Swimming Pools & Spas in Fresno, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Every new swimming pool or spa in Fresno requires a building permit, an electrical permit, a plumbing permit, and often a gas permit from the Fresno DARM. Plan review verifies setbacks (typically 5 feet to property line, 10 feet to septic), equipment enclosure, two required drowning-prevention safety features under H&S §115920, and energy code compliance.
Swimming Pool Permits in Fresno
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...
Fencing Requirements
California Health and Safety Code §115920 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires all new and remodeled pools in Fresno to have at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. The most common pair is an enclosure fence at least 60 inches tall with self-closing self-latching outward-opening gate, plus self-closing devices on doors leading to the pool.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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 any, do ...
Safety Rules
Beyond the H&S §115920 two-feature enclosure rule, Fresno pool operators must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) for anti-entrapment drain covers, NEC Article 680 for electrical bonding and GFCI protection, and FMC §10-105 noise limits on pool equipment. Commercial and STR pools have additional California public pool rules under H&S §116025.
Pool Safety Rules in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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 swimming pool ...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools holding 18 inches or more of water require a building permit in Fresno. Must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (§115920-115929) 60-inch barrier requirement. Pool ladders must be removable or lockable.
swimming-pools/above-ground-pools
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...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas require a building permit from Fresno Development Services. Must have an approved safety cover (ASTM F1346) OR comply with 60-inch barrier rules per CA §115922. Electrical permit required for 240V installations.
swimming-pools/hot-tub-rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Fresno County →