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

Sammamish regulates existing pool enclosures directly through SMC Chapter 16.25 (the Sammamish Building and Property Maintenance Code) and regulates new pool construction through the adopted 2021 ISPSC (SMC 16.05.157). Under the property maintenance code, private swimming pools, hot tubs and spas containing water more than 36 inches in depth must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches in height above the finished ground level, measured on the side of the barrier away from the pool. Openings in the fence or barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Gates and doors in the barrier must be self-closing and self-latching; where the self-latching device is less than 54 inches above the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism must be on the pool side. Self-closing/self-latching gates must positively close and latch when released from an open position of six inches from the gatepost. No existing pool enclosure may be removed, replaced or changed in a way that reduces its effectiveness as a safety barrier. For new construction, the ISPSC requires barriers around pools deeper than 24 inches, with the same 48-inch height and 4-inch-sphere standards.