Swimming Pools & Spas in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
4 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Costa Mesa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Costa Mesa requires plan review, permits, and inspections for swimming pool enclosures. In-ground pool permits may be issued at the counter in most cases. Building permits and electrical permits are required. Pools must meet California Building Code setback and safety standards.
Costa Mesa Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922
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
Costa Mesa requires a minimum 5-foot pool barrier and at least two additional safety features under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pool barriers must be maintained per California Building Code requirements.
Costa Mesa Pool Fencing & Barriers
Heavy RestrictionsSafety Rules
Costa Mesa enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act requiring VGB-compliant drain covers, GFCI electrical protection, and multiple safety features. Pool owners must maintain all safety devices in working condition at all times.
Costa Mesa Pool Safety Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922
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...
Above-Ground Pools
Costa Mesa applies California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) and the 2022 California Residential Code through CMMC Title 5. Any above-ground pool capable of holding more than 18 inches of water requires a building permit, an isolation barrier at least 60 inches tall, and at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features.
Costa Mesa Above-Ground Pool Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
“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” means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
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