San Bernardino County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Hot Tub Rules (2026)

Under San Bernardino County Building & Safety Bulletin IB-0007, the definition of a 'swimming pool' expressly includes hot tubs, spas, and portable spas containing water over 18 inches deep, so spas are subject to the same enclosure and drowning-prevention standards as pools. That means a spa generally needs a 60-inch enclosure with a self-closing, self-latching gate, unless an approved safety cover is used. An 'approved safety pool cover' is defined as a manually or power-operated cover meeting the ASTM F1346-91 performance standard, and it may substitute for the required enclosure. Where the cover is relied on as the barrier (or where a portion of the home with a door provides direct access), at least one additional drowning-prevention safety feature from Section B of the bulletin must also be provided, such as a door exit alarm, a self-latching door device with the release at least 54 inches above the floor, or an ASTM F2208 in-water alarm. A Pool and Spa Permit from Building & Safety is required to install a spa or hot tub, and the County reviews plans for compliance with the California Building Codes and Development Code. Many manufactured portable spas with a lockable hard cover meeting ASTM F1346 satisfy the cover-substitution provision, but the County still verifies compliance through the permit and inspection process.