What happened
The Town of Sahuarita has moved to a newer set of building codes. According to the town’s building codes page, Sahuarita adopted the 2024 International Codes, the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, the 2023 National Electrical Code and its own local amendments. The new codes went into effect on July 1, 2026, and plans submitted after that date must meet them.
For pools and spas, that means the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) with Sahuarita’s local amendments. The town adopted the package through Ordinance No. 2026-197 and posts the amendments for each code on its website.
Sahuarita’s update follows similar moves around the region. Marana adopted the 2024 codes in 2025, and the City of Tucson’s 2024 codes took effect January 1, 2026. Most of the Tucson area now works from the same base pool code, with each town adding its own changes.
What this means for your pool
- Your plans need to match the new code. If you are starting a pool in Sahuarita now, the design and permit set should be drawn to the 2024 code and the town’s amendments. A builder who works across several towns should know where they differ.
- Barriers stay at 5 feet. The model code alone starts at 48 inches, but Arizona’s statute requires a 5-foot barrier unless a local rule is stricter. We plan every Sahuarita project to at least 5 feet.
- Electrical and bonding details matter. The town’s move to the 2023 National Electrical Code affects how pool equipment, lights and bonding are wired and inspected. This is routine for a licensed contractor, but it is one more reason to have it designed right the first time.
- HOAs are separate. If your neighborhood has an HOA, its design review is on top of the town permit. Leave time for both.
Planning a pool?
We build custom concrete pools across Sahuarita and handle the permits and inspections for you. Our Sahuarita pool builder page covers the area, our guide to Arizona pool barrier and fence rules compares local codes, and our pool permits guide explains what to expect. Questions? Call us at (520) 342-8335.
Source: Town of Sahuarita
Put this story to work
Planning your own project? See our Custom Pool Construction in Tucson, Block Walls & Pool Barrier Walls in Tucson and Custom Spas & Pool-Spa Combos in Tucson, or read about building a pool in Marana.
Questions pool owners are asking
When did Sahuarita's new building codes take effect?
The Town of Sahuarita says its new codes went into effect July 1, 2026. Plans submitted after that date must follow the 2024 codes and the town's local amendments.
Which pool code does Sahuarita use now?
Sahuarita adopted the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with local amendments, along with the 2024 International Codes, the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code and the 2023 National Electrical Code.
How tall does a pool fence need to be in Sahuarita?
Plan on at least 5 feet. Arizona's state pool barrier law requires 5 feet and only gives way to local rules that are equal or stricter. We build every barrier to at least 5 feet, which meets that standard.
This is our summary and commentary. Read the original story at Town of Sahuarita.