5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Knox County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Knox County a building permit from Knox County Codes Administration is required to build an in-ground or above-ground residential pool. The pool is inspected twice and must meet the 2018 IRC and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Inside Knoxville or Farragut, apply to that city instead.
Knox County Ordinance No. O-18-10-101 (2018 IRC Ch. 42)
Barrier and any required alarms are installed in accordance with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, the 2018 International Residential Code and Knox County Ordinance No. O-18-10-101.
Every residential pool in unincorporated Knox County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall. The maximum gap at the base is 2 inches, openings cannot pass a 4-inch sphere, and chain-link mesh cannot exceed 1 3/4 inches.
Knox County Pool Information (2018 IRC Ch. 42)
The fence barrier shall be no less than 48". Maximum base opening is 2" and openings in barrier shall not exceed a 4" diameter sphere. Chain link fences shall have no greater than 1 3/4" mesh size.
Residential pools in Knox County must have gate and alarm safeguards under the 2018 IRC, and Tennessee law (T.C.A. 68-12-801) requires a pool water alarm for all pools. Public/commercial pools are permitted and inspected quarterly by the Knox County Health Department.
Knox County Pool Information (2018 IRC Ch. 42); T.C.A. 68-12-801
Gate shall open outwards away from the pool and be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device. If latch is less than 54" from the base of the gate, it shall be mounted on the pool side at least 3" below the top.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Knox County need a permit and must meet the same 48-inch barrier standard. Critically, the ladder or steps must be lockable, removable, or secured to prevent access, with no openings greater than 4 inches.
Knox County Pool Information (2018 IRC Ch. 42)
If pool is above ground, the ladder or steps shall be lockable, removable, or secured to prevent access with no openings greater than 4".
Knox County regulates hot tubs and spas under the same 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as pools. A permit is required, and the barrier, gate, and pool-water-alarm safety rules apply. Spas with a listed, locking safety cover may qualify for a barrier exemption under the ISPSC.
1 cities in Knox County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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