5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Sacramento County, California.
Verified from official government sources
In unincorporated Sacramento County a building permit is required to build a swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. County Code Chapter 16.36 governs barriers, and the pool cannot be filled until the required barrier is inspected and approved by a Building Inspection official.
Outdoor pools in unincorporated Sacramento County must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high (measured from the side facing away from the pool), with a maximum 2-inch gap at the bottom. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. The barrier is set by County Code Section 16.36.130.
California Health and Safety Code § 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 any, do ...
Sacramento County Code Section 16.36.130 requires a self-latching barrier, and where a dwelling wall with a door provides direct pool access, a separation fence is required. The County also recognizes approved child safety devices, pool alarms (UL 2017), and ASTM-compliant safety covers. California's Pool Safety Act (HSC 115922 et seq.) sets parallel drowning-prevention requirements.
California Health and Safety Code § 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 prevention saf...
Above-ground pools holding water over 18 inches deep are regulated like other pools in unincorporated Sacramento County. Where the pool wall or a top-mounted fence serves as the barrier, ladders or steps must be securable, lockable, or removable, and any opening created must be protected by a conforming barrier (County Code 16.36.130).
Cal. Health & Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act — Pool 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...
In unincorporated Sacramento County, a spa or hot tub with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346-91 is not required to provide other barriers. Without such a cover, the spa or hot tub must meet the full pool barrier requirements of County Code Section 16.36.130.
California Health and Safety Code § 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 prevention saf...
10 cities in Sacramento County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
3 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
2 verified rules • Pool Permits, Safety Rules
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
2 verified rules • Pool Permits, Safety Rules
4 verified rules • Fencing Requirements, Hot Tub Rules
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
4 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
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