Swimming Pools & Spas in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
2 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
Significant 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 & Safety 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
Some 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...
Looking for Kern County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Kern County →