Swimming Pools & Spas in San Clemente, CA (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
San Clemente requires a building permit to construct or remodel most residential pools and spas; only small prefabricated above-ground pools under 18 inches deep and 5,000 gallons are exempt. Permitted pools trigger mandatory drowning-prevention barriers and safety features under amended CBC Sections 105.2, 202 and 3109.
San Clemente Swimming Pool Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code §§ 15.08.020, 15.08.025, 15.08.070 (CBC §§ 105.2, 202, 3109)
9.Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground. ... SWIMMING POOL. ... Any structure intended for swimming, recreational bathing or wading that contains water over 18 inches deep. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-ground pools; hot tubs; spas and fixed-in-place wa...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
New or remodeled residential pools and spas in San Clemente must be enclosed by a code-compliant barrier plus a second drowning-prevention feature under Municipal Code Section 15.08.070, which locally amends the state Swimming Pool Safety Act. Vertical pickets cannot be spaced more than 4 inches apart, and horizontal rails must clear at least 45 inches.
San Clemente Pool Barrier Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code § 15.08.070
(c)"Enclosure" means a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates a pool from access to the home and access from adjacent properties and public ways. ... (a)Except as provided in Section 115925, 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 all pools shall be enclosed by...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
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