Pool Construction Permits in Des Moines

Local Rule

City of Des Moines Permit and Development Center

The city, Iowa's capital, defines a swimming pool in its own ordinance as any structure capable of containing water more than 24 inches deep, including in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools, hot tubs and spas. A real distinctive local rule: where a spa or hot tub is equipped with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, that area is entirely exempt from the pool barrier sections of the code, not merely deferred, since a compliant cover substitutes fully for the fencing requirement.

Source · Verified September 2026

Des Moines Building Department

Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.

How This Compares to Polk County

Des Moines's own rule is shown above (Permit required). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:

Polk County Building Services (unincorporated areas)

Polk County requires a minimum 4-foot barrier fence with a self-latching gate for a swimming pool in unincorporated areas, or a powered safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 in place of a physical barrier. If the walls of the house serve as part of the barrier and openings have a sill height under 48 inches, the county requires self-closing and self-latching hardware, alarms meeting UL 2017, or an equivalent protective measure on those openings.

See the full county page

Nearby Cities with Verified Rules

Other cities near Des Moines with a confirmed pool construction rule:

FAQs

Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need

Meeting the pool safety code? Barrier and safety gear homeowners rely on:

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