Santa Ana, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary Barrier
- 60 inches minimum height
- Gate Latch
- 60 inches above grade, self-closing
- Secondary Barrier
- Required (mesh fence, cover, or alarm)
- Mesh Fence Offset
- 20+ inches from water edge
- State Law
- HSC §115920-115929
Summary
Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) requiring all residential pools to have a primary barrier at least 60 inches high plus a secondary barrier. Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006 adds secondary barrier requirements.
(a) Except as provided in Section 115925 [...] when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features: (1) An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home. (2) Removable mesh fencing that meets the ASTM International F2286 standard in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device. (3) A manually operated or power-operated safety pool cover meeting ASTM International F1346-23.
Full Breakdown
Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act and Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006, all residential swimming pools and spas in Santa Ana must have a primary enclosure barrier at least 60 inches high with no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the latch at least 60 inches above grade or accessible only from the pool side. A secondary barrier is required, which may be: a removable mesh fence located more than 20 inches from the water's edge with a self-closing/self-latching key-lockable gate; a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346; a pool alarm meeting ASTM E2017; or an equivalent approved alternative. Door alarms on building exits opening to the pool area are also accepted as secondary barriers.
Violations & Fines
Failure to install or maintain required pool barriers is a safety violation subject to immediate enforcement action, fines, and potential pool closure until compliance is achieved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of pool fence is required in Santa Ana?
Can I use a pool alarm instead of a fence?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Ana
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