Swimming Pools & Spas in Palm Springs, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Palm Springs, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
All new swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in Palm Springs require a building permit from the Building & Safety Division under PSMC Chapter 8.04 and the California Building Code §3109. Permits cover excavation, structural, plumbing, electrical, gas, and barrier compliance. Inspections occur at multiple stages, and final approval is needed before filling and use.
Palm Springs Swimming Pool Permits
Heavy RestrictionsFencing Requirements
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115920+) requires every new residential pool or spa to have at least TWO of seven approved drowning-prevention safety features, including a 60-inch enclosure with self-closing/self-latching gates, approved safety cover, door alarms, or removable mesh fencing. Palm Springs enforces these at permit issuance and inspection.
Palm Springs Pool Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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 swimming pool"...
Safety Rules
Beyond barriers, Palm Springs pools must comply with Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act anti-entrapment drain covers, NEC Article 680 bonding and GFCI, CA Title 24 energy standards, and Coachella Valley Vector Control mosquito-prevention rules for green or abandoned pools. Short-term rental pools face additional safety disclosures and often stricter enforcement.
Palm Springs Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches and spas holding more than 18 inches of water are regulated like in-ground pools under the CA Building Code and H&S §115920+. They require permits, barrier compliance, electrical bonding, and setbacks. Small inflatable kiddie pools under 18 inches deep are exempt but still fall under parental-supervision expectations.
Palm Springs Above-Ground Pool Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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 swimming pool"...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Palm Springs require building and electrical permits, must meet the same CA Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements as pools unless they have a lockable ASTM F1346 hard cover, and must comply with Title 24 energy standards. Cover and lock are the most common compliance path for residential spas.
Palm Springs Hot Tub and Spa Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
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 swimming pool"...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palm Springs city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Riverside County →