Tennessee law counts hot tubs and nonportable spas holding water over 36 inches deep as swimming pools, so barrier and pool-alarm requirements can apply. Spas with an approved lockable safety cover are commonly exempt from separate fencing under the adopted code.
The state pool-alarm statute expressly includes "hot tubs and nonportable spas" containing water over 36 inches deep in its definition of a swimming pool, meaning a deep permanently installed spa may need the same barrier and post-2011 pool alarm as a pool. Under the adopted 2018 IRC Appendix G, a hot tub or spa equipped with a listed, lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is generally exempt from the perimeter barrier requirement. Portable, cord-connected spas with covers are treated more leniently; confirm with your building department.
A deep, uncovered spa without a barrier or required alarm can fail inspection and draw code enforcement. Keep the safety cover latched when the spa is not in use.
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See how Hamilton County's hot tub rules rules stack up against other locations.
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