Swimming Pools & Spas in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Albuquerque, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
A City of Albuquerque building permit is required before constructing a residential swimming pool or spa; the application must include a site plan with property-line and dwelling setbacks, pool dimensions and water capacity, barrier details, and a professional seal for gunite pools, with inspections required throughout construction.
Residential swimming pool building permit
Some RestrictionsCity of Albuquerque, Home Owner's Building Permit Guide, Residential Swimming Pools and Spas (permit submittal checklist)
Residential Swimming Pools and Spas. The following should be provided when applying for a pool permit; 1. Provide a Site Plan that indicates location of proposed work taking place. a. Provide all dimensions from proposed pool to adjacent property lines and dwelling (5' minimum). b. Provide dimensions for proposed pool to enable verification of square footage and water capacity (gallons). ... 8....
Fencing Requirements
Albuquerque requires every new residential swimming pool to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high (with an approved automatic cover) or 6 feet high (without an automatic cover), with self-latching access gates and alarms on all dwelling doors that open directly onto the pool area.
Residential pool barrier and gate rules
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Albuquerque, Home Owner's Building Permit Guide, Residential Swimming Pools and Spas, item 2
2. Indicate on plan that barrier requirements are being met. a. Locate and specify heights for all walls enclose pool area (minimum 4ft with auto cover, minimum 6ft without auto cover). b. Clarify/locate and label all access gates. c. Provide alarms listed in accordance with UL 2017 at all dwelling doors with direct access to pool area. Exception: Alarms not required if automatic cover is provi...
Safety Rules
Albuquerque residential pools require four-sided barriers, drain anti-entrapment devices, and door alarms where the house forms part of the barrier, per 2018 IRC Appendix G.
Albuquerque Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Albuquerque must comply with fencing requirements if over 3 ft deep or 5,000 gallons. The 6-ft barrier height is measured from outside grade. NM Residential Code defines pool as any structure over 24 inches deep. Building permit required.
Albuquerque Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Albuquerque hot tubs holding over 24 inches of water require pool barriers or ASTM F1346 safety covers, and electrical installations need permits and GFCI protection.
Albuquerque Hot Tub Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Bernalillo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Albuquerque city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Bernalillo County →