Kingsport, TN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Fence height
- At least four feet, permanent, durable material
- Opening size
- No opening, mesh, hole or gap over four square inches
- Picket spacing
- Horizontal spacing not more than three inches
- Gates
- Approved latching devices, latched when pool is not in use
- Portable pools
- Emptied or covered and locked when not in use
- Minimum penalty
- Not less than $25.00 under Section 22-523
Summary
In the City of Kingsport, Tennessee, every swimming pool must be enclosed by a permanent fence of durable material at least four feet high, with no opening larger than four square inches and picket spacing no wider than three inches. Gates need approved latching devices and stay latched when the pool is not in use.
(a)All swimming pools constructed, installed, established or maintained shall, unless prior approval has been given, be enclosed by a permanent fence of durable material at least four feet in height and shall be so constructed as not to have openings, mesh, holes or gaps larger than four square inches in any dimension except for doors and gates. If a picket fence is erected or maintained, the horizontal spacing shall not exceed three inches. All gates used in conjunction with the fence shall be equipped with approved latching devices and shall be latched at all times when the swimming pool is not in use.(b)All portable pools, unless enclosed by a fence of the type and dimensions specified in subsection (a) of this section, shall, when not in use, be either:(1)Emptied; or(2)Covered with a suitable, strong protective covering, securely fastened or locked in place.
Full Breakdown
Section 22-528 is the fence rule in Article VIII, Swimming Pools, of Chapter 22. Subsection (a) covers every pool constructed, installed, established or maintained in the city, and it applies unless prior approval has been given. The enclosure has to be a permanent fence of durable material at least four feet in height. It cannot have openings, mesh, holes or gaps larger than four square inches in any dimension, except for doors and gates. If a picket fence is used, the horizontal spacing cannot exceed three inches.
Gates get their own line. All gates used with the fence must have approved latching devices and must be latched at all times when the swimming pool is not in use. The printed text calls for latching devices, not self-closing hardware.
Subsection (b) handles portable pools. Unless the portable pool is enclosed by a fence of the type and dimensions in subsection (a), it must, when not in use, be either emptied or covered with a suitable, strong protective covering, securely fastened or locked in place.
The article sits on the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 edition, which Section 22-522 adopts by reference. Kingsport also amends the International Property Maintenance Code in Section 22-96(c)(11): Section 303.2 Enclosures replaces 24 inches with 36 inches to align with the definition of swimming pools.
The building official enforces the article (Section 22-524), and the owner or operator must let the building official and the health officer or another authorized official inspect any swimming pool, wading pool or portable pool and its appurtenances at all reasonable times (Section 22-525).
Violations & Fines
Section 22-523 sets the penalty for violating the article or the adopted pool code at not less than $25.00 or more than as provided in Section 1-14, which sets the general ceiling at $50.00 unless state law permits more. Each day a violation continues is a separate offense unless the ordinance provides otherwise. A pool hazard to health must be abated on notice from the building official or the city health officer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall must a pool fence be in Kingsport?
Does Kingsport require self-closing pool gates?
What is the picket spacing limit for a pool fence?
Do portable pools in Kingsport need a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kingsport
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