Riverside County, CA Fence Regulations: Pool Barriers (2026)

Under California Health & Safety Code §115922 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act, as amended by SB 442), any newly constructed or remodeled pool or spa in unincorporated Riverside County must be equipped with at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention features: an enclosure meeting specific standards, a removable mesh fence with self-closing gate, a pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, exit alarms on doors with direct access to the pool, self-closing self-latching devices on those doors, a pool alarm, or other approved means. The enclosure option requires a 60-inch (5-foot) minimum fence height, maximum 4-inch gap at the bottom, no horizontal members that aid climbing on the outside face, and a self-closing, self-latching gate that opens outward with the latch at least 60 inches off the ground. Riverside County Building and Safety inspects barriers at pool final inspection; occupancy is withheld until compliance is verified. For existing pools sold or substantially remodeled, an Anti-Entrapment drain cover compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is required. Portable and above-ground pools over 18 inches deep also fall under the barrier requirements.