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

California's Swimming Pool Safety Act at Health & Safety Code 115920-115929 sets mandatory minimum standards that all San Ramon residential pools must meet. For any pool constructed, installed, or substantially remodeled on or after January 1, 2018, the property must have at least two of the seven drowning prevention safety features: an enclosure that isolates the pool from the home, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, a safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346, exit alarms on every door providing direct access to the pool, self-closing and self-latching devices on access doors with release mechanisms at least 54 inches above the floor, an alarm placed in the pool that activates upon accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water, or other approved means of protection providing equivalent protection. The enclosure barrier itself must be at least 60 inches in height as measured from the outside of the barrier, have a maximum 2-inch vertical clearance from grade, have gaps no more than 4 inches apart in vertical members (and no more than 1.75 inches apart if horizontal members are less than 45 inches apart, to prevent climbing), and have self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool with latches at least 60 inches above the ground. Pool barriers must fully enclose the pool and be separate from (not rely solely on) the dwelling wall unless specific additional safeguards are installed. San Ramon building permits are required for new pool construction, spa installation, and barrier modifications. The Building Division conducts inspections of barrier height, gate function, latch height, and secondary safety features before final approval. Real estate transfer triggers an inspection disclosure requirement: the seller must disclose whether the pool conforms to the Pool Safety Act and provide a written statement of which safety features are present. Anti-entrapment drain covers complying with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act (Public Law 110-140) are separately mandatory. HOAs may impose additional aesthetic standards for barrier materials and design.