Swimming Pools & Spas in Yakima, WA (2026)
4 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Yakima, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Residential swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Yakima require a building permit from the City of Yakima Codes Division when they hold more than 24 inches of water, under the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50) and Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) adopted in YMC Chapters 11.04 and 11.22. A separate electrical permit is administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B (state-administered electrical inspection). Pools must be enclosed by a barrier meeting IRC Appendix V (2018) as adopted under WAC 51-51. Site plans showing pool, decking, setbacks, and property lines must accompany the permit application.
Swimming Pool Permits in Yakima
Heavy RestrictionsFencing Requirements
Residential pool, spa, and hot tub barriers in Yakima follow IRC Appendix V Section AGV105.2 as adopted by Washington under WAC 51-51 and applied through YMC 11.22 (Residential Code). The barrier must be at least 48 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, openings must not allow a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass, the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches (4 inches over concrete or fixed solid material), and pedestrian access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing, and have a self-latching device. The perimeter pool fence must also satisfy YMC 15.05.020(G) height limits (6 feet residential) and the YMC 15.05.040 clear view triangle.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Yakima
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
Residential pool safety in Yakima is governed by IRC Appendix V as adopted under WAC 51-51 and applied through YMC 11.22, including the 48-inch barrier, 4-inch sphere rule, self-closing/self-latching gates, and dwelling-wall door provisions (alarm under UL 2017, self-closing/self-latching with release at least 54 inches above the floor, or ASTM F1346 safety pool cover). Public swimming pools (including pools serving the public, hotels, condominiums of 15+ units, and similar settings) are separately regulated by WAC 246-260 under the Washington Department of Health and the Yakima Health District, with rules covering water quality, anti-entrapment drain covers (federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act), depth markings, and lifeguard or supervision signs.
Swimming Pool Safety Rules in Yakima
Heavy RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Yakima are treated as swimming pools under IRC Appendix V (adopted via WAC 51-51 and YMC 11.22) and require a City of Yakima building permit when they hold more than 24 inches of water. AGV105.5 exempts spas and hot tubs with a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 from the Appendix V barrier provisions. Electrical permits for the hot tub circuit, NEC Article 680 bonding, and equipment are administered by Washington State L&I under WAC 296-46B. Decks supporting hot tubs must meet the load provisions of the Washington State Residential Code (WAC 51-51) and may require engineered design.
Hot Tub and Spa Rules in Yakima
Some RestrictionsLooking for Yakima County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Yakima city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Yakima County →