Swimming Pools & Spas in Honolulu, HI (2026)
4 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Honolulu, Hawaii, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
A building permit from the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting is required before constructing any residential swimming pool, under ROH Chapter 16, Article 6. Plans must be prepared by a licensed Hawaii engineer or architect.
Honolulu Residential Swimming Pool Building Permit Required
Some RestrictionsFencing Requirements
Honolulu ROH § 16-6.2 requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. The building code adopts ISPSC standards for gap clearance and non-climbable design.
Honolulu Requires 48-Inch Pool Barriers With Self-Latching Gates
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
Honolulu requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. A building permit is required before construction. Non-compliant pools face penalties under ROH Chapter 16.
Residential Pools Require 48-Inch Barrier and Permit
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Honolulu treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools for safety. Under ROH Chapter 16, which adopts the Hawaii State Residential Code (IRC) and Hawaii Building Code Section 3109, any residential pool capable of holding more than 24 inches of water must be enclosed by a 48-inch barrier, with openings that block a 4-inch sphere, self-closing/self-latching gates, and only a 4-inch maximum gap between the pool wall and the barrier when the pool wall itself is used as the enclosure. Ladders or steps must be removable, lockable, or independently fenced. A building permit from DPP is required before installation of any pool deeper than 24 inches.
Above-Ground Pool Rules in Honolulu
Some RestrictionsLooking for Honolulu County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Honolulu city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Honolulu County →