Swimming Pools & Spas in Berkeley, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Berkeley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Berkeley requires a building permit for any pool or spa over 18 inches deep, with plan review for structural, electrical, and plumbing work under the California Building Code.
Berkeley Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115922(a), (c) (Swimming Pool Safety Act — pool permit inspection)
115922. (a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, 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 preven...
Fencing Requirements
Berkeley enforces California H&S 115920 requiring pool barriers at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates and at least two additional safety features.
Berkeley Pool Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115920
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Safety Rules
Berkeley pools must include anti-entrapment drain covers under the VGB Act, GFCI-protected electrical, and approved chemical storage, in addition to state barrier requirements.
Berkeley Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act, as amended by SB 552, 2024)
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 the sw...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Berkeley over 18 inches deep need a building permit and full compliance with barrier, electrical, and setback rules — structure walls alone do not satisfy the fence requirement.
Berkeley Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Berkeley over 18 inches deep need a permit and barrier compliance, but a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 can substitute for fencing.
Berkeley Hot Tub and Spa Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115921
As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) "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. (b) "Public swimming pool"...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Berkeley city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Alameda County →