Rialto, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum barrier height
- 60 inches (5 feet) above grade
- Bottom clearance
- Max 2 inches (4 inches over solid surface)
- Opening size
- No passage of 1-3/4-inch sphere (city handout); RMC caps openings at 4 inches
- Chain link mesh
- Max 2-1/2 inches square (1-3/4 inches with slats)
- Gates
- Open outward, self-closing, self-latching, lockable
- Timing
- Barrier inspected and approved before plaster or filling with water
Summary
Rialto requires every swimming pool to be surrounded by a protective barrier fence or wall at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates, and the barrier must be inspected and approved before the pool is plastered or filled with water. The rule covers in-ground, above-ground, portable, and collapsible pools, plus garden ponds, spas, hot tubs, wading pools, and fountains holding water over 18 inches deep.
The City of Rialto's pool fencing regulations require that all swimming pools be surrounded by a protective barrier fence or wall. This fence or wall may surround the pool itself or the entire premises. The barrier shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water. (Exception: Self-contained spas and hot tubs with listed locking safety covers will not require the barrier fencing.) ... a) The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. b) The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2 inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier may be increased to 4 inches when grade is a solid surface such as a concrete deck, or when the barrier is mounted on top of the above-ground pool structure. c) When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier. d) Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations or cutouts, which render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited. 3. Openings in the barrier must not allow the passage of a 1-3/4-inch-diameter sphere. ... 4. Chain link fences used as the barrier shall have a maximum mesh size of 2-1/2 inches square. (Exception: If the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top and/or bottom that reduce the openings to no more than 1-3/4 inches.) ... 5. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of the aforementioned Items 1 through 3 and shall be equipped to accommodate a locking device. Pedestrian gates shall open outward away from the pool and shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate, the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and the gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the release mechanism. Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use.
Full Breakdown
The City of Rialto Building & Safety Division's pool fencing handout requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier fence or wall that may surround either the pool itself or the entire premises. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above grade measured from the outside, with no more than 2 inches of clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier (4 inches allowed over solid surfaces such as a concrete deck). Openings may not allow passage of a 1-3/4-inch-diameter sphere (4-inch openings allowed where vertical spacing between openings is 45 inches or more), horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches apart must be placed on the pool side, and climbable decorative work is prohibited.
Chain link fence mesh is capped at 2-1/2 inches square unless slats reduce openings to 1-3/4 inches. Pedestrian gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and accommodate a locking device. 030). California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922-115923) also requires new or remodeled residential pools to have at least two of seven drowning prevention safety features, one of which is a 60-inch isolation enclosure.
Violations & Fines
Violations of the Rialto Municipal Code are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of $1,000 or six months imprisonment, or both, unless charged as infractions with fines of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second within two years, and $500 for further violations (RMC 1.16.010). The city may also issue administrative citations with fines of $100 to $1,000 per day per violation under RMC Chapter 1.10. A pool may not be filled with water until the fence and gates pass inspection (RMC 15.36.040).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my above-ground or inflatable pool in Rialto need a fence?
Can the wall of my house count as part of the pool barrier in Rialto?
When does the pool fence have to be in place?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rialto
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