Contra Costa County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing Requirements (2026)

Contra Costa County enforces California Health & Safety Code § 115922-115923 (Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act, effective January 1, 2007) through its Building Inspection Division. Per the County's Swimming Pool and Spa Safety Act handout, every new pool or spa built or remodeled at a private single-family home must include at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features. If a fence/enclosure is selected, HSC § 115923 requires: (a) access gates that open away from the pool with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground; (b) a minimum enclosure height of 60 inches; (c) a maximum ground-to-bottom vertical clearance of 2 inches; (d) gaps that do not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere; and (e) an outside surface free of handholds or footholds that could enable a child under 5 to climb over. Removable mesh fencing must meet ASTM F2286 standards and be paired with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate. Prior to final approval, the local building code official must inspect the safety devices.