Providence, RI Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Stagnant-water trigger
- More than 7 consecutive days
- Depth threshold
- Over 1 inch of water
- Cure period
- 5 days to abate after notice
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Public Works / director
- Penalty
- Fines under § 1-10 plus lien
Summary
Providence bans stagnant water in hot tubs and spas for more than seven days, treating uncovered, unfiltered water as a public nuisance and mosquito-breeding health hazard.
It is hereby declared by the city council that any accumulation of stagnant water in any swimming pool, spa, hot tub, artificial pond or other manufactured or handmade container, which is not fully enclosed in a building, house or other structure, for more than seven (7) consecutive days is a public nuisance and a public health hazard. It shall be unlawful for the owner, lessee or occupier of any parcel of real property to cause or to allow to exist said public nuisance on any parcel of real property he or she owns, leases or occupies.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 7).
Full Breakdown
Under Providence Code section 12-131, any hot tub, spa, or pool holding water more than one inch deep is a declared public nuisance and health hazard if it sits stagnant for more than seven consecutive days, unless the water is chemically treated, filtered, or kept moving to stop mosquito breeding. The department of public works can issue a notice of violation giving the owner five days to abate; if the water is not drained or treated by then, the city can seek fines under section 1-10 plus a municipal-court abatement order and a lien for unpaid costs.
Violations & Fines
Failure to abate stagnant hot tub or spa water within five days of a notice of violation draws fines under section 1-10, a municipal-court abatement order, and a lien on the property for unpaid city costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply to a covered or filtered hot tub?
What happens if I ignore the notice of violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Providence
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Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle fencing & safety requirements.