Swimming Pools & Spas in Costa Mesa, CA (2026)
2 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 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
Some 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...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Costa Mesa enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet tall with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised child access.
Costa Mesa Pool Barrier & Safety Fence Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Costa Mesa city rules.
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