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

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act, as amended by AB 1020 (2017), requires any new pool or any remodel of an existing pool involving a permit to include at least two of the following seven features: (1) an isolation fence at least 60 inches high that completely encloses the pool and separates it from the home, with self-closing and self-latching gates opening away from the pool; (2) approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (3) exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool; (4) self-closing, self-latching doors on direct-access doors with release at least 54 inches above the floor; (5) alarms in the pool that sound on disturbance; (6) other approved means of protection provided the degree of protection is equal or greater; and (7) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 combined with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching.

Murrieta inspectors verify compliance before final pool approval. Fence openings must not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through. For existing pools without a permit remodel, these barrier requirements are not retroactively enforced, but home sale disclosures under H&S 115922 require the seller to disclose the barriers present. HOAs sometimes require stricter fence heights (72 inches).