Santa Clarita, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

The Swimming Pool Safety Act defines a "swimming pool" in Health and Safety Code Section 115921 as any structure built for swimming or recreational bathing holding more than 18 inches of water, a definition broad enough to sweep in in-ground pools, aboveground pools, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools; only a public pool is carved out of that definition. Section 115921 defines an "enclosure" as a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates the pool from access to the home, and Section 115923 sets the physical standard that barrier must meet: access gates must open away from the pool and be self-closing with a self-latching device mounted at least 60 inches above the ground, the enclosure itself must stand at least 60 inches tall, the gap under it cannot exceed 2 inches, no opening can pass a 4-inch sphere, and the outside face must be free of protrusions or footholds that would let a child under five climb over.

Section 115925 exempts public pools, hot tubs or spas with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346, and pools at apartment complexes or other multifamily residential settings from the article altogether. 5 anti-entrapment grates before plaster work proceeds without a full permit.