Garden Grove, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Barrier Height
- 60 inches (5 feet)
- Gate Latch Height
- At least 54 inches above grade
- Opening Size
- No gaps larger than 4 inches
- State Law
- HSC Sections 115921-115929
- Community Development
- (714) 741-5312
Summary
Garden Grove enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements under Health and Safety Code Section 115921-115929. All residential swimming pools and spas must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. New pool construction and property sales trigger mandatory compliance inspections. OCFA and Community Development enforce pool safety standards.
115921. As used in this article, the following terms have the following meanings:
(a) "Swimming pool" or "pool" means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools.
(b) "Public swimming pool" means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located on the grounds of a private single-family home.
(c) "Enclosure" means a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates a swimming pool from access to the home.
(d) "ANSI/APSP performance standard" means a standard that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and published by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
(e) "Suction outlet" means a fitting or fixture typically located at the bottom or on the sides of a swimming pool that conducts water to a recirculating pump. (Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 769, Sec. 3. (SB 552) Effective January 1, 2025.)
Full Breakdown
California Health and Safety Code Sections 115921-115929 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) are enforced in Garden Grove through the building permit and inspection process. All residential pools must have at least one safety feature: a pool fence/barrier of at least 60 inches (5 feet) in height, a pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, pool alarms on doors/windows providing access to the pool area, or self-closing self-latching devices on doors. Fence openings must not allow passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing, and have self-latching mechanisms at least 54 inches above grade. The property boundary wall may serve as part of the barrier if it meets height and design requirements. New pool permits require barrier plan review before issuance. Property transfers trigger Section 115922 disclosure requirements. Community Development at (714) 741-5312 conducts inspections.
Violations & Fines
Non-compliant pool barriers are a life-safety violation. Failure to install required barriers may result in stop-work orders on pool projects, fines, and mandatory retrofitting. Contact Community Development at (714) 741-5312.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence need to be in Garden Grove?
Can my property fence serve as a pool barrier in Garden Grove?
Are pool barriers required when I sell my home in Garden Grove?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Garden Grove
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