Washoe County, NV Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit
- Required for spas and hot tubs
- Cover exemption
- ASTM F1346 cover waives barrier
- Receptacle distance
- 6–20 ft from inside wall
- GFCI
- Required within 20 feet
- Public spa access
- Supervised under-12 allowed
Summary
Hot tubs and spas require a building permit and are subject to the same barrier rules as pools, but a spa or hot tub fitted with an ASTM F1346 safety cover is exempt from the ISPSC 305.2–305.7 barrier provisions. Public spas cannot bar supervised children under 12.
Barrier exceptions. Spas or hot tubs with a safety cover, which complies with ASTM F 1346, shall be exempt from the barrier provisions of ISPSC 305.2 through 305.7.
Full Breakdown
Washoe County's residential handout applies pool barrier requirements to spas and hot tubs, but grants a key exception: spas or hot tubs with a safety cover complying with ASTM F1346 are exempt from the barrier provisions of ISPSC 305.2 through 305.7. Electrical rules still apply, including GFCI protection for receptacles within 20 feet and a required 125-volt receptacle 6–20 feet from the inside wall. For public spas, NRS 444.070(2) provides that regulations must not deny use of a public spa to a supervised child under 12, and NAC 444.136 barrier rules govern public facilities.
Violations & Fines
Installing a spa without a permit, or relying on a non-compliant cover in place of a barrier, fails inspection; GFCI and bonding deficiencies must be corrected before final electrical sign-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a fence with a spa cover?
Can kids use a public spa in Washoe County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washoe County
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