Swimming Pools & Spas in Palo Alto, CA (2026)
5 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
Building and plumbing permits are required for any new in-ground or above-ground pool holding over 18 inches of water, with plan check by Palo Alto Development Services.
Palo Alto Swimming Pool Permits
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115922 (building permit required for new pool/spa construction — at least 2 safety features)
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
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
Heavy 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...
Safety Rules
In addition to fencing, Palo Alto pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act and GFCI-protected electrical equipment.
Palo Alto Pool Safety Rules
Heavy Restrictions16 CFR Part 1450.3 (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act)
( a ) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each swimming pool or spa drain cover manufactured, distributed, or entered into commerce in the United States shall conform to the entrapment protection standards of ANSI/APSP/ICC-16 2017, American National Standard for Suction Outlet Fitting Assemblies (SOFA) for Use in Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, approved on August 18, 2017. The Direct...
Above-Ground Pools
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...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Palo Alto require permits when over 18 inches of water and must have a locking, listed safety cover under California H and S 115921.
Hot Tub Rules in Palo Alto
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code § 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — hot tubs/spas treated as 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...
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 →