Swimming Pools & Spas in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 19 cities in Los Angeles County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Pool Permits

Building permits for pools in unincorporated LA County are required from LA County Building & Safety for pools holding 3,000+ gallons. Plan check and multiple inspections required. Compliance with CA Title 24 pool safety standards is mandatory. Separate electrical and plumbing permits needed.

LA County Unincorporated Swimming Pool Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Pool Permit — Required Safety Inspection)

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: ... (c) Before the issuance of a final approval for the completion of permitte...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing Requirements

Pool fencing in unincorporated LA County must meet CA Title 24 Chapter 31 standards. Minimum 60-inch barrier height, self-closing and self-latching gates, plus one additional safety feature per the Swimming Pool Safety Act. LA County Building & Safety inspects for compliance.

LA County Unincorporated Pool Fence Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115923 (Swimming Pool Enclosure / Fencing Standards)

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 ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

Pool safety in unincorporated LA County is governed by CA HSC 115920-115929 and CA Title 24. Barriers, drain covers, and at least one additional safety feature are mandatory. Vacant properties must drain pools. LA County Building & Safety enforces all pool safety requirements.

LA County Unincorporated Pool Safety and Anti-Entrapment Rules

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — Drowning Prevention 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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in unincorporated LA County holding 3,000+ gallons require a building permit from LA County Building & Safety. All barrier requirements (60-inch fencing, self-closing gates) apply equally. Smaller inflatable pools may be exempt from permits but not safety requirements.

Los Angeles County Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115921 & 115925 (Pool Definition Includes Aboveground Structures; Exemptions)

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. ... 115925. The re...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated LA County require building permits for permanent installations from LA County Building & Safety. GFCI protection mandatory. Safety covers required when not in use. May require barrier depending on design and accessibility.