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Do I Need a Fence Around My Hot Tub in North Carolina?
A guide to hot tub regulations across North Carolina counties
Getting a hot tub requires research and preparation to ensure compliance with local regulations. Regulations vary by state and even by county within North Carolina. Always check your local ordinances to confirm specific requirements. Your hot tub salesperson can help clarify rules for your area. This guide covers hot tub regulations across North Carolina, with insights into state and county requirements, based on the expertise of Epic Hot Tubs.
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North Carolina fence code at a glance
48″minimum
fence height on the side facing away from the tub
4″max gap
no opening a 4-inch sphere can pass through
54″latch height
self-latching gate, or 3 in below the fence top
These are the North Carolina state code minimums cited in this guide, and they apply only when your tub has no ASTM F1346-91 certified cover. Always confirm current requirements with your local building department.
Do I Need a Fence in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the state building code (Appendix V of the North Carolina Residential Code 2018) governs hot tub installations. A fence is required unless the hot tub has a safety cover certified to ASTM F1346-91 standards. Most modern hot tub covers carry this certification, often making a fence unnecessary. Additionally, building and electrical permits are typically required for hot tubs holding more than 24 inches of water. If the hot tub is placed on a deck, a structural inspection or engineer’s certification is needed to ensure the deck’s stability. While these rules apply statewide, some counties, like New Hanover, may have additional requirements, so always verify with your local building department.
Fence Requirements
If your hot tub lacks an ASTM F1346-91 certified cover, a fence is required under North Carolina’s state building code. The fence must be at least 48 inches high on the side facing away from the hot tub, with no openings allowing a 4-inch-diameter sphere to pass through. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground or 3 inches below the fence top if lower. Even with a yard fence, a certified cover is recommended to add safety for children and animals and to improve insulation, potentially reducing energy costs. Learn more about hot tub covers.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“For most of our customers the fence question answers itself: the cover that ships with a modern spa is already ASTM F1346-91 certified, so a separate barrier usually is not required. If you have young children or pets at home, we still tell people to keep that cover latched every time, and to call the building department before assuming your setup is exempt.”
County-Specific Variations
While North Carolina’s state code applies to all 100 counties, local regulations may vary. For example, Wake County follows the state code, requiring a fence unless a certified cover is used, along with building and electrical permits. Counties like New Hanover may have additional rules, and Buncombe may exempt permits for projects under $40,000, though electrical permits are likely still required. Always contact your local building department to confirm specific requirements, as regulations can differ by county.
Pro Insight • Epic Hot Tubs Service Team
“The rules really do change from one county to the next, and the deck is where people get caught off guard. Dropping a filled tub onto an existing deck can trigger a structural inspection or an engineer sign-off before it passes. One phone call to your local building department before you set a date is the cheapest step in the whole project.”
Resources for North Carolina Hot Tub Regulations
For more information on North Carolina’s hot tub and pool regulations, refer to the state building code:
North Carolina Residential Code 2018 – Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs
To learn more about ASTM F1346-91 certified covers, visit:
ASTM F1346-91 Standard
To check county-specific regulations, contact your local building department or visit the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s county directory:
Swimming Pool Codes by County or State
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fence around my hot tub in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, a fence is required unless your hot tub has a safety cover certified to ASTM F1346-91 standards. Most modern hot tub covers carry this certification, which often makes a separate fence unnecessary. Requirements can vary by county, so always confirm the current rules with your local building department.
Do you need a permit for a hot tub in North Carolina?
Building and electrical permits are typically required for hot tubs that hold more than 24 inches of water. If the hot tub is placed on a deck, a structural inspection or engineer’s certification is also needed to confirm the deck can support it. Permit rules differ by county, so check with your local building department before you install.
What are the fence requirements for a hot tub?
When a hot tub does not have an ASTM F1346-91 certified cover, North Carolina’s state building code calls for a fence at least 48 inches high on the side facing away from the hot tub, with no openings that would let a 4-inch sphere pass through. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground, or 3 inches below the top of the fence if the latch sits lower. Always verify the current code with your local building department.
Does a hot tub cover count instead of a fence in North Carolina?
Yes. A safety cover certified to ASTM F1346-91 standards can satisfy the barrier requirement in place of a fence, and most modern covers carry this certification. Even so, a certified cover is recommended alongside any yard fence to add safety for children and animals and to improve insulation. Confirm the details with your local building department.
Have questions, or want to see options in person? Stop by any of our five North Carolina showrooms and talk it through with our team: Raleigh, Durham, Sanford, Charlotte, or North Charlotte. We are open 7 days a week, no appointment needed.
Have Questions About Hot Tub Regulations in Your County?
Contact the team at Epic Hot Tubs by calling 888-884-3742 or filling out the form below with any questions.
About The Author:
Richard Horvath
Hot Tub & Spa Expert
Richard has been in the hot tub & spa industry for years. As a long hot tub & swim spa owner himself, Richard has a passion for helping homeowners create their dream backyard.
