Tacoma, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum fence height
- 5 feet
- Gate type required
- Lockable, self-closing, self-latching
- Minimum latch height
- 42 inches above ground
- Maximum fence gap
- 4 inches
- Applies to
- Public & semipublic pools only
Summary
Tacoma requires a five-foot fence with a lockable, self-closing, self-latching gate around every outdoor public or semipublic swimming pool. Gate latches must sit at least 42 inches up, and no fence gap may exceed four inches. Private single-family backyard pools are exempt.
Fencing. Nonswimmers and animals shall be excluded from the swimming pool area. Fencing requirements shall be those required by Section 2.02.490 of the Official Code of the City of Tacoma; provided that those provisions mandate, as a minimum standard, the requirements outlined in the following paragraph. If no local requirements exist, or if they are less stringent, the following shall apply: At outdoor swimming pools, the entire area shall be enclosed by a fence having a minimum height of five feet with a lockable, self-closing, self-latching gate, with the latch no less than 42 inches from the ground. Fencing shall be constructed to prohibit children or animals from accessing the pool by climbing over, under, or through the fence. There may be no gaps more than four inches. Spray pools and wading pools shall be fenced so as to prevent the entrance of animals and minimize the entrance of persons not actively utilizing the pool facilities.
D. Sand and grass areas. Sand and grass areas shall not be allowed inside a public pool enclosure unless properly separated to prevent direct access on the part of bathers and unless satisfactory facilities are provided for the proper cleansing of bathers before they again enter the bathing area. Separation in semipublic pools may consist of any barrier so designed and constructed as to prevent the free and easy passage of persons to the bathing area. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to spray pools and wading pools.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 5.50 of the Tacoma Municipal Code, enforced by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, sets the pool-area fencing standard for every public pool (1,500+ square feet, or open to the public) and semipublic pool (hotels, apartments, condos, clubs, schools). Section 5.50.200(C) requires the entire pool area be enclosed by a fence at least five feet high with a lockable, self-closing, self-latching gate whose latch sits no lower than 42 inches above grade; no gap in the fence may exceed four inches, and the barrier must stop children or animals from climbing over, under, or through it. Section 5.50.010 defines a private pool serving only one family and their invited guests as exempt from this entire chapter, including the fencing standard.
Violations & Fines
Operating a public or semipublic pool with a fence under five feet, without a self-closing/self-latching gate, or with gaps over four inches violates TMC Chapter 5.50; the Health Officer can suspend the operating permit until the enclosure is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this fencing rule cover my backyard pool?
How high must a Tacoma public pool fence be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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