Any outdoor residential pool in unincorporated Pierce County that holds water over 24 inches deep must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches high, per the 2021 International Residential Code Appendix G that Washington adopts through WAC 51-51 and PPW enforces.
Pierce County Planning & Public Works enforces the pool-barrier standards of 2021 IRC Appendix G, adopted statewide through Chapter 51-51 WAC. Under IRC Section AG105.2, an outdoor swimming pool - in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground - containing water more than 24 inches deep must be completely surrounded by a barrier whose top is at least 48 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool. The maximum gap between grade and the bottom of the barrier is limited, and openings must be small enough that a young child cannot pass through. County guidance confirms the 48-inch barrier applies even where the pool has a safety cover, and pools must also meet zoning setbacks.
A pool without a compliant barrier fails inspection and cannot receive final approval; PPW may issue correction notices and withhold use. Because it is a life-safety requirement, existing pools without a barrier can be cited until they comply.
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