Swimming Pools & Spas in San Diego, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
All in-ground swimming pools require a building permit in San Diego. Prefabricated above-ground pools under 5,000 gallons and less than 18 inches deep are exempt. Permits include plumbing, electrical, fencing, and barrier inspections. Pools must meet setback requirements from property lines.
San Diego Swimming Pool Permit Requirements
Some 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
SDMC Section 145.0303 requires a fence at least 60 inches high completely surrounding all swimming pools. Maximum 2-inch ground clearance. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Chain link mesh no larger than 2.25 inches. Non-pedestrian gates must have lockable hardware.
San Diego Pool Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920–115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
(SB 552) Effective January 1, 2025.) 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 o...
Safety Rules
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) requires at least two approved safety features for all residential pools in San Diego. Required features include anti-entrapment drain covers per the federal VGB Act. Pool alarms, safety covers, or isolation fencing must be provided.
San Diego Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code § 115922 (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...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in San Diego are subject to California Building Code Section 3109 and SDMC Chapter 14, Article 5, Division 31. Prefabricated above-ground pools that are less than 18 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground are exempt from building permit requirements. All pools exceeding 18 inches in depth require pool barriers per the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.
San Diego Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920–115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
(SB 552) Effective January 1, 2025.) 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 o...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in San Diego are regulated under the same framework as swimming pools per CBC Section 3109, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and SDMC Chapter 14, Article 5, Division 31. Building permits are required for permanent spa installations. Hot tubs with locking safety covers that comply with ASTM F1346 may satisfy the barrier requirement. Electrical work must comply with the California Electrical Code.
San Diego Hot Tub & Spa Regulations
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 San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in San Diego County →