Tacoma, WA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Tacoma, WA, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Exempt depth
- Under 24 inches deep
- Exempt volume
- 5,000 gallons or less
- Must be
- Entirely above ground, prefabricated
- Applies to
- Group R-3 (single-family/duplex) homes
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.02.090, item 9
Summary
Tacoma exempts small prefabricated above-ground pools from a building permit, under 24 inches deep and 5,000 gallons, but bigger or in-ground pools need one.
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), and are installed entirely above ground.
10. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
11. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one-and two-family dwellings.
12. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1372mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
13. Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (1753 mm) in height. Electrical: See TMC Chapter 12.06A. Gas:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. Mechanical:
1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot, or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less. Plumbing:
1.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 2.02.090 exempts 'prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy', meaning single-family and duplex homes, from Tacoma's building permit requirement, but only if the pool is less than 24 inches deep, holds no more than 5,000 gallons, and is installed entirely above ground. A backyard kiddie pool or a small inflatable or hard-sided above-ground pool that fits those limits doesn't need a permit. Anything bigger, a deeper above-ground pool, a larger one, or any in-ground pool, falls outside the exemption and requires a City of Tacoma building permit before installation.
Violations & Fines
Installing an above-ground pool that exceeds the 24-inch/5,000-gallon threshold without a permit is a code violation the Building Official can cite and require to be corrected or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for a backyard above-ground pool in Tacoma?
Does the exemption cover in-ground pools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Pool Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle pool permits.