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Swimming Pools & Spas in Bellevue, WA (2026)

2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Bellevue, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Bellevue requires a building permit for constructing or altering a swimming pool under the general permit rule at BCC 23.05.090(A); only small prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons are exempt under BCC 23.05.090(B)(3)(i). Every permitted outdoor pool, spa or hot tub must also meet the barrier standard in BCC 23.16.010.

Bellevue Swimming Pool Permit Rules

Some Restrictions

BCC 23.05.090(B)(3)(i)

i. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to structures regulated by the IRC or accessory to Group R-3 and Group U occupancies regulated by the IBC, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and are installed entirely above ground.

Fencing & Safety Requirements

Bellevue requires every outdoor swimming pool, spa and hot tub, new or existing, to have a barrier meeting the state-amended 2021 International Building Code Section 3109.1 or the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code Section 305, whichever governs the structure it serves. Older pools can keep the enclosure that met the code in effect when they were built.

Bellevue Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements

Some Restrictions

Bellevue City Code § 23.16.010

The following requirements shall apply to all outdoor swimming pools, spas and hot tubs heretofore or hereafter constructed or presently under construction within the city. Each such pool, spa, or hot tub shall be designed per the 2021 International Building Code Section 3109.1 when applicable, as amended by the State of Washington, or Section 305 of the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa...

Looking for King County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellevue city rules.

Swimming Pools & Spas in King County