Riverside, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Hot Tub Rules (2026)

Hot tubs and spas are regulated similarly to pools under California law, but the typical covered, heated portable spa benefits from a built-in locking cover that substantially reduces drowning risk. A GFCI-protected dedicated 240-volt (or 120-volt for plug-and-play models) circuit is required, installed per California Electrical Code Article 680. A hardwired spa requires an electrical permit, proper bonding, and an accessible disconnect within sight of the equipment. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act applies to spas the same way it applies to pools: at least two drowning-prevention features, but a safety cover listed to ASTM F1346 (must support 485 pounds without letting a child through) is generally accepted as one of those features. Second-feature options include an isolation fence, a door alarm on the dwelling door leading to the spa, or self-closing/self-latching devices. Inflatable spas follow the same rule set. Setbacks follow the underlying zoning — typically five feet from side/rear property lines — and electrical clearance requirements prohibit placement under overhead power lines. Spa water maintenance should use appropriate sanitizer (chlorine or bromine), pH 7.2–7.8, and regular filter cleaning. Draining: like pools, spa water must be dechlorinated before discharge to landscaping or the sanitary sewer, and never to storm drains. Rental properties with spas and short-term-rental hosts have additional guest-safety posting requirements.