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

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

Verified from official government sources

Pool Permits

Santa Clara requires building, plumbing, and electrical permits for new swimming pools and spas, with plan review through the Building Division and compliance with the California Building Standards Code.

Santa Clara Swimming Pool Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Fencing Requirements

California Health and Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires Santa Clara pools to have at least two of seven approved drowning prevention features, typically a 60-inch barrier.

Santa Clara Pool Fencing Requirements

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...

Safety Rules

Santa Clara pool owners must comply with anti-entrapment drain covers under the federal VGB Act, approved safety features, proper electrical bonding, and chemical storage rules to prevent drownings and injuries.

Santa Clara Pool Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code § 115922(a)(1)-(2)

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 safety ...

Above-Ground Pools

Santa Clara treats above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches as regulated swimming pools, requiring permits, barrier compliance under California H&S Code 115921, and setback conformity.

Santa Clara Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

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

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...

Hot Tub Rules

Santa Clara regulates hot tubs and spas as pools under California law, requiring permits, GFCI protection, and either a safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 or a compliant barrier.

Santa Clara Hot Tub and Spa Rules

Some 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...

Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?

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

Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Clara County