Wichita, KS Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier height
- 60-inch fence or wall minimum
- Gate rule
- Self-latching when unsupervised
- Cover alternative
- Locked spa or ASTM F1346 cover
- License
- Family-only hot tubs exempt
- Max penalty
- $2,500 fine or 1 year jail
Summary
Wichita requires a 60-inch fence or a locked safety cover around every home hot tub and spa pool whenever it is not under adult supervision, with self-latching gates to keep children out.
Non-regulated swimming pools and spa pools, as defined in Section 7.72.010, shall be protected and enclosed with a fence or wall enclosure, impenetrable to humans, at least sixty inches in height. Gates leading to such pools shall be latched when not under supervision of an adult. Such latch shall reasonably ensure against accidental or unauthorized access to the swimming pool or spa pool by children. Fencing for the entire yard in which a swimming pool or spa pool is located is acceptable, provided such fence or wall complies with the above requirements. In lieu of the fencing specified above, such swimming pool or spa pool may be protected and enclosed, when not under the supervision of an adult, by means of a pool power safety cover meeting the most recent specifications approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials for swimming pool covers under the fixed designation standard F 1346 (ATSM F 1346), or with a locked spa pool cover.
(Ord. No. 46-592 § 1 (part))
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Under Wichita Municipal Code Sec. 7.72.020, a residential hot tub or spa pool, defined in Sec. 7.72.010 to include any spa, hot tub, whirlpool or hydrotherapy unit, must be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 60 inches high, impenetrable to humans, with a self-latching gate, whenever it is not under adult supervision. Owners may substitute a locked spa cover or an ASTM F1346-rated power safety cover for the fence. Hot tubs used only by the owner's family and non-paying guests are exempt from the city's pool operating license required for public and semi-public spas under Sec. 7.72.030.
Violations & Fines
Violating the barrier, cover, or licensing rules for a spa pool is a misdemeanor under Sec. 7.72.220, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to one year in jail, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my backyard hot tub need a fence in Wichita?
Do I need a city license for a home hot tub?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wichita
Compare Wichita to another location·View the Kansas swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.