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

Per the city's pool/spa user guide, the term 'swimming pool' (HSC 115921) includes hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools, so a spa or hot tub holding water over 18 inches deep is regulated like a pool. It requires a Tustin building permit and planning design review. Tustin reduces the required clean-up bond from $3,000.00 (pools) to $1,500.00 for spa or hot tub construction. Mechanical equipment must be set on a concrete pad above grade and installed per the current California Mechanical Code; the pump/filter may be located in a side yard if at least one foot from the dwelling exterior wall and at least ten feet from a neighbor's existing window or enclosed patio (Tustin City Code Section 8501 et al.), and a gas-fired water heater may sit in a side-yard setback under similar clearances. Equipment must be screened from public view with walls, fencing, or landscaping. Plumbing rules require spas to have a P-trap, cartridge filter, or separation tank. Electrically, wall switches must be at least five feet from the inside walls of the pool, spa, or hot tub, with GFCI protection and equipment bonding. Spas and hot tubs are still subject to the Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier and suction-outlet features unless they qualify for an exception; note that facilities licensed by the State Department of Social Services are governed by that agency, not the Safety Act (HSC 115926).