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

Sacramento County Code Section 16.36.130 sets prescriptive barrier standards for all outdoor pools, spas, and hot tubs in the unincorporated area. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side facing away from the pool, and the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier is 2 inches (increased to 4 inches where grade is a solid surface such as a concrete deck, or when the barrier is mounted on top of an above-ground pool). Openings in the barrier must not allow passage of a 1-3/4 inch diameter sphere; for fencing with vertical and horizontal members, vertical spacing may increase to 4 inches only when the horizontal members are 45 inches or more apart. Where horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart, they must be placed on the pool side. Chain link fences used as the barrier must be not less than 11 gauge with no opening greater than 1-3/4 inches. Decorative cutouts or protrusions that make the barrier climbable are prohibited, and 'no-climb fencing' is not acceptable as a barrier. Access gates must comply with the barrier standards; pedestrian gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and swing away from the pool. The barrier must be inspected and approved before the pool is filled.