches of water, under the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50) and Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) adopted in YMC Chapters 11.04 and 11.22. A separate electrical permit is administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B (state-administered electrical inspection). Pools must be enclosed by a barrier meeting IRC Appendix V (2018) as adopted under WAC 51-51. Site plans showing pool, decking, setbacks, and property lines must accompany the permit application.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Pools/spas holding more than 24 inches of water. Building Permit: City of Yakima Codes Division - (509) 575-6126. Electrical Permit: Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B. Codes Division: 129 N 2nd Street, Yakima WA 98901. Building Code Adoption: YMC 11.04 (WAC 51-50) and YMC 11.22 (WAC 51-51).

Installing a pool, hot tub, or spa with more than 24 inches of water without a City of Yakima building permit violates YMC 11.04 / YMC 11.22 and the Washington State Building Code. Operating a pool that has not passed barrier inspection violates IRC Appendix V (WAC 51-51). Electrical work performed without a Washington State L&I electrical permit violates WAC 296-46B. Decks supporting hot tubs without verified load capacity violate the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51).

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

Safety Rules

Residential pool safety in Yakima is governed by IRC Appendix V as adopted under WAC 51-51 and applied through YMC 11.22, including the 48-inch barrier, 4-inch sphere rule, self-closing/self-latching gates, and dwelling-wall door provisions (alarm under UL 2017, self-closing/self-latching with release at least 54 inches above the floor, or ASTM F1346 safety pool cover). Public swimming pools (including pools serving the public, hotels, condominiums of 15+ units, and similar settings) are separately regulated by WAC 246-260 under the Washington Department of Health and the Yakima Health District, with rules covering water quality, anti-entrapment drain covers (federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act), depth markings, and lifeguard or supervision signs.

Key details: Residential Safety Code: IRC Appendix V (WAC 51-51 / YMC 11.22). Dwelling Wall as Barrier: Alarm / self-closing door / ASTM F1346 cover (AGV105.2 Item 9). Door Alarm Standard: UL 2017. Safety Cover Standard: ASTM F1346. Self-Latch Release Height: Minimum 54 inches above floor.

A dwelling-wall door providing direct access to an unenclosed pool without a UL 2017 alarm, ASTM F1346 safety cover, or self-closing/self-latching door with a release at 54 inches violates AGV105.2 Item 9. Operating a public or semi-public pool without WAC 246-260 compliance (water quality, anti-entrapment drain, depth markings) is enforced by the Yakima Health District and can result in closure. Disabled or removed pool barrier hardware on a residential pool that previously passed inspection is a continuing violation enforced by the City of Yakima Codes Division.

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

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in Yakima are treated as swimming pools under IRC Appendix V (adopted via WAC 51-51 and YMC 11.22) and require a City of Yakima building permit when they hold more than 24 inches of water. AGV105.5 exempts spas and hot tubs with a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 from the Appendix V barrier provisions. Electrical permits for the hot tub circuit, NEC Article 680 bonding, and equipment are administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B. Decks supporting hot tubs must meet the load provisions of the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) and may require engineered design.

Key details: Permit Threshold: Hot tubs/spas holding more than 24 inches of water. Building Permit: City of Yakima Codes Division - (509) 575-6126. Electrical Permit: Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B. Safety Cover Exemption: ASTM F1346 cover exempts spa from barrier (AGV105.5). Without Cover: Must have 48-inch barrier per AGV105.2.

Installing a hot tub or spa holding more than 24 inches of water without a City of Yakima building permit violates YMC 11.22 and the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51). A hot tub without either an ASTM F1346 safety cover or a code-compliant 48-inch barrier violates IRC Appendix V AGV105.2 / AGV105.5. Performing pool/spa electrical work without a Washington State L&I electrical permit violates WAC 296-46B. A hot tub installed on a deck without verified load capacity violates the Washington State Residential Code.

The Bottom Line

Yakima is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 4 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Yakima, 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 Yakima's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.