Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)
4 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Santa Cruz, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §18.32.020 requires permit application to the chief building official with detailed plans (in duplicate, including plot plan) showing construction method, location, and wastewater disposal.
Santa Cruz Pool Permits and Plans
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code §18.32.010
'Swimming pool' or 'pool' means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over eighteen inches (four hundred fifty-seven millimeters) deep or with a surface area exceeding one hundred square feet. 'Swimming pool' includes in-ground and above-ground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas and nonportable wading pools.
Fencing Requirements
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §18.32.030 requires every outdoor swimming pool to be enclosed by a fence or wall at least 5 feet high with openings no greater than a 4-inch sphere can pass and a maximum 2-inch gap below.
Santa Cruz Pool Enclosure Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSanta Cruz Municipal Code §18.32.030(1)
Every outdoor swimming pool shall be completely surrounded by a fence or wall not less than five feet in height, which shall be so constructed so as to have no openings through which a four-inch sphere can pass. The maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure shall not exceed two inches. Access gates to such enclosures shall be both self-closing with a gate height ...
Safety Rules
Santa Cruz Municipal Code §18.32.040 requires enclosure of swimming pool equipment (pumps, filters, heaters) to protect public safety and meet plan-review standards.
Santa Cruz Pool Equipment Enclosure
Some RestrictionsAbove-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools holding more than 18 inches of water in the City of Santa Cruz require a building permit and the same 60-inch barrier protection as in-ground pools; ladders must be removable or secured when unattended.
Swimming Pools: Above Ground Pools
Some RestrictionsLooking for Santa Cruz County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Cruz city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Cruz County →