Swimming Pools & Spas in Riverside, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Building, plumbing, and electrical permits from the Riverside Building and Safety Division are required for any in-ground pool, spa, or permanent above-ground pool under RMC Title 16 and the California Building Code. A zoning review confirms setbacks, and the Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S 115920+) mandates two drowning-prevention safety features.
Swimming Pool Permits in Riverside, California
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922
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
Riverside enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S 115920–115929), which requires at least two drowning-prevention barriers at final pool inspection. The most common compliant combination is a permanent isolation fence at least 60 inches tall with a self-closing, self-latching gate, plus alarms on doors leading to the pool area.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Riverside, California
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sections 115922-115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
(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 prevention saf...
Safety Rules
Beyond fencing, Riverside pools must comply with anti-entrapment standards under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and California Health and Safety Code section 116064. All suction outlets require compliant drain covers and, for single-drain pools, a secondary safety device such as a safety vacuum release system or automatic pump shut-off.
Swimming Pool Safety Rules in Riverside, California
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922
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...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches are treated like in-ground pools in Riverside — they require building and electrical permits and must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act's two-feature barrier requirement. Smaller inflatable or kiddie pools under 18 inches are typically exempt from permits but should still be supervised and emptied when not in use.
Above-Ground Pool Rules in Riverside, California
Some RestrictionsHot Tub Rules
Portable spas and hot tubs in Riverside require electrical permits (and plumbing permits if hard-plumbed) through Building and Safety. A locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 counts as one of the two required features under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, simplifying compliance for most residential hot tubs.
Hot Tub and Spa Rules in Riverside, California
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code Div. 104, Pt. 10, Ch. 5 (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...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Riverside County →