5 rules for unincorporated Merced County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Building a swimming pool or in-ground spa in unincorporated Merced County requires a building permit from the County Building & Safety Division. Submittals include a site plan and engineered construction plans. Prefabricated pools and spas entirely above grade and not exceeding 5,000 gallons are exempt, though plumbing and electrical permits may still apply.
Private single-family pools and spas in unincorporated Merced County follow California's Pool Safety Act, which can require an isolating enclosure at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Public and commercial pools follow the County Environmental Health barrier standards (CBC Chapter 31B), which require a fence of at least 5 feet.
Under California's Pool Safety Act, applied by Merced County, a new or remodeled private pool or spa must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. The County building official inspects these features before granting final approval. Safety glazing is required for glass within 5 feet of the water.
In unincorporated Merced County, a prefabricated above-ground pool or spa accessory to a home is exempt from a building permit when entirely above grade and not exceeding 5,000 gallons. Plumbing and electrical permits may still apply, and the State-mandated pool barrier and safety-feature requirements still apply.
Merced County treats hot tubs and spas the same as pools under California's Pool Safety Act, which defines a swimming pool to include hot tubs, spas, and portable spas holding water over 18 inches deep. Prefabricated spas entirely above grade and under 5,000 gallons are exempt from a building permit, but State barrier and safety-feature rules still apply.
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