Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Swimming Pool: Building Code Definition

How the IPC 2009 define swimming pool, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

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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.

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Direct answer

Swimming pool is a defined term in the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IPC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 22 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Construction (IBC 2009), Swimming Pools (IRC 2009), Definitions (IFC 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?

Swimming Pool — IPC 2009, Definitions:

Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Swimming Pool: Building Code Definition — How the IPC 2009 define swimming pool, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Swimming Pool is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009:

Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.

Where swimming pool is used in the code

The term appears in 22 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Special Construction	IBC 2009	25
Swimming Pools	IRC 2009	25
Definitions	IFC 2009	8
Glass and Glazing	IBC 2009	6
Indirect/special Waste	IPC 2009	5
Use and Occupancy Classification	IBC 2009	4
Solar Systems	IMC 2009	4
Solar Systems	IRC 2009	4
General Building Heights and Areas	IBC 2009	2
Plastic	IBC 2009	2
Scope and Administration	IBC 2009	2
Commercial Energy Efficiency	IECC 2009	2

10 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

How the code actually writes about swimming pool, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

A system capable of supporting the membrane in the event of deflation shall be provided for in air-supported and air-inflated structures having an occupant load of 50 or more or where covering a swimming pool regardless of occupant load.

— IBC 2009 §3102.8.3

A feeder to a separate building or structure shall be permitted to supply swimming pool equipment branch circuits, or feeders supplying swimming pool equipment branch circuits, provided that the grounding arrangements in the separate building meet the requirements of Section E3607.3.

— IRC 2009 §E4205.6.1

This chapter shall govern the design, construction, installation, alteration and repair of systems, equipment and appliances intended to utilize solar energy for space heating or cooling, domestic hot water heating, swimming pool heating or process heating.

— IMC 2009 §1401.1

The terms swimming pool is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what swimming pool covers:

Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.

Swimming Pool: 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 IPC	Definitions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Special Construction (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Swimming Pools (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Glass and Glazing (IBC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Structure
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.

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 swimming pool?

The International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.” 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 swimming pool?

In this corpus the term is used across 22 chapters, led by Special Construction 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 are the building codes for swimming pools in Florida?

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 swimming pool, which the IPC 2009 defines as “Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

What is the meaning of swimming pool?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IPC 2009 states, in Definitions: “Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving or recreational bathing having a depth of 2 feet (610 mm) or more at any point.” It is defined in IPC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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