Sammamish, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger depth
- Water more than 36 inches deep
- Minimum barrier height
- 48 inches above ground
- Max opening
- No 4-inch-diameter sphere passage
- Gate requirement
- Self-closing and self-latching
- Latch rule
- Release on pool side if under 54 in.
Summary
Private pools, hot tubs and spas deeper than 36 inches must have a self-closing, self-latching barrier at least 48 inches high under SMC 16.25.205(2), with gap and latch-height limits meant to keep young children out.
(2) Enclosures. Private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas containing water more than 36 inches (915 mm) in depth shall be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (1,219 mm) in height above the finished ground level measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Openings in the fence or barrier shall not allow the passage of a four-inch-diameter sphere. Gates and doors in such barriers shall be self-closing and self-latching.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance O2026-598, and legislation passed through August 18, 2026).
Full Breakdown
' The barrier can't have gaps large enough to pass a four-inch-diameter sphere, closing off the classic child-sized opening under or between fence members. Gates and doors in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching; if the latch release sits lower than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism must be on the pool side of the gate so a small child on the outside can't reach it. 205(1) separately requires the pool itself to be 'maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, and in good repair,' a maintenance duty distinct from the enclosure standard. 25, the City's Building and Property Maintenance Code, enforced through the Title 23 SMC civil code compliance process.
Violations & Fines
A missing or defective pool barrier is a Chapter 16.25 violation enforced under Title 23 SMC. SMC 23.100.010 authorizes an infraction of up to $1,000, and noncompliance after a notice and order escalates to $250 per day for the first 15 days, $500 per day through day 31, and $1,000 per day thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in Sammamish?
Do pool gates need to close automatically?
Can I remove my existing pool fence if I add a pool cover instead?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sammamish
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Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in King County handle fencing & safety requirements.