Swimming Pools & Spas in Riverside County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Riverside County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Pool Permits

In unincorporated Riverside County, a building permit from Building & Safety is required to construct or install any swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. Plans must show setbacks, equipment, electrical/gas, and the required two-barrier safety system. A signed 'Barrier Agreement' (form 284-004) and a pre-plaster inspection are required before plastering or filling with water.

Riverside County Pool Permits

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Pool Safety — Drowning Prevention 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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Fencing Requirements

Unincorporated Riverside County requires an enclosure barrier at least 60 inches high around outdoor pools and spas under Ordinance 421. The bottom gap may not exceed 2 inches (4 inches over a solid deck). Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, swing away from the pool, and meet latch-height rules. Chain link must be 11 gauge.

Riverside County Pool Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

California Health and Safety Code Section 115922 (Article 2.5. The Swimming Pool Safety Act)

(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 prevention saf...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

New residential pools and spas in unincorporated Riverside County must have at least two compliant drowning-prevention barriers (a primary enclosure plus a secondary feature such as a pool cover or splash alarm), under California SB 442 and County Ordinance 421. Pools also need anti-entrapment dual drains and an equipotential bonding grid per the adopted electrical code.

Riverside County Pool Safety Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code Sec. 115922 (Pool Safety — Drowning Prevention 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...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground and on-ground pools are treated the same as in-ground pools under Riverside County Ordinance 421 - any structure 18 inches or more deep needs a barrier and County permitting. Where the pool wall itself serves as the barrier and access is by a ladder or steps, the ladder must be securable, removable, or surrounded by a compliant 60-inch barrier.

Riverside County Above-Ground Pools

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code Div. 104, Pt. 10, Ch. 5, Art. 2.5 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)

Swimming Pool Safety Act [115920 - 115929] ( Article 2.5 added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. ) 115920. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Swimming Pool Safety Act. (Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 925, Sec. 3.5. Effective January 1, 1997.) 115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings: (a) “Swimming pool” or “pool” means any structure intended for ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Hot Tub Rules

Spas and hot tubs 18 inches or more deep are regulated like pools under Riverside County Ordinance 421 and require County permitting and barrier protection. A key exception: a self-contained spa or hot tub fitted with a listed ASTM F-1346-91 safety cover is exempt from the barrier requirements. Indoor spas need two listed safety features.