Whitfield County, GA Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)

Article V of Chapter 5 of the Whitfield County Code governs swimming pools in the unincorporated county under the office of the county building inspector, styled the issuing authority (Sec. 5-90). A swimming pool is defined as any artificial or semiartificial receptacle intended for swimming with a depth of at least 18 inches at some point (Sec. 5-90), so most in-ground and many above-ground pools trigger the article. Under Sec. 5-94, no swimming pool may be installed without a permit obtained through the building inspector's office before construction begins.

The county inspects the pool upon grounding and bonding, and again for a final inspection once the pool is complete; the required fence or wall must be built and in place before that final inspection is completed. Every pool, including pools that predate the ordinance, must be completely enclosed by a fence or wall at least four feet high with no gaps larger than four inches except at doors and gates, and every gate must be self-closing and self-latching (Sec. 5-91); the issuing authority can order case-by-case modifications to fences, walls, gates, or latches to improve safety.

Pools must sit at least ten feet from the property line, with pool waste contained on the owner's own property, and may not be operated or maintained in a way that unduly interferes with neighbors' enjoyment of their property (Sec. 5-93). Pool lighting must be arranged and shaded to reflect light away from adjoining premises, and electrical and plumbing work must meet the county electrical and plumbing codes (Sec. 5-92).