Tennessee Swimming Pool Safety Laws and Regulations

If you’re planning to build or buy a home with a swimming pool in Tennessee, it’s important to understand the state and local safety laws that apply. From alarms to fencing and electrical approvals, there are several rules designed to help prevent accidents—especially for young children.
​
Below is a summary of Tennessee’s key swimming pool safety laws, general regulations, and when they went into effect.

1. Katie Beth’s Law – Residential Pool Alarm Requirement (Effective January 1, 2011)
In 2010, the Tennessee General Assembly passed Public Chapter 850, known as Katie Beth’s Law, after a tragic drowning incident involving a young child. This law requires that:
🟠 Any residential swimming pool installed after January 1, 2011, must have a pool alarm that sounds when a person or object 15 pounds or heavier enters the water.
🟠 The alarm must be audible (at least 50 decibels) and installed before the pool is used or receives electrical approval.
🟠 Pool sellers and installers must post a 6" x 14" sign at the point of sale stating: “STATE LAW REQUIRES A POOL ALARM BE INSTALLED.”
🟠 Violations are a Class C misdemeanor, with fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $500 for subsequent offenses.
This law applies only to private residential pools at one- and two-family dwellings with water deeper than 36 inches.

2. Fencing and Barrier Requirements (Local Building Codes)
Tennessee does not have a statewide fence or barrier requirement for private pools, but most counties and cities have adopted the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) or similar building standards.
Typical local rules include:
🟠 A minimum 48-inch barrier surrounding the pool.
🟠 Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and open outward (away from the pool).
🟠 The latch or release mechanism must be located at least 54 inches above the ground or otherwise protected from small children.
🟠 Fence openings cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere (to prevent small children from squeezing through).
Examples:

• Williamson County requires a 4-foot fence with self-closing gates.
• Rutherford County enforces the ISPSC 2018 edition (48-inch barrier).
• Hamblen and Montgomery Counties have similar standards.

Because these regulations vary, always verify local building department requirements before starting construction.

3. Electrical Approval and Pool Alarms
Under Katie Beth’s Law, electrical inspectors cannot issue final approval for a pool’s electrical system until a compliant pool alarm is installed. This ensures that no new pool can be energized without meeting the safety alarm requirement.

4. Public Swimming Pool Regulations
Tennessee’s Department of Health regulates public pools (such as those at apartment complexes, hotels, and community centers) under Tennessee Rules 1200-23-05.
These rules—first adopted in the 1980s and updated several times, most recently in September 2024:
🟠 Water quality and sanitation
🟠 Lifeguard and signage requirements
🟠 Filtration and circulation systems
🟠 Electrical and equipment spacing
🟠 Fencing and access controls
While these don’t apply to private pools, they set the safety benchmark across the state.

5. Drain and Environmental Safety
When draining a pool, some Tennessee counties require that water be dechlorinated before it’s discharged into a storm drain or stream.
🟠 Always check with your local stormwater or public works department before draining your pool to prevent chemical damage to nearby waterways.

6. Federal Influence – The Virginia Graeme Baker Act (2008)
Although not a Tennessee law, the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (VGBA) is a federal law passed in 2007 and fully enforced in December 2008.
🟠 It requires all public pools and spas to have anti-entrapment drain covers and safety systems.
🟠 Many local building departments now recommend these same safety standards for new private pool installations.

7. Timeline of Key Pool Safety Milestones
1985 Public Swimming Pool Inspection Act. Gave Tennessee authority to regulate public pools.
2000 Public pool rule updates. Modernized Department of Health pool regulations.
2008 Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Federal anti-entrapment requirements for public pools.
2010 Katie Beth’s Law was enacted. Established pool alarm requirements for Tennessee.
2011 Law took effect.  All new residential pools require alarms.
2024 Public pool code update. Latest Tennessee Department of Health pool rule update.

What Tennessee Homeowners Should Know
🟠 Pools installed after January 1, 2011, must have a working pool alarm.
🟠 Most local building departments require a 48-inch fence or barrier.
🟠 Electrical approval can’t be issued until an alarm is installed.
🟠 Draining pool water improperly can violate local environmental rules.
🟠 Always check your city or county’s building department for additional safety codes.

Bottom Line
Tennessee takes pool safety seriously—and homeowners should too. By following Katie Beth’s Law, installing proper barriers, and understanding local code requirements, you can keep your family safe and avoid costly violations.

​If you’re buying a home with a swimming pool, Trace Inspections' third-party pool inspector can evaluate its safety, condition, and compliance during your home inspection.

Trace Inspections
Serving Middle Tennessee – Spring Hill, Franklin, Brentwood & Nashville
Phone: 615-302-1113
Website: www.traceinspections.com