Swimming Pools & Spas in Rapid City, SD (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Rapid City, South Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Rapid City requires a building permit for most residential swimming pools but exempts small prefabricated ones. Under Rapid City Municipal Code § 15.04.160, a prefabricated above-ground pool needs no permit if it is less than 40 inches deep and holds 12,000 gallons or less; deeper or larger pools need a permit like any other structure. Section 17.50.320 also requires any private pool to stay out of required yards and be fenced at least 4 feet high.
Rapid City Swimming Pool Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsRapid City Municipal Code §§ 15.04.160, 17.50.320
g. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 40 inches deep, do not exceed 12,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground; ... A. A private swimming pool shall be any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading not located within a completely enclosed building, and containing or normally capable of containing water to a depth at any point greater than 24 inches...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Rapid City requires every private swimming pool deeper than 24 inches to be walled or fenced at least 4 feet high, or covered with an ASTM-tested lockable cover, to keep out uncontrolled child access. Community or club pools face a stricter 5-foot fence or wall standard under Rapid City Municipal Code Section 17.50.320.
Rapid City Swimming Pool Fence Requirement
Some RestrictionsRapid City Municipal Code § 17.50.320.A.3
This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wading pools. Private swimming pools are permitted in any residential district provided: ... ... 3. The swimming pool area shall be so walled or fenced so as to prevent uncontrolled access by children from the street or from adjacent properties or the private swimming pool shall be equipped with an ASTM...