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Swimming Pools & Spas in Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Winston-Salem, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Winston-Salem requires a building permit for any in-ground or permanent above-ground swimming pool deeper than 24 inches. Permits are issued by the Winston-Salem Inspections Division and require plan review, zoning check, and inspections at multiple stages of construction.

Swimming Pools: Pool Permits

Some Restrictions

Fencing Requirements

Winston-Salem requires all swimming pools deeper than 24 inches to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch release at least 54 inches above the ground. These rules follow the NC Residential Code Appendix V.

Swimming Pools: Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Safety Rules

Winston-Salem pools must comply with federal VGB Act anti-entrapment drain cover requirements, NC electrical code for equipotential bonding, and barrier rules. Public pools are separately regulated by NC DHHS under NCGS 130A-280.

Swimming Pools: Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

16 C.F.R. pt. 1450 - Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Regulations

each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the entrapment protection standards of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017, American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, approved on August 18, 2017. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by r...

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in Winston-Salem deeper than 24 inches require building permits and barrier protection. Pools with walls at least 48 inches high can use the pool wall as the barrier if the ladder is removable or secured when not in use.

Swimming Pools: Above Ground Pools

Some Restrictions

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas deeper than 24 inches follow the same permit and barrier rules as pools unless equipped with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. A cover that latches to the spa wall satisfies the barrier requirement.

Swimming Pools: Hot Tub Rules

Some Restrictions