Swimming Pools & Spas in San Jose, CA (2026)
2 verified swimming pools & spas rules for San Jose, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
San Jose exempts prefabricated above-ground pools from a building permit only if they're under 24 inches deep and hold no more than 5,000 gallons; bigger, deeper, or in-ground pools need a permit under SJMC § 24.02.120.
San Jose Above-Ground Pool Permit Exemption
Some RestrictionsSan Jose Municipal Code § 24.02.120(A)(12)
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.13.Replacement, repair or overlay of less than twenty-five percent of an existing roof within any twelve-month period.14.Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.15.Taping jo...
Fencing & Safety Requirements
San Jose enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) together with San Jose Municipal Code Title 17 Chapter 17.28 (Swimming Pool Enclosures). Pools and spas deeper than 18 inches require a permanent enclosure at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. New or remodeled pools must include at least two of seven approved drowning prevention features.
Pool Fencing Requirements in San Jose
Some RestrictionsCA Health & Safety Code §§ 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...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Jose city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Clara County →