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

California Health and Safety Code Sec. 115922 requires that any new or remodeled swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home incorporate at least two of the following seven safety features: (1) a perimeter enclosure (fence, wall, or barrier) that isolates the pool from the home and meets standards in Sec. 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM International F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) a manually or power-operated safety pool cover meeting ASTM International F1346-23; (4) exit alarms on the home's doors and windows providing direct pool access, producing an audible continuous alarm or repeating verbal warning; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on doors with direct pool access; (6) a water immersion alarm meeting ASTM F2208 standards that sounds upon detection of accidental entry; or (7) other equivalent protection certified by an independent approved testing laboratory.

Certain feature combinations are prohibited (for example, combining an exit alarm and a self-closing device on the same door does not satisfy the two-feature requirement). The California Building Code Sec. 3109 sets construction standards for pool barriers. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection enforces these requirements during permit review and final inspection. Owners are responsible for keeping all selected safety features in good repair and operable as designed.