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

Section 15.28.110 of the Paramount Municipal Code requires all swimming pools or other artificially created pools, publicly or privately owned, two feet or more in depth to be surrounded by a protective fence. The fence can enclose the pool itself or the entire premises in which the pool is located.

The section sets construction specifications by material. A wood fence needs redwood or pressure treated posts not less than three inches by three inches, set not more than 10 feet apart and embedded at least 18 inches in the ground, with vertical boards at least one-half-inch thick fastened to not less than two horizontal rails at least two inches by three inches. A wire fence needs galvanized wire mesh of minimum 11 gauge on galvanized pipe posts of at least one and one-fourth inches diameter, spaced not more than 10 feet apart and set not less than 12 inches in concrete in holes six inches in diameter and 18 inches deep. A masonry fence needs a concrete footing at least 12 inches wide and six inches thick, with its bottom not less than 12 inches below ground surface.

Every required fence must be not less than five feet 10 inches above ground level at all places. Openings are barred unless each is not more than 50 square inches in area or not more than four inches in maximum horizontal dimension. Gates are the one exception to the opening rule: they must meet the same height and durability requirements as the fence, and each gate must be self-closing and self-latching by means of a device located not less than four feet above the ground.

A fence of any other construction type needs City Engineer approval before it is erected, and complete plans and details must be submitted in triplicate. Where no fence is provided, the pool must be under the continuous observation of a competent person whenever it contains water, or must have a covering device approved by the City Engineer.

Section 15.04.012(B) adds local swimming pool safety amendments. Mesh fencing must sit not less than 20 inches from the water's edge, horizontal members that allow grasping or footholds must be separated a minimum of 45 inches for a fence to count as non-climbable, a chain link opening cannot exceed 1 1/4 inches, and a clear zone of not less than 36 inches must separate the enclosure from pumps, filters, heaters, and other climbable equipment.