Bakersfield, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

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. The barrier option requires an enclosure at least 60 inches tall measured on the exterior side, with no openings greater than 4 inches, no footholds or handholds between 1.75 and 4 inches that a child could climb, and a maximum ground clearance of 2 inches. Chain-link is permitted only if the mesh openings are reduced to 1.75 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.