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

The County PDS 379 handout states that spas and hot tubs must comply with the swimming-pool enclosure and safety-feature requirements 'except for self-contained hot tubs or spas, which are equipped with a locking safety cover that is listed to comply with ASTM F 1346-91.' In other words, a portable, self-contained spa with a compliant locking safety cover does not require the 60-inch perimeter enclosure that an in-ground pool needs. A spa that is not self-contained, or that lacks a listed locking cover, is treated like any other pool over 18 inches deep and must have the full enclosure plus at least one additional safety feature. An approved safety pool cover is itself one of the listed drowning-prevention safety options (it must meet ASTM F1346-91 and, for the power-cover option, be operable by a single switch at least 54 inches above ground). Entrapment-avoidance rules for suction outlets apply to spas as they do to pools. A building permit may be required for installation, particularly where plumbing, gas, or electrical work or a major deck is involved; confirm with County PDS Building Division. This treatment is consistent with California's Pool Safety Act, which similarly exempts spas with approved safety covers.