Imperial County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary pool/spa permit
- $399/year
- Secondary pool/spa permit
- $168/year
- Public lake/waterway permit
- $804/year
- Inspection access
- County can enter to inspect
Summary
Imperial County requires an annual environmental health permit for every public pool, spa, wading pool, or spray ground, backed by mandatory inspection access and civil or criminal penalties for violations.
No person, corporation, association, firm, business or entity shall operate, perform, carry on, conduct or engage in any of the activities delineated in this section without obtaining a health permit and paying the fee listed in this section for the activity and obtaining a receipt therefore from the environmental health division.B.Non-transferable Permits. Permits described herein are not transferable.C.Owner/Operator Business Name Change. An owner/operator with a valid permit changing only the name of the business shall submit an updated permit application within ten (10) days from the date of the business name change. Failure to submit updated permit application will result in suspension of the health permit until the required business information is obtained. (Ord. No. 1588, § II, 12-19-23)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
Under §8.02.040, no pool, spa, wading pool, or spray ground may operate without an annual health permit from the environmental health division. §8.02.070(B) sets the fee: $399 for a primary pool/spa/wading pool/spray ground, $168 for a secondary one, $128 for a dormant pool, and $804 for a public recreational lake or waterway. The division has a statutory right to enter and inspect permitted facilities (§8.02.060); denying access triggers permit revocation and civil or criminal penalties under §8.02.090. Technical safety features such as drain covers and pool alarms are set by state law (Health & Safety Code, Title 22 CCR), not this county chapter.
Violations & Fines
Denying the environmental health division access to a permitted pool triggers permit revocation; operating without a permit is punishable as an infraction ($100–$500) or a misdemeanor with up to $1,000 and six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Imperial County set drain-cover or alarm rules for pools?
How much does a public pool permit cost in Imperial County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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