5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Shelby County, Tennessee.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Shelby County, a residential swimming pool needs a building permit from the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Construction Code Enforcement. The county enforces the adopted Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code, based on the International Residential Code (IRC).
Memphis & Shelby County Residential Code, Local Amendment (Ord. 425), Sec. R105.2 exemption 7
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610mm) deep [are exempt from permit].
Residential pools in unincorporated Shelby County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high, following the International Residential Code adopted as the Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code and enforced by Construction Code Enforcement.
Beyond the barrier, Shelby County enforces gate self-latching, limited openings, and pool electrical/bonding safety through the adopted Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code and Electrical Code, inspected by Construction Code Enforcement.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Shelby County need a building permit and a compliant barrier unless the pool is a prefabricated unit less than 24 inches deep, under the adopted Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code.
Memphis & Shelby County Residential Code, Local Amendment (Ord. 425), permit exemption
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610mm) deep [are exempt from permit].
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Shelby County follow the adopted Memphis and Shelby County Residential Code. A spa needs a barrier like a pool unless it has an approved safety cover, and electrical work must be permitted and inspected.
1 cities in Shelby County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
See every category we cover for Shelby County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Shelby County Ordinance Hub →