Swimming Pools & Spas in East Honolulu, HI (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for East Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
In East Honolulu a building permit is required before constructing a residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. The City and County of Honolulu Building Code (ROH Sec. 16, Section 105) requires a permit for all work covered by the code as provided in ROH Chapter 18, and the Department of Planning and Permitting reviews pool plans for compliance with the barrier and structural standards.
Building permit required for pools (ROH Ch. 16/18)
Some RestrictionsHawaii Administrative Rules Sec. 11-10-4 (Permit to operate); Revised Ordinances of Honolulu Ch. 16, Section 105 (Permits per ROH Ch. 18)
Sec. 11-10-4 Permit to operate. (a) No person shall operate or maintain a public swimming pool unless a permit to operate has been obtained from the department. The permit shall be valid for five years unless revoked or suspended for cause. (b) Any person desiring to operate or maintain a public swimming pool shall submit an application for a permit on a form designated by the department. (c) ....
Fencing Requirements
East Honolulu is governed by the City and County of Honolulu, whose Building Code (ROH Chapter 16, Article 6) requires every residential swimming pool to be enclosed by a barrier meeting International Building Code Sections 3109.4 and 3109.5. The barrier must be at least 48 inches high, have no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom, openings no larger than a 4-inch sphere, and self-closing, self-latching gates.
Pool barrier required (ROH 16-6.2 / IBC 3109.4)
Heavy RestrictionsRevised Ordinances of Honolulu, Sec. 16-6.2 (Residential Swimming Pools - Fences and Other Protective Devices) and Building Code amendment to IBC Sec. 3109.4
Sec. 16-6.2 Fences and Other Protective Devices. See Sections 3109.4 and 3109.5 of the International Building Code, as amended. All provisions of the building, electrical and plumbing codes shall be applicable unless otherwise indicated in this section. [Amending Section 3109.4:] Section 3109.4 Residential Swimming Pools. Residential swimming pools are accessory to R-3 residential occupancies....
Safety Rules
Article 6 of Chapter 16 sets the full residential pool safety program for East Honolulu, covering purpose, barriers, new-construction standards, modifications, limited exceptions, and civil penalties for noncompliance.
Residential Pool Safety Article
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
East Honolulu does not have a separate ordinance for above-ground pools; they are governed by the residential pool article and the adopted Hawaii State Residential Code, with barrier rules applying once depth thresholds are met.
Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in East Honolulu are regulated as residential pools under Chapter 16 Article 6, with barrier rules triggered once depth or capacity meet thresholds from the adopted state residential code.
Hot Tub and Spa Regulation
Some RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement East Honolulu city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Honolulu County →