Lodi, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Min barrier height
- 60 inches (5 ft)
- Gate
- Self-closing, self-latching, opens outward
- Latch height
- Min 60 in above ground
- Max gap
- 4-inch sphere can't pass
- Drowning features required
- 2 of 7 (HSC §115922)
Summary
Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and California Building Code Appendix V through LMC Chapter 15.04. New or remodeled residential pools and spas need a 60-inch (5-foot) minimum enclosure, self-closing and self-latching gates opening outward, and must implement at least two of the seven statutory drowning-prevention features.
(a) Except as provided in Section 115925, subject to subdivision (b), and consistent with Section 1596.814, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features:
(1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.
(2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
(3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover that is accompanied by a label verifying that the cover meets the specifications of the ASTM International F1346-23 standard.
(4) Exit alarms on the private single-family home’s doors and windows that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa without any intervening enclosure. Whenever any door or window is opened or left ajar, exit alarms shall make either an audible, continuous alarm sound or a repeating verbal warning, such as a notification that “the door to the pool is open.” An exit alarm may be battery operated or connected to the electrical wiring of the building.
(5) A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home’s doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
Full Breakdown
Under California Health & Safety Code §115923, any pool barrier on a single-family residential property must: (1) be a minimum of 60 inches in height; (2) not have gaps that pass a 4-inch sphere; (3) have a self-latching device located no lower than 60 inches above the ground; and (4) if a gate is included, it must be self-closing and open away from the pool. Per §115922 (as amended effective January 1, 2025), new construction and remodels at single-family homes require at least TWO of seven drowning prevention features, typically a compliant 60-inch enclosure isolating the pool from the home plus one of: removable mesh fencing with self-closing/latching gate, an ASTM F1346-23 safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors with direct pool access, self-closing/latching pool-access doors at 54+ inches, an ASTM F2208-certified in-water detection alarm, or equivalent alternative protections. 04, making these state standards locally enforceable. Pool permits are issued by the Lodi Building Division (221 W Pine St, 209-333-6711).
Violations & Fines
Failure to maintain required barriers can result in stop-work / red-tag orders by the Building Division and code-enforcement action under LMC Title 8 (Health and Safety) as a public nuisance. Administrative citations under Cal. Gov. Code §36900(b): $100 / $200 / $500. Civil liability for drowning incidents on non-compliant pools is substantial. California courts treat the pool barrier statute as creating a duty of care to children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my existing pool need to be upgraded to the 2025 standards?
Can my house wall serve as part of the pool barrier?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lodi
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