Hot tubs and nonportable spas count as swimming pools under Tennessee law. Those holding over 24 inches of water need a Rutherford County building permit, and units over 36 inches deep require a pool alarm under Katie Beth's Law.
Tennessee's pool-alarm statute defines a 'swimming pool' to include hot tubs and nonportable spas containing water over 36 inches deep, so deep spas carry the same alarm obligation as pools. Rutherford County additionally requires a building permit for any hot tub or spa holding more than 24 inches of water, and pool barrier rules can apply. Many portable, lockable-cover spas under those thresholds are exempt, but a locking safety cover is still strongly recommended. Inside Murfreesboro, Smyrna, or La Vergne, use the city permit office.
A spa installed without a required permit, or without an alarm where applicable, can fail inspection and prompt code enforcement until brought into compliance.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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See how Rutherford County's hot tub rules rules stack up against other locations.
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