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

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Ventura County, California.

Verified from official government sources

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

Pool Permits

All swimming pools and spas in unincorporated Ventura County require building permits from the Building & Safety Division. Applications must include plans with Health Department approval, and separate permits are needed for plumbing, heating, and electrical work.

Ventura County Pool Permit Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code § 115922

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

Pool barriers in unincorporated Ventura County must comply with CA Health & Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and Title 24 Chapter 31. Fences must be at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates, plus one additional approved safety feature.

Ventura County Pool Fencing Requirements

Heavy Restrictions

Ventura County Pool Safety Certificate (Form B59, Rev. 2/10/2023); County of Ventura Building Code, VCBC 3109.3; California Health and Safety Code 115922-115923

When a permit is issued for construction of a new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a single-family residence, the swimming pool or spa shall be provided with drowning prevention safety measures for protection of children and other occupants who may access the pool from the home, from adjacent properties, and from the public way. (County of Ventura Building Code, VCBC 3109.3) Select one comp...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Safety Rules

Pool safety in unincorporated Ventura County is governed by the CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and Title 24. All pools require barrier protection plus at least one additional safety feature. Anti-entrapment drain covers are required.

Ventura County Pool Safety Standards

Heavy Restrictions

California Health & Safety Code § 115922 (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 ↗

Above-Ground Pools

Above-ground pools in unincorporated Ventura County holding 3,000+ gallons or deeper than 24 inches require building permits. All pools must comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements regardless of type.

Ventura County Above-Ground Pool Rules

Some Restrictions

Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety 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 ↗

Hot Tub Rules

Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Ventura County require building permits for permanent installation. All spas must comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements. A hard safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 can serve as the barrier.

Ventura County Hot Tub & Spa Rules

Some Restrictions

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

“Swimming pool” includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools. (b) “Public swimming pool” means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗