Bakersfield, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Barrier Must
- Barrier must be at least 60 inches high with no gaps wider
- Gates Must
- Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, with release 54 inches high
- At Least
- At least two of seven safety features required (AB 3109, 2018)
- Doors From
- Doors from house to pool area need alarms or isolation fencing
- Chain-link Mesh
- Chain-link mesh must be 1.75 inches or slatted to be compliant
Summary
Bakersfield enforces California Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) for all new residential pools and spas. Pools must be surrounded by a barrier at least 60 inches high with no gaps wider than 4 inches and no horizontal handholds below 45 inches. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the release at least 54 inches above the ground. Owners must install at least two of seven drowning-prevention features listed in section 115922, which include the barrier, pool covers, door alarms, and pool alarms. The enclosure must separate the pool from the home and neighboring yards.
Except as provided in Section 115925... 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 safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching.
Full Breakdown
All residential pools permitted in Bakersfield must comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Act as amended in 2018 (AB 3109), which now requires at least two of seven specified drowning-prevention safety features rather than just one. 75 and 4 inches that a child could climb, and a maximum ground clearance of 2 inches. 75 inches or slatted. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and the latch release must be at least 54 inches above the ground. If any door from the house opens directly into the pool area, that door must be alarmed (an approved door alarm with a momentary bypass at least 54 inches up), or the pool must have an approved power safety cover, or the house must be separated from the pool by an isolation fence.
The other qualifying safety features include removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, self-latching devices on doors 54 inches high, and an approved pool alarm meeting ASTM F2208. Using a cover alone is not sufficient: two features are required. HOAs may require higher or more aesthetically compliant fencing but cannot reduce state standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my existing pool need to be upgraded to the new two-feature rule?
Can I use my backyard perimeter fence as the pool barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bakersfield
California rules heatmap·Compare Bakersfield to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Fencing & Safety Requirements in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle fencing & safety requirements.