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

The Tuolumne County Residential Swimming Pool Enclosure handout addresses spas and hot tubs in its notes: self-contained spas and hot tubs are excluded from the enclosure/barrier requirements when equipped with a listed safety cover. This mirrors the California Building Standards Code, which exempts spas and hot tubs with safety covers from the standard pool fence requirement. If a spa or hot tub does not have a qualifying listed safety cover and holds water over 18 inches deep, it falls within the County's swimming pool definition and the 60-inch barrier, gate, and anti-climb standards apply. A spa or hot tub is also an accessory use under Chapter 17.38 of the County Zoning Ordinance, permitted in conjunction with a residential use and subject to district standards and setbacks. Building permits and electrical/plumbing review follow the California Building Standards Code as adopted and enforced by the County Building and Safety Division. Because requirements depend on whether a listed cover is provided and on the specific installation, applicants should confirm the permit scope with the Building and Safety Division at (209) 533-5633 before installing.