Swimming Pools & Spas in Hawaii (2026)
9 rules on the books across Hawaii, 5 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Pool Permits
Building and electrical permits required before installing a pool, including the depth and size thresholds that trigger them, and where above-ground and inflatable pools fall in or out of the rules.
East Honolulu
Some RestrictionsIn East Honolulu a building permit is required before constructing a residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. The…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County requires a building permit before you construct a residential swimming pool: HCC Section 5-3-1(a)(1)…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsOn Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), an in-ground or above-ground residential pool needs a building permit under Section 105.1…
Read full rule →Maui County
Some RestrictionsMaui County requires a building permit before installing most residential swimming pools. The code carves out one…
Read full rule →Fencing & Safety Requirements
Mandatory barriers around pools, spas, and hot tubs, minimum heights, self-latching gate specs, and the alarm, cover, and anti-entrapment rules that ride along with them.
Hawaii: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsEvery public pool in Hawaii must post and enforce a placard of health-safety rules under Hawaii Administrative Rules…
Read full rule →East Honolulu
Heavy RestrictionsEast Honolulu is governed by the City and County of Honolulu, whose Building Code (ROH Chapter 16, Article 6) requires…
Read full rule →Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County's Residential Building Code adopts IRC Section R326 with local amendments at HCC Section 5B-2-1(36)…
Read full rule →Honolulu County
Some RestrictionsNo building permit for a swimming, dipping, or wading pool anywhere on Oahu issues unless the plans include a fence…
Read full rule →Kauai County
Some RestrictionsOn Kaua'i (Kaua'i County), Building Code Section 3109.2 requires every public swimming pool to be completely enclosed…
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