Napa County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Applicable law
- California HSC §§ 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act)
- Features required
- At least 2 of 7 drowning-prevention features
- Minimum fence height
- 60 inches
- Maximum ground clearance
- 2 inches
- Maximum gap size
- Must not pass a 4-inch sphere
- Gate latch height
- At least 60 inches above ground, self-closing and self-latching
Summary
Unincorporated Napa County applies the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, which requires new and remodeled residential pools and spas to have at least two of seven drowning-prevention features, with strict specifications for any pool enclosure.
An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics: (1) Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool, and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground. (2) A minimum height of 60 inches. (3) A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches. (4) Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter. (5) An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.
Full Breakdown
California Health & Safety Code section 115922 (last amended by SB 552, eff. Jan. 1, 2025) requires that whenever a building permit is issued for construction of a new swimming pool or spa, or for remodeling of an existing pool or spa, at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. Acceptable features include a compliant enclosure isolating the pool from the home, removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286, an ASTM F1346-certified safety cover, exit alarms on doors and windows facing the pool, self-closing/self-latching devices on doors providing pool access (release no lower than 54 inches), an ASTM F2208-certified water alarm, or another method providing equivalent protection.
When an enclosure is used, HSC section 115923 requires: minimum 60-inch height; maximum 2-inch ground clearance; gaps that do not pass a 4-inch sphere; an outside surface free of climbable footholds/handholds; and self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool with the latch placed at least 60 inches above ground. The Napa County Building Division supplies a Pool Safety Notice and Residential Pools & Spas submittal checklist to applicants.
Violations & Fines
Permits will not be finalized until the local building official inspects and verifies the safety features. Non-compliant pools cannot pass final inspection and may be subject to code-enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Napa County have its own pool fence ordinance?
Is a perimeter yard fence enough?
What about hot tubs and spas?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Napa County
California rules heatmap·Compare Napa County to another location·View the California swimming pools & spas overview
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