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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

Building a swimming pool or spa in Fresno requires a construction permit, and whenever that permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven specified drowning-prevention safety features under Health & Safety Code 115922. Only small prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to a single-family home that are less than 24 inches deep and hold no more than 5,000 gallons are exempt from the building permit.

Fresno Pool Construction Permit & Safety Features

Some Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Section 115922, reproduced in City of Fresno Consumer Notice, Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs

Sec. 115922 Construction Permit; Safety Features Required. Whenever a construction permit is issued for construction of a new swimming pool, or remodeling of an existing swimming pool 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 S...

Fencing Requirements

Every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Fresno that holds more than 18 inches of water must be surrounded by an enclosure at least 60 inches high, with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. The City enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) through the 2022 California Residential Code, and the City's own Consumer Notice reproduces the barrier standard verbatim.

Fresno Pool Enclosure Requirements (HSC 115923)

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Section 115923, reproduced in City of Fresno Consumer Notice, Residential Swimming Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs (2022 California Residential Code Appendix AX)

Section 115923 Enclosure; Required Characteristics. A swimming pool enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: 1. 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. Devices shall be designed and capable of keeping such gate (or door) securely closed and latched ...

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 Restrictions

Cal. 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 Restrictions

Cal. 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 Restrictions

Looking for Fresno County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.

Swimming Pools & Spas in Fresno County