Spas and hot tubs are treated like pools in unincorporated Orange County. The OC note sheet's enclosure and secondary-barrier rules apply, and under the California Pool Safety Act a spa holding more than 18 inches of water needs a building permit and at least two drowning-prevention features.
The OC Public Works Swimming Pool/Spa Note Sheet repeatedly addresses 'pool and/or spa' together: a pool and/or spa must be completely enclosed by a minimum 5-foot-high fence with openings no greater than 4 inches, with self-closing, self-latching, outward-swinging gates (latch at least 5 feet high). The secondary barrier required by County Ordinance 19-006 likewise applies to spas. Under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act, the definition of a covered structure (Health & Safety Code Section 115921) includes hot tubs and spas that contain water over 18 inches deep, so a new or remodeled spa at a single-family home must be equipped with at least two of the seven drowning-prevention features in HSC 115922. State law (HSC 115925) provides an exemption from the enclosure mandate for spas equipped with an approved locking safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346, which can serve as a qualifying safety feature. The County note sheet also requires that any pool or spa heating system or equipment be installed only if the manufacturer has certified the system per 2019 California Energy Code Section 110.4, and a cover must be installed if the outdoor pool/spa has a heat pump or gas heater. Spa equipment must not exceed the noise level required by Orange County Noise Ordinance Section 4-6-5. Plumbing and gas piping must conform to the 2019 California Plumbing Code, and electrical work to the 2019 California Electrical Code, including pool/spa bonding under CEC 680.26(B).
A spa or hot tub deeper than 18 inches without a permit, enclosure, or qualifying safety feature fails inspection. Heating equipment installed without manufacturer certification or operating noise above OC Noise Ordinance Section 4-6-5 limits is a violation.
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