Swimming Pools & Spas in Tacoma, WA (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Tacoma exempts small prefabricated above-ground pools from a building permit, under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons, but bigger or in-ground pools need one.
Tacoma Above-Ground Pool Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 2.02.090, item 9
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), and are installed entirely above ground. 10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems. 11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to ...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Tacoma requires a five-foot fence with a lockable, self-closing, self-latching gate around every outdoor public or semipublic swimming pool. Gate latches must sit at least 42 inches up, and no fence gap may exceed four inches. Private single-family backyard pools are exempt.
Tacoma Public/Semipublic Pool Fence Rules
Some RestrictionsTacoma Municipal Code § 5.50.200(C)
Fencing. Nonswimmers and animals shall be excluded from the swimming pool area. Fencing requirements shall be those required by Section 2.02.490 of the Official Code of the City of Tacoma; provided that those provisions mandate, as a minimum standard, the requirements outlined in the following paragraph. If no local requirements exist, or if they are less stringent, the following shall apply: ...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Pierce County →