Federal Way, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger depth
- Pools, hot tubs, spas over 18 inches deep
- Minimum fence height
- 5 feet
- Gate hardware
- Self-closing, self-latching required
- Latch height
- At least 4 ft. 6 in. above ground
- Max gate width
- 4 feet unless building official approves
- Alternative
- Approved permanent pool cover
Summary
Any Federal Way pool, hot tub, or spa deeper than 18 inches must be enclosed by a fence or solid structure at least five feet tall, with self-closing, self-latching gates that keep small children out at all times.
Every person whether as owner, purchaser under contract, lessee, tenant or licensee in possession of land within the city upon which is situated a swimming pool, hot tub or spa in excess of 18 inches in depth, including portable pools, shall at all times maintain on the lot or premises upon which such pool is located and completely surrounding such pool, lot or premises, a fence or other solid structure designed to prevent small children from inadvertently wandering into the pool. Such fence or other solid structure shall be not less than five feet in height with no opening (other than doors or gates) except as follows: ... (c) All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designated to keep, and capable of keeping, such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use and to prevent a small child from opening such door or gate; provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings, and forming any part of such enclosure, need not be so equipped.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 26-1049, passed August 11, 2026).
Full Breakdown
060 requires every owner, purchaser, lessee, tenant, or licensee in possession of land in Federal Way with a swimming pool, hot tub, or spa in excess of 18 inches deep, including portable pools, to maintain a fence or other solid structure completely surrounding the pool, lot, or premises at all times. The barrier must be at least five feet high, and openings are restricted: vertical-member fences cannot have horizontal gaps over four inches and no more than three horizontal members, while horizontal-member fences may have no vertical openings at all.
Every gate or door in the enclosure must have a self-closing, self-latching device capable of keeping it securely shut when not in use, though a dwelling's own door forming part of the enclosure is exempt. Latches must sit at least four feet six inches above the ground, gates cannot exceed four feet in width unless the building official specifically approves a wider design, and a driveway gate can never substitute for a required self-closing pool gate. 070 allows the fencing requirement to be waived where the land's topography itself makes the pool inaccessible and unapproachable from any unfenced portion.
080, a permanent pool cover satisfies the enclosure requirement if exterior openings meet gate standards and exterior walls are solid, and a hot tub or spa cover satisfies it if it can support 50 pounds when not in use.
Violations & Fines
Failing to install or maintain the required fence, gate, or self-latching hardware is a Code violation enforced under Chapter 1.15 FWRC. The city can issue a notice of violation and order to correct under FWRC 1.15.040, with monetary penalties of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, $300 for a third, and $500 for each additional day or violation beyond three. A pool never brought into compliance with the fencing chapter is declared a public nuisance and public hazard under FWRC 13.40.050.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Federal Way?
Can a driveway gate serve as my pool's safety gate?
Does a pool cover replace the fence requirement?
Is the fence requirement ever waived?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Federal Way
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