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

Per RCW 19.27.031, Washington adopts the International Residential Code with state amendments; Seattle adopts and amends it as the Seattle Residential Code through SMC Title 22. SRC Appendix G/AG105 governs private one- and two-family residential pools, spas, and hot tubs holding water 24 inches or deeper. Barrier requirements: minimum 48 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool; maximum 2-inch ground clearance; openings must not pass a 4-inch sphere. For solid barriers without openings (boards, masonry), horizontal members on the pool side must either be 45+ inches apart or, if closer, have spacing not exceeding 1.75 inches between vertical members. Chain-link mesh openings cannot exceed 1.75 inches unless slatted to 1.75 inches. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching. If the latch is below 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, with no opening greater than 0.5 inches within 18 inches of the latch. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access must have an audible alarm meeting UL 2017 or the pool must have an approved automatic safety cover meeting ASTM F1346. Hot tubs and spas with safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt. Permits are issued by Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). Multifamily, hotel, school, and public pools are regulated by WAC 246-260-031 (60 inches for limited-use, 72 inches for general-use) and require Public Health - Seattle & King County review.