Hot tubs and portable spas in Stockton are regulated as 'pools' under state law, but an ASTM F1346-compliant locking safety cover satisfies the barrier requirement under California Health & Safety Code §115921(b) and CRC Appendix V.
California Health & Safety Code §115921(b) explicitly includes spas and hot tubs within the definition of a 'swimming pool' for Pool Safety Act purposes when they contain water over 18 inches deep. However, the same statute and California Residential Code Appendix V §AV103 provide that a hot tub or spa equipped with a safety cover that complies with ASTM F1346 (locking safety cover) is exempt from the 60-inch enclosure requirement. The cover must be lockable and bear a label certifying compliance. A building permit is still required for the spa installation under SMC §15.08 (adopted CRC), and an electrical permit is required for the 240-volt or GFCI-protected hookup under California Electrical Code Article 680 as adopted in CBC Chapter 27. Spas installed within 5 feet of a panelboard require additional bonding per CEC §680.26.
A spa installed without a permit may be red-tagged by the building inspector. A spa lacking either a 60-inch enclosure or a compliant locking cover is a violation of Cal. H&S Code §115921 and the adopted CRC, subject to abatement. Electrical violations under CEC Art. 680 (lack of bonding, GFCI, or proper disconnect) can result in inspection failure and require re-work before final.
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