Des Moines, IA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Des Moines, IA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- Pools holding water over 24 inches deep
- Permit required
- Yes, from Development Services building official
- Application needs
- Plans, specifications, and plot plan
- Enforcement
- Misdemeanor or municipal infraction under § 26-156
- Covers
- In-ground, above-ground, and on-ground pools
Summary
Des Moines requires a building permit to construct any swimming pool, spa, or water recreational facility, but only pools capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep count as a regulated 'swimming pool' under the city's adopted pool code.
Insert a new definition in Chapter 2, "Swimming pool" is defined as any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 26-136(c) requires anyone building a swimming pool, spa, or water recreational facility, including additions or alterations, to apply for a permit through the development services department's building official, submitting plans, specifications, and a plot plan before work starts. Sec. 26-349.1 then defines which pools that covers: any structure, in-ground, above-ground, or on-ground, capable of holding water more than 24 inches deep. A portable above-ground pool that never holds water past 24 inches falls outside that definition and the adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, including its barrier and fencing rules.
Violations & Fines
Building without the required permit is enforceable under Sec. 26-156 as a misdemeanor punishable by fine or as a municipal infraction carrying a civil penalty, plus possible stop-work orders from the building official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my small kiddie pool need a permit in Des Moines?
Where do I apply for a Des Moines pool permit?
Do above-ground pools need fencing in Des Moines?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Des Moines
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