Ada County, ID Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential rule
- AG 105 access barrier
- Public pool rule
- IDAPA 16.02.14
- Lifeguard trigger
- Over 35 bathers + kids under 13
- No-lifeguard sign
- Required warning placard
- Public pool depth
- More than 2 feet deep
Summary
Residential pool safety in Ada County is enforced through the AG 105 barrier. Public/commercial pools must follow Idaho Department of Health and Welfare rules (IDAPA 16.02.14), which require lifeguards when bather counts exceed 35 and unsupervised children under 13 are present.
Lifeguard(s) are required at any public swimming pool when: a. The numbers of bathers within the pool enclosure exceed thirty-five (35); and b. Children under the age of thirteen (13) are allowed to swim without adult supervision.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
For homes, the barrier that restricts child access is the core safety control (Section AG 105). For public pools, IDAPA 16.02.14 governs construction, operation, sanitation, and safety statewide, administered with Central District Health. Public pools without a lifeguard must post 'WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY' signage. Idaho defines a public pool as water more than two feet deep used by any segment of the public.
Violations & Fines
Public-pool operators violating IDAPA 16.02.14 face enforcement by the health district, including orders to correct or closure. Residential violations are code-enforcement matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a lifeguard required at a public pool?
Do these state pool rules cover my backyard pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho swimming pools & spas overview
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