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Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Ana, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Swimming pool construction in Santa Ana requires a building permit, electrical permit, and compliance with the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act. Plan review and inspections are conducted by the city's Planning and Building Agency.

Santa Ana Swimming Pool Permits

Some Restrictions

Fencing Requirements

Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) requiring all residential pools to have a primary barrier at least 60 inches high plus a secondary barrier. Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006 adds secondary barrier requirements.

Santa Ana Pool Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

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

(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, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of...

Safety Rules

Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) and Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requiring anti-entrapment devices, barrier systems, and safety equipment for all residential pools and spas.

Santa Ana Pool Safety Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Section 115928 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

(a) (1) The suction outlets of the pool or spa for which the permit is issued shall be equipped to provide circulation throughout the pool or spa as prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) The swimming pool or spa shall either have at least two circulation suction outlets per pump that shall be hydraulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more "T" fittings, and that are sep...

Above-Ground Pools

Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to a single-family home that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permits under the California Building Code as adopted by Santa Ana. Larger above-ground pools require permits and pool barriers.

Santa Ana Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

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

(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 swimming pool" means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or ...

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in Santa Ana require a building permit and electrical permit for installation. They must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements if capable of holding 18 inches or more of water.

Santa Ana Hot Tub & Spa Regulations

Some Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Section 115925 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

The requirements of this article do not apply to any of the following: (a) Public swimming pools. (b) Hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers that comply with the ASTM International F1346 standard. (c) An apartment complex, or any residential setting other than a single-family home. [Section 115921: "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limit...

Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Ana city rules.

Swimming Pools & Spas in Orange County