San Bernardino County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches above grade (outside face)
- Max gap under barrier
- 2 inches
- Climb/gap rule
- No passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere
- Gates
- Self-closing, self-latching, open outward away from pool
- Latch under 60 in.
- Release on pool side, 3 in. below top; no >1/2-in. opening within 18 in.
- Cover alternative
- ASTM F1346-91 approved safety pool cover
Summary
Pools in unincorporated San Bernardino County must be surrounded by an enclosure at least 60 inches high with no more than 2 inches of clearance under the barrier, no gaps that pass a 4-inch sphere, and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. Rules follow the California Swimming Pool Safety Act.
The top of the enclosure shall be at least 60 inches above the grade measured on the side of the enclosure which faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between the grade and the bottom of the enclosed fence/barrier shall be 2 inches. ... The enclosure must be free of gaps or voids which allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4 inches in diameter.
Full Breakdown
5 (Swimming Pool Safety Act, Sections 115920-115929). The top of the enclosure 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. The barrier must be free of gaps or voids that allow passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere, and decorative cutouts or protrusions that make it climbable are prohibited. Where horizontal and vertical members are used and the horizontals are less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members must be on the pool side.
Chain-link mesh may not exceed 1-1/2-inch squares (or 1-3/4 inches with slats). Access gates must comply with all enclosure rules, open outward away from the pool, accommodate a locking device, and be self-closing and self-latching. If the latch release is less than 60 inches above the ground, it must be on the pool side at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, with no opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release. An approved ASTM F1346-91 safety pool cover may substitute for the enclosure.
Violations & Fines
An enclosure that is too short, has gaps larger than a 4-inch sphere, is climbable, or has gates that are not self-closing/self-latching does not meet code and will fail inspection. Double doors or pairs of gates, gates wider than 4 feet, driveway gates, and overhead garage doors are prohibited as part of a pool enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall does a pool fence have to be in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
What kind of gate is required for a pool?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.