Sonoma County, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Permit Sonoma guideline CNI-044 sets out the construction safety standards for pools and spas in unincorporated Sonoma County, drawn from the state-adopted California codes. New pools must have at least two hydraulically balanced circulation drains per pump, separated by three or more feet, fitted with anti-entrapment grates meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 that require a tool to remove; remodeled pools must upgrade suction outlets with current anti-entrapment covers. Electrical rules require pump-motor receptacles at least 10 feet from pool walls (reducible to 6 feet with a locking, grounding, GFCI-protected, tamper-resistant receptacle), a general-purpose receptacle 6 to 20 feet from the pool wall, GFCI protection on all receptacles within 20 feet, and no receptacles within 6 feet of pool walls. Equipotential bonding uses 8 AWG solid copper, bonding all metal parts within 5 feet horizontally or 12 feet vertically of the pool interior, plus a copper or rebar equipotential grid extending 3 feet beyond the pool walls. Wet-niche lighting junction boxes must sit at least 8 inches above maximum water level, with fixtures at least 18 inches below normal water level. These features supplement the drowning-prevention barrier requirements under the Pool Safety Act.