Ada County, ID Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Ada County, ID, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Covered by
- Section AG 105.2
- Barrier height
- At least 48 inches
- Wall as barrier
- Allowed if compliant
- Top-mount gap
- Max 4 inches
- Permit
- Building permit required
Summary
Above-ground pools are explicitly covered by Ada County's Section AG 105. They need a barrier at least 48 inches tall; the pool wall itself can serve as the barrier if the gap between the top of the wall and the bottom of any mounted fence is no more than 4
Where the top of the pool structure is above grade, such as an above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, such as the pool structure, or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4 inches (102 mm).
Full Breakdown
Under Section AG 105.2, an outdoor swimming pool 'including an in-ground, above-ground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be surrounded by a barrier.' For an above-ground pool, the barrier may be at ground level, the pool structure itself, or mounted on top of the pool structure. Where mounted on top, the maximum vertical clearance between the top of the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier is 4 inches. Ladders and access points must be secured or removable.
Violations & Fines
Missing or non-compliant barrier around an above-ground pool is a code violation subject to correction orders and citation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an above-ground pool count as its own fence?
Do I still need a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ada County
Compare Ada County to another location·View the Idaho swimming pools & spas overview
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