Swimming Pools & Spas in Ontario, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Ontario, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
A City of Ontario Building Department permit, plan check, and engineered drawings are required to build a residential swimming pool, and site plans must show all property lines, structures, slopes, walls, gates, fences, and barriers controlling access to the pool.
Swimming pool building permit and plan review
Some RestrictionsCity of Ontario, Memorandum 'New Requirements for Swimming Pools,' Kevin Shear, Building Official (Feb. 7, 2008)
The Department policy for plan review, permits and inspections for swimming pools are as follows: 1. All drawings, including the site plan, shall have a 'wet' signature by the civil/structural engineer of record. 2. Every pool drawing submitted is required to pay a plan check fee and permit fees based on the job valuation. 3. Site plans shall indicate all property lines, structures, slopes and ...
Fencing Requirements
The City of Ontario Building Department requires every outdoor swimming pool, spa, or hot tub to be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches high with no more than a 2-inch gap at the bottom, self-closing and self-latching gates, and no climbable design features, in line with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Pool barrier and fence requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Ontario Building Department, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tub Barriers, Barrier Requirements for Outdoor Swimming Pool, item 3 (rev. 1/16/2008)
A. The top of the barrier shall be as least 60 inches (1219mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches (51mm) measured on the side of the barrier which faces away from the swimming pool. This vertical clearance may be increased to 4 inches (102mm) when the...
Safety Rules
Beyond the perimeter fence, Ontario recognizes ASTM-rated safety pool covers and pool alarms as compliant barriers and applies the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, which requires new or remodeled pools to carry at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features.
Drowning-prevention features and pool alarms
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Ontario Building Department, Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tub Barriers, Definitions and Barrier Requirements items 2 and 3D-3F (rev. 1/16/2008)
Barrier: A fence, wall, building wall, safety cover complying with America Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) Standard F 1346, swimming pool alarms complying with ASTM Standard F2208 or a combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool, spa or hot tub. ... Outdoor swimming pools with safety pool covers that comply with the ASTM Stand...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Ontario deeper than 18 inches need a building permit, barrier compliance, and electrical bonding. Removable mesh fencing or a self-latching ladder gate typically satisfies code.
Above-Ground Pool Rules in Ontario
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115920 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
Health and Safety Code - HSC. DIVISION 104. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH [106500 - 119406]. PART 10. RECREATIONAL SAFETY [115725 - 116095]. CHAPTER 5. Safe Recreational Water Use [115825 - 116090.7]. ARTICLE 2.5. The Swimming Pool Safety Act [115920 - 115929]. 115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1,...
Hot Tub Rules
Ontario hot tubs and spas require a building permit, electrical permit, bonding to Article 680, and either a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or full pool-barrier compliance under state law.
Hot Tub and Spa Rules in Ontario
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act Definitions)
Health and Safety Code - HSC. ARTICLE 2.5. The Swimming Pool Safety Act [115920 - 115929]. 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 ...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ontario city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in San Bernardino County →