Swimming Pools & Spas in Palo Alto, CA (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Palo Alto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches require a Palo Alto building permit and must meet the same safety-barrier requirements as in-ground pools.
Above-Ground Pool Rules in Palo Alto
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — definitions, applies to in-ground and aboveground pools)
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...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Palo Alto enforces California Health and Safety Code 115922, requiring at least two drowning-prevention safety features such as an enclosure at least 60 inches high.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Palo Alto
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — pool barrier requirements)
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...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palo Alto city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Clara County →