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Swimming Pools & Spas in San Leandro, CA (2026)

5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for San Leandro, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

A building permit from the San Leandro Division of Building & Safety Services is required for any pool, spa, hot tub, decorative pond, or fountain containing water more than 18 inches deep, per 2022 CBC §202 and §3109.2.

Building Permit Required for Pools, Spas & Ponds Over 18 Inches Deep

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. 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

Per 2022 CBC §3109.2 (incorporating California Health & Safety Code §115923), every San Leandro pool or spa must be completely surrounded by a fence/enclosure at least 5 feet high, with self-closing self-latching gates that swing away from the pool and have latches at least 60 inches above grade.

5-Foot Fence Enclosure with Self-Closing Self-Latching Gates Required

Heavy Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code Section 115923 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

115923. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (a) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (b) A minimum height of 60 inches. (c) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (d) Gaps or voids, if ...

Safety Rules

New and remodeled San Leandro pools must include at least two of the seven drowning-prevention safety features from California Health & Safety Code §115922 (SB 442) and anti-entrapment dual drains per §115928, in addition to the 5-foot barrier and door alarms required by §115923.

Two Drowning-Prevention Features + Anti-Entrapment Drains Required

Heavy Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code Section 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

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 in San Leandro need the same building permit as in-ground pools if water exceeds 18 inches, and electrical service must use a single-outlet locking GFCI receptacle at least 6 feet from the pool wall (or 10 feet if conditions are not met), per the City's submittal handout citing 2022 CEC Article 680.

Above-Ground Pools — Same Permit, GFCI Receptacle & Barrier Rules

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

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...

Hot Tub Rules

San Leandro classifies hot tubs and spas as 'swimming pools' under 2022 CBC §202 once water exceeds 18 inches deep, so the full permit, 5-foot barrier, and door-alarm rules apply. 240-volt spas additionally need a readily accessible disconnect within sight of the spa and at least 5 feet from the water (2022 CEC §680.41).

Hot Tubs & Spas — Same Pool Rules Plus 240V Disconnect Within Sight

Some Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code Section 115921 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

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 Alameda County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Leandro city rules.

Swimming Pools & Spas in Alameda County