Building Code Glossary
Fountain: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define fountain, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Fountain is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Swimming Pools. The code's own words are: “Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Accessibility (IBC 2009), Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings (IPC 2009), Swimming Pools (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Fountain — IRC 2009, Swimming Pools:
Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Fountain is defined once in this corpus, in the Swimming Pools chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.
Where fountain is used in the code
The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | IBC 2009 | 30 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 11 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Vents | IPC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about fountain, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
One drinking fountain shall comply with the requirements for people who use a wheel-chair and one drinking fountain shall comply with the requirements for standing persons.
Baptisteries, ornamental and lily pools, aquariums, ornamental fountain basins, swimming pools, and similar constructions, where provided with water supplies, shall be protected against backflow in accordance with Section 608.
Fountain: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Swimming Pools | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Accessibility (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Swimming Pools (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Existing Structures (IBC 2009) | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Pool: Building Code Definition
- Spa or Hot Tub: Building Code Definition
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Code: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of fountain?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Swimming Pools as: “Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on fountain?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Accessibility in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What does IRC stand for in building codes?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as fountain, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is an IRC dwelling?
Dwelling is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “A building that contains one or two dwelling units used, intended or designed to be used, rented, leased, let or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.” That is not the same as fountain, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Fountains, ornamental pools, display pools, and reflection pools. The definition does not include drinking fountains.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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