How Daly City Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide

Daly City maintains 102 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Daly City falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Pool Permits

Constructing, altering, or removing a swimming pool or permanent spa in Daly City requires a building permit from the Building Division under the California Building Code as adopted by Municipal Code Title 15; small prefabricated above-ground pools are the main exemption.

Key details: Permit required: Yes, for in-ground pools and spas. Exempt pools: Prefab, under 24 in deep, 5,000 gal. Pool plumbing unit fee: $179.00 each (FY 2025). Issuing office: Building Division, (650) 991-8061. Final approval: Safety feature inspection required first.

Work begun without a required permit is charged the standard fee plus a penalty under the Master Fee Schedule (Fee No. 3.96, Penalties for Work without a Permit), and the project cannot receive final approval until required safety features pass inspection (HSC Sec. 115922(c)).

Hot Tub Rules

Permanently installed hot tubs and spas in Daly City need permits like pools, but California law exempts hot tubs and spas with locking ASTM F1346 safety covers from the drowning-prevention barrier requirements that otherwise apply to residential pools.

Key details: Permit needed: Yes, for permanent installations. Barrier exemption: Locking ASTM F1346 safety cover. State definition: Spas and hot tubs count as pools. Draining: Dechlorinate; storm drain rules apply.

A spa installed without required permits is subject to the fee-plus-penalty charge in the Master Fee Schedule (Fee No. 3.96). A spa without a compliant locking cover must satisfy the two-of-seven safety feature requirement before the building official grants final approval (HSC Sec. 115922).

Fencing Requirements

Daly City enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act through its building permit process: any new or remodeled residential pool or spa must include at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features, most commonly a 60-inch isolation enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Key details: Minimum enclosure height: 60 inches. Gate requirement: Self-closing, self-latching, latch 60+ inches. Ground clearance: 2 inches maximum. Gap limit: No openings passing a 4-inch sphere. Safety features required: At least 2 of 7.

The building official may not grant final approval for a permitted pool or remodel until the required drowning-prevention safety features pass inspection (HSC Sec. 115922(c)). Over-height or non-compliant fences are handled by Daly City Code Enforcement at (650) 991-8260.

This is one of the stricter rules in Daly City's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Safety Rules

Under California Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act / SB 442), every new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home in Daly City must be equipped with AT LEAST TWO of seven approved drowning prevention safety features. Daly City Building Division verifies compliance at final inspection. The required features include: a HSC §115923-compliant enclosure, ASTM F2286 removable mesh fencing, an ASTM F1346-23 safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors/windows providing pool access, self-closing/self-latching devices on access doors (release at 54+ inches), an ASTM F2208 water-entry alarm, or other approved equivalent protection.

Key details: Statute: Cal. HSC §115922 (SB 442, 2018). Minimum features: 2 of 7 enumerated. Applies to: New construction & remodels at single-family homes. Cover standard: ASTM F1346-23. Alarm standard: ASTM F2208 (water entry); doors UL 2017-compliant.

Issuance of a final permit is conditioned on installation of the two declared safety features. Operating an unpermitted or noncompliant pool may trigger code enforcement action under Daly City Code Title 12 and Title 4 (Public Safety). Negligence per se liability applies in drowning cases.

Compared to other cities, Daly City takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Above-Ground Pools

Prefabricated above-ground pools at single-family homes that are less than 24 inches deep and hold no more than 5,000 gallons do not need a Daly City building permit, but any pool containing water over 18 inches deep is still covered by California pool-safety law.

Key details: Permit-exempt pools: Prefab, under 24 inches deep. Volume cap for exemption: 5,000 gallons. State pool-law threshold: Water over 18 inches deep. Code basis: CBC Sec. 105.2; DCMC Title 15.

Installing a non-exempt above-ground pool (24 inches or deeper, or over 5,000 gallons) without a permit triggers the fee-plus-penalty charge in the Master Fee Schedule (Fee No. 3.96), and final approval is withheld until required safety features pass inspection (HSC Sec. 115922(c)).

The Bottom Line

Daly City is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Daly City, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Daly City's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.