Michigan treats residential hot tubs and spas as pools under the Residential Code, so the 48-inch barrier and self-latching gate rules apply unless an approved safety cover is used. A permit from your city or township building department is required, and spas may sit closer to the house than pools.
Under the Michigan Residential Code and ISPSC, a residential hot tub or spa is regulated like a pool, so the 48-inch barrier, self-latching outward-swinging gates, and door alarms all apply. The ISPSC allows an approved safety cover as an alternative to the barrier — the Macomb Township handout notes gates must comply 'or may be equipped with an approved safety cover.' A permit is required; in Macomb Township the trigger is 24 inches of water. Spas get a setback break: 'Spas may be located not less than five (5) feet from the main structure,' versus 10 feet for a pool. Because a private spa is excluded from the public-pool definition, the county does not inspect it.
Installing a spa without the required permit, without GFCI protection, or without the barrier/cover and door alarms fails building and electrical inspection, so it cannot be used until corrected. Local building officials enforce this; the county has no role.
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