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

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 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

A building permit is required from Riverside County Building & Safety to construct, install, or substantially alter any swimming pool or spa deeper than 18 inches. Plans must meet the 2022 California Building Code, California Electrical Code, and Swimming Pool Safety Act requirements before pouring or installation.

Swimming Pool Permits in Riverside County

Some 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

Riverside County enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920 et seq.) and CBC §3109, requiring pools and spas deeper than 18 inches to be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches tall with at least two of seven approved safety features, such as self-closing self-latching gates, pool covers, or alarms.

Pool Fencing Requirements in Riverside County

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

Beyond the fence and barrier requirements, Riverside County pool owners must comply with California's anti-entrapment suction outlet rules (VGB Act), bonded and GFCI-protected electrical, safe pool chemistry per Title 22, and standard negligence standards for attractive nuisance liability.

Pool Safety Rules in Riverside County

Some 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 pools with water deeper than 18 inches require a building permit and full compliance with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act in unincorporated Riverside County. Pool walls 48 inches or taller can serve as part of the barrier, but the access ladder must be removable or barricaded.

Above-Ground Pools in Riverside County

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

Portable spas and hot tubs require an electrical permit and must comply with CEC Article 680. Any spa with water deeper than 18 inches is subject to the California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules unless it has a listed, locked, manual safety cover meeting ASTM F1346.