Swimming Pools & Spas in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Building permits are required for pool and spa installation in Santa Monica. Plans must include barrier details, drainage, and safety features. Pools are classified as accessory structures in residential districts.
Santa Monica Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 115922 (Pool Building Permit and Final Inspection)
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
Pool fencing in Santa Monica must be at least 5 ft with no opening over 4 inches per SMMC §8.12.150. When replacing 50%+ of an existing enclosure, full current code compliance is required. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Santa Monica Pool Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Drowning Prevention Safety Features)
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 Monica pools must comply with the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929). At least two safety features required. SMMC §8.12.150 requires 5 ft barriers for all water bodies 18+ inches deep. VGB Act drain compliance mandatory.
Santa Monica Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Section 115922 (Drowning Prevention Safety Features)
115922. (a) 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: (3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover that is accompanied by...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Santa Monica with water 18+ inches deep require a full enclosure per SMMC §8.12.150. The same barrier requirements apply as in-ground pools. Above-ground pools are classified as accessory structures in residential districts.
Santa Monica Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sections 115921-115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Aboveground Pool Coverage)
115921. (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. 115922. (a) When a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or ...
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Santa Monica with water 18+ inches deep must be enclosed with a 5 ft barrier per SMMC §8.12.150. The same requirements apply as swimming pools. Covers may serve as one safety feature.
Santa Monica Hot Tub & Spa Regulations
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health and Safety Code Sections 115921-115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act - Hot Tubs and Spas Included)
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. 115922. (a) When a...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Los Angeles County →