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

California Health and Safety Code section 115922, as amended by SB 442 (2017) and subsequent legislation, requires that any swimming pool, spa, or similar feature capable of holding water more than 18 inches deep that is constructed, remodeled, or installed on or after January 1, 2018 be equipped with at least two drowning prevention safety features from a list of seven: (1) an enclosure that meets the barrier requirements of section 115923 and isolates the pool from the home and yard; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 standards combined with a self-closing self-latching gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on doors providing direct access to the pool; (5) self-closing self-latching devices on doors with a release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor; (6) an alarm complying with ASTM F2208 that activates on pool water disturbance; or (7) other means of protection providing protection equal to or greater than the listed devices. The enclosure barrier under section 115923 must be at least 60 inches high, have no more than 2 inches of clearance from the ground, contain no gaps greater than 4 inches between vertical members, and have no climbable horizontal surfaces within the barrier. Gates must open outward from the pool, be self-closing, and self-latching with the latch 54 inches or higher. Building permits are required from the Pittsburg Building Division for pool construction and for safety feature modifications, and the inspector verifies compliance before final sign-off.