Swimming Pools & Spas in New Mexico (2026)
12 rules on the books across New Mexico, 7 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.
Albuquerque
Some RestrictionsA City of Albuquerque building permit is required before constructing a residential swimming pool or spa; the…
Read full rule →Dona Ana County
Some RestrictionsAny residential swimming pool built in unincorporated Doña Ana County needs a Building Code permit under the county's…
Read full rule →Las Cruces
Some RestrictionsBuilding a residential swimming pool in Las Cruces requires a building permit under Land Development Code Division 13…
Read full rule →Rio Rancho
Some RestrictionsBefore a residential pool goes in, Rio Rancho requires three sets of plans reviewed by the City Development Department…
Read full rule →Sandoval County
Some RestrictionsAnyone building a residential pool in Sandoval County must first get a building permit from the Zoning Officer. Section…
Read full rule →Santa Fe
Some RestrictionsBuilding or installing a swimming pool in Santa Fe requires a permit under Chapter VII of the city code: Section…
Read full rule →Bernalillo County
Light RestrictionsPrivate above-ground and portable pools used only by the homeowner's own family or guests are exempt from Bernalillo…
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.
Albuquerque
Heavy RestrictionsAlbuquerque requires every new residential swimming pool to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high (with an…
Read full rule →Rio Rancho
Significant RestrictionsRio Rancho requires a six-foot barrier around any pool deeper than 3 feet or over 5,000 gallons, with self-closing…
Read full rule →Bernalillo County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Bernalillo County requires every swimming pool to be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 36 inches high…
Read full rule →Las Cruces
Some RestrictionsEvery pool, spa or hot tub in Las Cruces must sit inside a fence or wall at least four feet high, with self-closing…
Read full rule →Sandoval County
Some RestrictionsEvery swimming pool in Sandoval County must be enclosed by a solid wall, fence, or chain-link fence at least five feet…
Read full rule →