Swimming Pools & Spas in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Building permits are required for any swimming pool or spa deeper than 18 inches in Bakersfield, issued by the Building Division under the 2022 California Building Standards Code. Applications require site plans showing setbacks (typically 5 feet from property lines and structures), plumbing and electrical details, barrier and suction safety features, and drainage. Inspections are required at excavation/steel, rough plumbing, rough electrical, bonding, barrier, and final stages. Permit fees are based on valuation and typically run $500-$1,500 for an in-ground pool. Separate electrical and plumbing permits are issued with the pool package. HOAs in newer communities often require architectural committee approval before the city permit.
Swimming Pool Permits in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Pool Building Permit - Two of Seven Drowning Prevention Features Required)
115922. (a) ... when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates th...
Fencing Requirements
Bakersfield enforces California Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) for all new residential pools and spas. Pools must be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches high with no gaps wider than 4 inches and no horizontal handholds below 45 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the release at least 54 inches above the ground. Owners must install at least two of seven drowning-prevention features listed in section 115922, which include the barrier, pool covers, door alarms, and pool alarms. The enclosure must separate the pool from the home and neighboring yards.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Bakersfield
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922(a)
Except as provided in Section 115925... when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Sectio...
Safety Rules
Bakersfield residential pools must meet state safety requirements including anti-entrapment drain covers under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker (VGB) Act, equipotential bonding of all metal within 5 feet of water, and the two-feature drowning prevention rule of H&S 115922. Pool alarms, door alarms, and safety covers must meet ASTM standards when used to satisfy the second required feature. Bakersfield does not require a lifeguard or safety equipment list for private residential pools, but community and HOA pools must post depth markings, capacity, emergency contact information, and rescue equipment.
Pool Safety Rules in Bakersfield
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115923
An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if any, do ...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools more than 18 inches deep require a building permit in Bakersfield and must meet the same barrier, bonding, and anti-entrapment standards as in-ground pools. The pool wall itself can serve as part of the barrier if it is at least 48-60 inches high and the ladder is removable or lockable. Setback minimums of 5 feet from property lines apply in most residential zones. Soft-sided inflatable pools under 18 inches are exempt from permitting but parents are still liable for supervision and fencing is strongly recommended.
Above-Ground Pool Rules in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115921(a), (b)
'Swimming pool' or 'pool' means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. 'Swimming pool' includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. 'Public swimming pool' means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without ...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Bakersfield require a building permit and an electrical permit, and must meet state pool safety rules including bonding, GFCI protection, anti-entrapment drain covers, and the two-feature drowning prevention rule. A hot tub with a lockable safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 satisfies the barrier requirement in lieu of a fence. Portable 240V units must be installed by a licensed electrician on a dedicated circuit. Setbacks match pool rules, typically 5 feet from property lines and structures. HOAs commonly require architectural committee approval before installation.
Hot Tub and Spa Rules in Bakersfield
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115925; see also § 115921(a)
The requirements of this article do not apply to any of the following: (a) Public swimming pools. (b) Hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers that comply with the ASTM International F1346 standard. (c) An apartment complex, or any residential setting other than a single-family home. ['Swimming pool' includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs,...
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
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