Swimming Pools & Spas in Long Beach, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Long Beach or are thinking about moving there, swimming pools & spas are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Long Beach has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of swimming pools & spas, and some of them might surprise you.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Long Beach must comply with the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools per CA Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pools with water 18+ inches deep require fencing.
Key details: Barrier: Required if 18+ inches deep. Height: 60 inches minimum. State Law: CA HSC §115920-115929. Safety Features: At least 2 required.
Unpermitted pools: removal or retroactive permit with double fees. Safety violations: immediate correction required. Fines $100 to $500.
Fencing Requirements
Swimming pool fencing in Long Beach must be at least 60 inches per CA Building Code Title 24. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Openings in barriers cannot exceed 4 inches. Two drowning prevention features required.
Key details: Min Height: 60 inches. Gates: Self-closing, self-latching. Max Opening: 4 inches. Safety Features: 2 drowning prevention features.
Failure to maintain required pool fencing is a serious safety code violation subject to immediate enforcement. Pool owners may face fines and requirements to install compliant barriers before the pool may be used.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
Pool Permits
A building permit is required for pool and spa installation in Long Beach. Pools cannot be in required front yards where fences over 5 ft are prohibited. Plans must include drainage, fencing, and safety feature details.
Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Location: Not in required front yard. Plans: Must include fencing and drainage. Inspection: Required before use.
Construction of a pool without a building permit is a code enforcement violation subject to stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to bring the pool into compliance. Permits are obtained at the Development Permit Center, 411 W. Ocean Blvd, 2nd Floor.
Safety Rules
Long Beach pools must comply with the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929). At least two safety features required: barrier/fence, pool cover, alarms, or self-closing doors. Virginia Graeme Baker Act drain cover compliance is mandatory.
Key details: Safety Features: Minimum 2 required. Options: Fence, cover, alarms, self-closing doors. Drain Covers: VGB Act compliant required. State Law: CA HSC §115920-115929.
Pool safety violations are enforced through building inspections and code enforcement. Non-compliant pools may be shut down until deficiencies are corrected. Serious safety violations may carry misdemeanor penalties under the California Building Standards Code.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Long Beach actively enforces its safety rules requirements.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Long Beach are subject to the same barrier requirements as swimming pools under CA Building Code. Spas with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed. Covers may count as one safety feature.
Key details: Barrier: Required if 18+ inches deep. Cover: May count as safety feature. Fencing: 60-inch minimum around property. State Law: CA HSC §115920-115929.
Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required correction. Drainage violations: remediation required. Safety cover violations: immediate correction.
The Bottom Line
Long Beach 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.