Rules and Regulations
Rules & Regulations
If you live in Tennessee and plan to dive into the cool waters of pool ownership, be sure to brush up on your state and local laws to be sure your pool is compliant with all regulations.
State and local laws can change over time, so it’s important to conduct your research before your pool construction gets underway. And although there are pool laws that blanket the state of Tennessee, your city, town or municipality may have additional, potentially stricter regulations governing pool ownership. Consult with your local building office to ensure your pool is compliant. Additionally, working with a professional builder can help you more easily navigate these building codes, as well as help you secure the proper permits for your new pool.
Here are some of the most common questions we hear around state and local codes for pools in Tennessee.
Do you need a permit for a pool in Tennessee?
You will need to apply for a permit in order to build a pool in Tennessee. Tennessee regards any container that can hold more than 24 inches (2 feet of water) for recreational use as a swimming pool. So, whether you’re planning on installing an in-ground fiberglass or vinyl liner pool, hot tub or spa that’s at least 2 feet deep, Tennessee requires you to have a builder’s permit before breaking ground.
In addition to obtaining a builder’s permit, mandated by the state, you may also want to consult with your local municipality around additional permits that may be required. Different towns and cities throughout Tennessee have their own laws around electrical, plumbing, and zoning permits – to name just a few. Be sure to investigate first to ensure your pool meets all state and local regulations in Tennessee. Working with a licensed professional builder can also help you more easily navigate these laws and secure a permit.
Do you need a fence around your pool in TN?
If you plan on owning a pool in Tennessee, the state requires that all residential pools must be surrounded by a fence or barrier at least 48 inches (4 feet) high. It’s important to note that Tennessee classifies any outdoor structure capable of holding more than 24 inches (2 feet) of water as a swimming pool. This definition extends to inground and above-ground swimming pools, as well as spas and jacuzzis.
In addition to height requirements, Tennessee requires that all pool fencing must not have a vertical clearance more than 2 inches off the ground. Barriers should also not have footholds or handholds that can make it easier to climb and gain unauthorized, unsupervised access to a residential swimming pool.
While this is a state-wide law, be sure to check with your local building office, as your city, town, county or municipality may have even more stringent requirements around pool fencing.
Do you need a cover for your pool?
While covers and automatic pool covers that extend over the surface of a pool are not universally required in Tennessee, local municipalities may have varying requirements, depending on specified circumstances. For instance, if a wall of a home serves as part of a pool barrier in Clarkesville, TN, local codes requires that home owners either have a compliant automatic pool cover, that doors offering 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 means of protection (including self-closing, self-latching doors approved by a governing body) are installed.
Although the state of Tennessee does not require pool owners to have a pool cover, the statewide Katie-Beth’s Law requires that all pools must be equipped with an alarm system that activates when a child, object, or animal weighing more than 15 pounds enters the pool. In addition, the state’s department of health requires that pool owners use state-compliant drain covers on any residential pool or spa.
How far away does your pool have to be from your home?
The distance between a swimming pool and a home varies throughout the state of Tennessee. Different cities and towns have their own requirements as to what’s appropriate. Many of these laws are dependent upon the size of your property.
For instance, Williamson County in Tennessee has different setback requirements for lots under 5 acres in size vs. those greater than 5 acres. This county includes such Tennessee cities as Franklin, Brentwood and Fairview. For lots less than 5 acres, the county requires all swimming pools to be located in the rear yard and placed at a minimum of 15’ from the side and rear property lines. Conversely, lots with 5 acres of land or more are permitted in a rear yard, or a side yard or front yard that meets the residential side setback and are located 200 feet from the front lot line.
Although it doesn’t have any specific guidelines as to distance between a home and a pool, Rutherford County, which encompasses such larger cities as Murfreesboro, Smyrna and Eagleville, has strict requirements around how far a fence or barrier must be away from a pool. For instance, there should be at least 3 feet between the outside wall of a fence and any permanent structures (pumps, sheds, etc.) that could be used to climb over the fence. Similarly, there should be a 20” minimum distance between the edge of the pool and any barrier.
Other areas, like Shelby County – home to Tennessee’s largest city, Memphis – may have more lenient requirements around distance between a home and a pool, likely due to population density and a shorter distance between property lines. For instance, Shelby County requires only a 5 foot setback between a pool and any property line.
Be sure to check with your local building office to confirm how far your pool needs to be from your home and any other neighboring property lines. A licensed professional pool builder can help you better understand any requirements for your area.
Seasonality
Seasonal Pool Maintenance for Tennessee Homeowners
Tennessee has a relatively mild climate all year long, with hot humid summers. However, even though Tennessee sees very little snow – ranging between 4 to 10 inches depending on where you live in the state, its average winter temperatures of 40 degrees still aren’t balmy enough to extend pool season beyond October. Adding a heater or spillover spa to your pool can help you extend pool season into fall, allowing you to enjoy your pool in cooler weather.
In addition to incorporating features that can help you squeeze in as much pool time as possible, there are some seasonal aspects to keep in mind with regard to pool maintenance in Tennessee:
• Spring: Because Tennessee is dense with trees and forests, spring and summer months are often accompanied by heavy pollen floating through the air – and landing in your pool. In addition to triggering allergies, pollen can clog your pool filter. Be sure to skim them off as soon as possible, as they can clog your pool filter or contribute to algae growth.
• Fall: A heated pool can help you maximize your pool time, extending the season until late October or early November if it’s a particularly mild year. Choosing a model or adding a spillover spa can also give you a place to kick back and relax when autumnal weather rolls in. A fire pit can also be a welcome addition to create a serene atmosphere, especially if you live in a heavily wooded area. If you do plan to use your pool or spa during fall, be prepared to regularly skim any fallen leaves out of your pool, as they can contribute to algae growth and throw off the balance of your water chemistry. An autocover can also help leaves from piling up on top of your pool during fall.
• Winter: Many Tennessee residents close their pools in early October. However, if you have a heated pool or spa, you may be able to get away with using it into November. When it’s time to close your pool for winter, make sure to remove all air from water lines and pool equipment. Although a lot of pool owners close their pool themselves, you can also recruit a professional to help you properly winterize your pool.
