Lake Elsinore, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

LEMC Chapter 15.36 adopts the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, 2000 Edition, and Section 15.36.030 applies its barrier rules to pools, spas, and hot tubs serving no more than three families and their guests. Section 15.36.050 requires the barrier's top to sit at least 60 inches above grade on the side facing away from the pool, with a maximum two-inch gap under the barrier, widened to four inches over a solid surface such as a concrete deck. Where horizontal members are spaced less than 45 inches apart, they must sit on the pool side and the vertical member spacing cannot exceed one and one-fourth inch, and decorative cutouts or protrusions that make the barrier easy to climb are prohibited.

Chain link barriers cannot have openings larger than one and one-fourth inch square unless fitted with slats, and the wire must be at least 11 gauge. Access gates need a locking device; separation fence gates must swing outward, away from the pool, and be self-closing with a self-latching device, while other gates only need the self-latching device, and any gate release mechanism mounted below 54 inches must sit on the pool side at least three inches below the gate's top. Where a house wall doubles as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access need either a self-closing, self-latching device with the release at least 54 inches up, or an alarm that sounds at least 85 dBA and activates within 15 seconds of the door opening.

Pools with an ASTM F1346-91 safety cover are exempt from separate barriers, but the cover's control must be mounted at least 54 inches above grade.