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

Encinitas enforces California Building Code Section 3109 and Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115929 for residential pool barriers. All pools and spas containing water deeper than 18 inches must have an enclosure at least 60 inches high measured from the finished grade on the exterior side. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch release mechanism at least 60 inches above grade, or the latch must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate. Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. The barrier must not have horizontal members between 9 and 45 inches above grade that could serve as footholds for climbing. In addition to the barrier, California law requires at least one additional safety feature: a pool alarm that activates when the water surface is disturbed, a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, self-closing doors with alarms from the house to the pool area, or mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286. The dwelling wall may serve as one side of the barrier if all doors and windows opening to the pool area have alarms. Pool barriers must be inspected and approved before the pool can be filled. For existing pools sold as part of a real estate transaction, the seller must disclose pool barrier compliance status.