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

Section 11.32.050 adopts the City's swimming pool, spa and hot tub fencing regulations, covering the construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair and use of every such barrier. The barrier's top must sit at least 60 inches above grade, measured on the side facing away from the pool, and must be built to withstand the forces set out in the Uniform Building Code. The maximum gap under the barrier is four inches to a hard surface like concrete, or two inches to earth, and no opening in the barrier may pass a four-inch diameter sphere.

Solid barriers such as masonry or stone walls cannot have indentations or protrusions besides tooled masonry joints. Where horizontal and vertical members are spaced less than 45 inches apart, the horizontal members must face the pool side and vertical spacing is capped at two inches; where spacing is 45 inches or more, vertical spacing may reach four inches. Chain-link fencing is capped at a two-inch mesh with wire no lighter than 11-1/2 gauge, and lattice-style diagonal members are capped at a two-inch opening. Access gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, and carry a locking device mounted no less than 54 inches above grade; non-pedestrian gates need only a locking device.

Above-ground pools used as their own barrier must have ladders or steps that can be secured, locked or removed, or surrounded by a compliant barrier. Outdoor hot tubs and spas of 64 square feet or less may substitute a rigid, lockable safety cover for the barrier. The Director may grant case-by-case modifications under Chapter 11.02 where unusual circumstances make strict enforcement impractical.