Swimming Pools & Spas in Maricopa County, AZ (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Maricopa County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Swimming pool construction in unincorporated Maricopa County requires a building permit from County Planning and Development. Arizona has strict pool barrier requirements under ARS §36-1681 due to high child drowning rates. Pool barrier inspection is part of the permitting process.

Maricopa County Pool Permits (Unincorporated)

Some Restrictions

ARS §36-1681

36-1681. Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section. B. A swimming pool or other contained body of ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing Requirements

Arizona's ARS §36-1681 mandates a minimum 5-foot pool barrier — one of the strictest pool barrier laws in the United States. Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch at least 54 inches high are required. This law applies to all pools in unincorporated Maricopa County.

Maricopa County Pool Fencing (ARS §36-1681)

Heavy Restrictions

ARS §36-1681

36-1681. Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements: 1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier. 2. Have no openings...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

Pool safety in unincorporated Maricopa County is governed by ARS §36-1681 barriers, Maricopa County Environmental Health for water quality, and county building codes for electrical and structural safety. Arizona's extreme heat makes pool safety enforcement a year-round priority.

Maricopa County Pool Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

ARS §36-1681

36-1681. Pool enclosures; requirements; exceptions; enforcement A. A swimming pool, or other contained body of water that contains water eighteen inches or more in depth at any point and that is wider than eight feet at any point and is intended for swimming, shall be protected by an enclosure surrounding the pool area, as provided in this section. C. If a residence or living area constitutes p...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in unincorporated Maricopa County must comply with Arizona's Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act (ARS 36-1681). Pools with non-climbable sides at least 48 inches high may satisfy part of the barrier requirement, but a 5-foot perimeter barrier with self-closing, self-latching gate is still required around the property.

Swimming Pools: Above Ground Pools

Some Restrictions

Ariz. Rev. Stat. § 36-1681(B) - Pool Enclosures; Requirements (Including Aboveground Pools)

B. A swimming pool or other contained body of water required to be enclosed by subsection A whether a belowground or aboveground pool shall meet the following requirements: 1. Be entirely enclosed by at least a five foot wall, fence or other barrier as measured on the exterior side of the wall, fence or barrier. 2. Have no openings in the wall, fence or barrier through which a spherical object ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Maricopa County are subject to ARS 36-1681 pool barrier requirements. All spas must have barriers or an approved safety cover. Spas not exceeding 8 feet wide may use a locking safety cover in lieu of full perimeter fencing if perimeter fencing already exists around the property.