Albuquerque, NM Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Albuquerque, NM, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes, for in-ground and most permanent pools/spas
- Above-ground exemption
- Less than 54 in. deep, 5,000 gal. or less, fully above ground
- Setback shown on plan
- 5 feet minimum to property lines and dwelling
- Gunite pools
- Require seal of an NM-licensed architect or engineer
- Permit desk
- 600 2nd Street NW, 1st floor; Building Safety 505-924-3320
- Adopted codes
- 2015 IRC, 2009 IECC, 2012 ISPSC
Summary
A City of Albuquerque building permit is required before constructing a residential swimming pool or spa; the application must include a site plan with property-line and dwelling setbacks, pool dimensions and water capacity, barrier details, and a professional seal for gunite pools, with inspections required throughout construction.
Residential Swimming Pools and Spas. The following should be provided when applying for a pool permit; 1. Provide a Site Plan that indicates location of proposed work taking place. a. Provide all dimensions from proposed pool to adjacent property lines and dwelling (5' minimum). b. Provide dimensions for proposed pool to enable verification of square footage and water capacity (gallons). ... 8. Provide current professional seal of architect or engineer for gunite pools or current ICC-ES report for fiberglass.
Full Breakdown
The City of Albuquerque Building Safety Division issues residential pool permits and details the submittal requirements in its Home Owner's Building Permit Guide. ' Required submittals also include skimmer/floor-drain, automatic-cover, and boiler specifications. Permits are issued at the Permit Desk on the first floor at 600 2nd Street NW. Albuquerque enforces the 2015 International Residential Code, the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code, and the 2012 International Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code; under those codes a prefabricated above-ground pool is exempt from permitting only if it is less than 54 inches deep, holds 5,000 gallons or less, and is installed entirely above ground.
After a permit issues, the guide states that 'inspections are required to ensure compliance with approved plans and ordinances,' the permit number is required for every inspection request, and the permit card and approved plans must be kept on site.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit, or proceeding past a required inspection hold, is a violation of the adopted building codes. The Building Safety Division can issue stop-work orders, require uncovering of concealed work for inspection, and withhold final approval until plan review, fees, and all inspections (foundation/slab, equipment, electrical, and final) are completed and signed off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool?
What do I need to submit with my pool permit application?
Where do I get the permit and schedule inspections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
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