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.
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.
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.
Pools that are only partially below ground count as in-ground pools. Above-ground pools need a fence or barrier when they exceed a certain depth. The exact depth requirement varies, but it is usually around 18 to 24 inches.
In California, any pool regardless of its size or shape built or remodeled after 2007 requires a pool fence. This includes spas and portable, in-ground or inflatable pools that contain over 18 inches of water.