Swimming Pools & Spas in Knoxville, TN (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Knoxville requires a building permit before constructing a residential pool, issued under the adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, with expiration tied to the project's dollar valuation.
Knoxville Swimming Pool Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsKnoxville Code of Ordinances § 6-55.01 (Ord. No. O-173-2018, § 2, 11-20-18; Ord. No. O-125-2024, § 2, 10-29-24)
Delete the text of Section 105.5 Expiration in its entirety and substitute the following: Every permit shall become invalid after the following timeframes based on the project valuation: Valuation less than $500,000 will expire in 1 calendar year from permit issuance. Valuation $500,000 to $20,000,000 will expire in 2 calendar years from permit issuance. Valuation exceeding $20,000,000 will exp...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Knoxville's zoning code exempts spas and hot tubs from swimming pool setback and yard rules only if they carry a sturdy, insulated, child-resistant cover; uncovered units are regulated as full private swimming pools.
Knoxville Hot Tub Cover Exemption
Some RestrictionsKnoxville City Code, Appendix B (Zoning Code), Art. 10, Sec. 10.3.Z (Ord. No. O-61-2020, § 1, 4-21-20; Ord. No. O-95-2022, § 1, 7-26-22; Ord. No. O-25-2024, § 1, 3-5-24)
A private swimming pool is any pool or open tank having a depth of more than 30 inches that is designed and built for swimming and bathing. This does not include spas and hot tubs that are securely covered when not in use by a sturdy insulated top capable of restricting access by children.
Looking for Knox County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Knoxville city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Knox County →