Safety Requirement Background Every pool in California over 18" deep needs a fence around it, per the California Safety Code. As defined in the "Swimming Pool Safety Act" of the code, "Swimming pool or pool means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep.
California Title 20 Pool Pump Requirements Pumps over 1.0 Total Horsepower (HP x SF), must have two or more speeds. Pump must have a control that is capable of operating at two or more speeds. Pump control must default to low-speed after a 24-hours of high-speed run time.
Pool fences in California need to be 5 ft tall with gaps between fence slats of 4" or less, gaps of 2" or less under the fence, and fence gates must be self-closing and self-latching. They can be 3-sided and attached to the house or other structure, but that doesn't count as one of the listed pool safety features.
California swimming pools and spas built or remodeled starting in 2018 must have a second safety feature to protect children from drowning. That's the main requirement in a new law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2018, and aims to boost safety.
In California, residential swimming pools must have: Removable mesh fencing and a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. An approved safety pool cover. Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
These regulations ensure safety, preventing accidents and promoting responsible pool ownership. In California, residential pools are typically limited to a maximum depth of 8 feet. This is because deeper pools pose more safety risks, especially for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Building a swimming pool in California typically requires a residential building permit. However, this will vary from county to county, as some may have additional license requirements that others don't. Regardless of the types of permits required, you must find out and obtain the licensure.
FLEXIBLE DEMAND CONTROLS. Over time, pool controls in the state of California will be equipped with features to allow California utilities manage pump usage when necessary in order to soften demand spikes and more efficiently control flow of electricity through the grid.
For pools built after 2007, two drowning prevention or safety features are required in California, this could be a pool alarm and door alarms, or a mesh pool fence for summer and a mesh safety cover for winter.
Walls and Fences–Building A Wall and Fences Permit is required when a project requires to construct any masonry/retaining walls or chain link or iron fencing. Prior to starting construction you will be required to submit plans and any necessary supporting documentation for review and approval by the County.