Kirkland, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Kirkland adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) through the Washington State Building Code Council, which requires every pool, in-ground or above-ground, with a water depth greater than 24 inches to be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches tall measured from the outside grade. Vertical openings in the barrier must not exceed 4 inches and the bottom of the fence may not be more than 2 inches above the ground surface on the outside. Chain-link fencing must have a mesh size no larger than 1.25 inches square. Any access gate through the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch located at least 54 inches above ground or on the pool side of the gate and shielded to prevent reaching through the fence. Where the house itself forms part of the barrier, all doors leading directly to the pool area must have an audible alarm that sounds within 7 seconds of opening, or the pool must have a powered cover meeting ASTM F1346. Above-ground pools may use the pool wall as the barrier if the wall is at least 48 inches high and the access ladder is removable or enclosed in a self-closing self-latching gate. Hot tubs and spas with safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier requirement when the cover is in place. Violations of barrier rules are particularly serious because they increase drowning risk and may trigger insurance coverage denials.