Rules and Regulations
If you live in Arkansas and are planning for a new pool, it’s important to get a handle on state and local laws around pool ownership before taking the plunge. This can ensure your pool meets all safety requirements and regulations.
State and local laws can change over time, so be sure to investigate these regulations for yourself. While there are laws that apply throughout Arkansas, your city, town or county may have additional pool regulations that may be more prohibitive. Consult with your local building office to be sure your pool meets the most recent codes. Working with a professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these building codes.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear around state and local regulations for pools in Arkansas.
Do you need a permit for a pool in Arkansas?
While the state of Arkansas requires permits for commercial pools, it does not require them for residential pools. However, your city, town or county may require you to obtain the proper permits and licensing before breaking ground on your new pool.
For instance, Maumelle, AR and Centerton, AR both require a permit for all inground swimming pools. (However, Centerton does not require permits for above-ground pools!) Similarly, Fort Smith, AR also requires a permit to construct a swimming pool, which will also need to be inspected.
Hot Springs, AR requires a permit for any pool, including prefabricated models, that are more than 24 inches deep. This extends to hot tubs, spas, and above-ground pools, which are defined as “swimming pools” under state regulations. In addition, the city of Hot Springs also requires a permit from the Engineering Department for any retaining walls higher than 4 feet. So, if you are building a pool with a retaining wall as part of the structure (for instance, to grade sloped or rocky terrain), you’ll want to be sure you have an approved permit for this portion of your pool, as well.
In Benton County, Arkansas you’ll need a pool permit, but may also need to have additional permits for decking and any utilities your pool may use, including electrical and plumbing permits.
Be sure to look into any local Arkansas requirements for a pool in your area. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these laws and secure the proper permits.
Do you need a fence around your pool in AR?
Arkansas requires that all residential pools must be completely surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. The state defines any structure that holds more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water as a swimming pool, which extends to spas, above-ground pools and jacuzzis.
In addition to height requirements, Arkansas also has a variety of specifications for any spaces for vertical or diagonal openings depending on the type of material used to construct your fence (wood, vinyl, metal, chain link, etc.).
Although this law applies throughout the state, be sure to check with your local building office to confirm any additional specifications your pool fence must meet, as different areas can have more stringent requirements.
Do you need a cover for your pool in Arkansas?
While Arkansas does not universally require pool covers, there may be a few instances where a pool cover is listed as an option in order to meet regulations. For instance, if a wall of a home serves as part of a pool barrier Arkansas building codes require that that home owners either have a compliant automatic pool safety cover, that doors that provide direct access to the pool are equipped with a compliant alarm system that “produces an audible warning when the door and/or its screen, if present, are opened” or that another layer of protection is installed, including self-closing and self-latching doors.
In addition, your local municipality may have their own requirements. For example, Paragould, AR has several laws on their books around proper pool usage and maintenance in order to reduce the likelihood of attracting mosquitoes. Paragould requires that any pool that has water that does not circulate for more than 12 out of 24 hours must have a pool cover. In addition, the city requires that “water must not be allowed to accumulate and stand on the pool cover between April 1st and October 31st.
Check into any local laws in your neck of the woods in Arkansas to be sure you do not require an approved pool cover in order for your pool to remain up-to-code!
How far away does your pool have to be from your home in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, the distance between a swimming pool and a home may vary depending upon a number of factors, including the size of your property and best practices to ensure “that drainage from the surrounding area will not wash contamination into the pool/spa during rains.”
Cities and towns throughout Arkansas including such areas as Jonesboro and Little Rock, among others have their own zoning standards related to location and setback requirements. Be sure to check with your local building office to confirm how far your pool needs to be from your home and any neighboring property lines. A licensed professional pool builder can help you better understand your responsibilities and ensure your pool meets local requirements.
Seasonality
Seasonality in Arkansas: What Homeowners Should Know
Unlike the harsh winters up north, Arkansas’s climate allows for a long swim season one of the many reasons fiberglass pools are such a popular choice across the state. With hot, humid summers and mild to warm spring and fall weather, many Arkansas homeowners can enjoy their pools from late April through October, and even longer with a quality heating system.
While central and southern Arkansas (including cities like Little Rock, Hot Springs, and Pine Bluff) enjoy extended pool seasons, even northern areas like Fayetteville and Bentonville can stretch pool use well into the fall with an energy-efficient heater or integrated spa. Arkansas’s varied soil types, from sandy loam to dense clay, along with seasonal storms, make fiberglass pools a smart, low-maintenance option that resists cracking, shifting, and other weather-related wear.
Quick Fun Facts About Arkansas:
Here’s some helpful info for anyone planning a backyard pool in the Natural State!
• Average number of sunny days annually: ~217. With abundant sunshine, Arkansas is ideal for outdoor living and poolside fun.
• Average summer temperature (June–August): 85–95°F, often paired with high humidity making pools a welcome escape from the heat.
• Average winter temperature (December–February): 35–55°F, mild enough in many areas for heated pools or attached spas to stay in use.
• Average pool temperature: 78–88°F in summer, and 70–75°F in spring/fall with heating. A pool heater or solar cover can extend the season into November.
• Average annual rainfall: 45–55 inches, with higher rainfall in the Ozarks and southern Arkansas. While showers may mean occasional cleanup, they also help maintain the lush landscaping that frames your backyard retreat.
