Swimming Pools & Spas in Downey, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Downey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Swimming pool construction in Downey requires a building permit from the Building & Safety Division. Plans must comply with California Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Downey Swimming Pool Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Drowning Prevention Features)
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
Pool fencing in Downey must meet California Building Code: 60-inch minimum height, self-closing/self-latching gates, plus one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or self-closing doors).
Downey Pool Fencing & Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115923 (Swimming Pool Enclosure Requirements)
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 ...
Safety Rules
California Swimming Pool Safety Act applies in Downey. All residential pools require barriers, drain covers per federal VGBA, and at least one additional safety feature. Pool owners are liable for maintaining safety equipment.
Downey Pool Safety & Drowning Prevention Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Drowning Prevention Features)
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
Above-ground pools in Downey must meet the same CA Building Code barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls under 60 inches require additional fencing to reach the minimum barrier height.
Downey Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Definitions)
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 swimmi...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Downey must comply with CA Building Code barrier requirements when accessible to children. Locking covers meeting ASTM standards can serve as the required safety feature.
Downey Hot Tub & Spa Regulations
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115925 (Hot Tub / Spa Safety Cover Exemption)
115925. 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. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 769, Sec. 5. (SB 552) Effective January 1, 2025.) 115926. (a) The State ...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Downey city rules.
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