Rutherford County, TN Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Rutherford County, TN, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- Over 24 inches of water
- Issuing office
- Rutherford County Building Codes
- Code basis
- 2018 IRC, Appendix G
- Pre-permit form
- Notarized barrier & alarm agreement
- Inside cities
- Use city permit center
Summary
In unincorporated Rutherford County, any swimming pool, hot tub, or spa holding more than 24 inches of water needs a building permit from County Building Codes, and the owner signs a notarized barrier-and-alarm agreement before final inspection.
All swimming pools, hot tubs and spas that contain over twenty-four (24) inches of water are required to obtain a building permit.
Full Breakdown
Rutherford County Building Codes issues residential pool permits under the county-adopted 2018 IRC (Appendix G). Pools, hot tubs, and spas containing over 24 inches of water require a permit; shallow portable units below that depth generally do not. Before a permit issues, the property owner must sign and notarize a Swimming Pool Barrier and Alarm Agreement acknowledging the barrier controls required prior to final inspection. Inside Murfreesboro, Smyrna, or La Vergne, apply through that city's building or permit center instead of the county.
Violations & Fines
Installing a pool without the required building permit is a code violation; work can be stopped and final approval withheld until the pool is permitted and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do inflatable or small kiddie pools need a permit?
Who issues the permit inside Murfreesboro?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee swimming pools & spas overview
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