Private pools, spas, and associated equipment
Pool Barrier Height — 60 Inches Minimum
For 1- and 2-family dwellings, pool barrier must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) above grade on the pool-facing outward side, measured at 3 ft horizontal from outside the barrier. Public pools: 72 in minimum.
Pool Gate Latch Height
Self-locking latch on gate exterior at minimum 54 in above grade. Self-latching mechanism on pool side only: at least 3 in below top of gate.
Pool Setback from Structure — 60 Inches Minimum
Pool or spa must not be closer than 60 inches (5 feet) to any building or structure and must not encroach into public utility easements. Exception requires a Nevada-licensed Structural or Civil Engineer substantiation.
Pool Structural Design — Default Parameters
Must conform to Table 307.2.2 standards and be designed per IBC structural requirements. Default design parameters (without site-specific soils report): minimum 60 psf/ft lateral bearing pressure, Exposure Class S2 (severe sulfate). If groundwater present: hydrostatic relief valve required at lowest point.
LVVWD Pool Size Limit — 600 sq ft Maximum
Maximum combined water surface area of all pools, spas, and water features on a single-family parcel is 600 square feet. LVVWD must approve pool permit before the City of Henderson issues a building permit.
Pool Backwash Water Discharge
Backwash and drain water must discharge to sanitary sewer or approved on-site disposal with air gap; no direct connection to the disposal system is permitted.
Pool Inspection Sequence (Henderson)
Required inspections in order: 901 Pre-Gunite → 903 Gas Test → 905 Pre-Deck → 908 Spa Only → 910 Pre-Plaster/Final.
Pool Size Limit — LVVWD 600 SF Cap
The Las Vegas Valley Water District limits the total combined water surface area of new swimming pools, spas, and water features on a single-family residential parcel to a maximum of 600 square feet. LVVWD must approve all pool/spa permits prior to CLV permit issuance.
Pool Structural & Soils Requirements
Two options for soils: (A) designer certifies worst-case conditions (min. lateral bearing 60 psf/ft, Exposure Class S2 severe sulfate); or (B) site-specific soils report. An excavation-only permit is available, but no pool permit is issued until soils report is received.
Pool Safety Barriers
For one- and two-family dwellings, barrier top must be at least 60 inches above grade (measured away from pool). For public pools: 72 inches minimum. Gate latch release for residential pools must be at least 54 inches above grade. Self-latching latches must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below gate top.
Pool Finish Color Requirement
Pool finishes must be at least 6.5 on the Munsell gray scale. Exceptions include competitive lane markings, diving well floors, step/bench edge markings, and waterline tiles.
Decorative Water Features
Any manmade decorative water feature greater than 18 inches of maximum water depth must meet full swimming pool requirements. Features 18 inches or under on single-family residential property for exclusive family use are exempt.