Las Vegas, NV Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

NRS 461A and the IRC swimming pool appendix as adopted in LVMC establish the comprehensive residential pool safety framework in Las Vegas. Minimum barrier height is 5 feet measured on the outside face — stricter than the 4-foot baseline used in most states. Self-closing and self-latching gates must open outward with the latch 54 inches above the deck. Where a dwelling wall forms part of the barrier, all doors leading to the pool area must have audible alarms, self-closing hardware, or the pool must have a UL-listed power safety cover. New pool construction since 2019 in Nevada requires anti-entrapment compliant drain covers and secondary suction protection under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act, enforced through the building code. Diving boards must conform to ANSI/APSP-5. Pool service technicians handling chemicals must be licensed. Short-term rentals with pools are required to post safety rules in the unit, have a rescue pole and floatation ring on-site, and are inspected at STR licensing. Despite these requirements, Nevada has among the highest per-capita child drowning rates in the country, so compliance enforcement is consistently strict.