Kootenai County, ID Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Kootenai County, ID, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Regulated as
- Pool under adopted IRC
- Barrier still required
- Yes, IRC standard applies
- Minimum barrier height
- 48 inches (IRC)
- Pool wall as barrier
- Allowed if IRC-compliant
- Contact
- Building Dept, 208-446-1040
Summary
Above-ground pools follow the same building path as in-ground pools: they are regulated under the county building code's adopted International Residential Code, and a pool deep enough to hold water above a set depth needs the same barrier the IRC requires.
The 2012 International Residential Code, as published by the International Code Council, including Appendix G thereto, and also including Appendix Q as adopted herein, but excluding parts VII and VIII thereof.
Full Breakdown
Kootenai County has no ordinance singling out above-ground pools. They fall under the county Building Department and the adopted International Residential Code (Title 7), which the county adopts including its residential swimming-pool appendix (Appendix G in the county's Title 7 adoption). Under that IRC standard, a pool capable of holding water above the code's trigger depth is a regulated pool that must be enclosed by a compliant barrier at least 48 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates; an above-ground pool wall can serve as part of the barrier if it meets those standards. Confirm permit needs with the Building Department at 208-446-1040, or the city if inside a city.
Violations & Fines
An above-ground pool without the required barrier fails the county building inspection and must be brought to the adopted IRC standard before approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do above-ground pools need a barrier too?
Is there a separate above-ground pool rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Kootenai County
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