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

California Health & Safety Code 115922 requires that when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or the remodel of an existing one, at a private single-family home, the pool be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features: (1) an isolation enclosure meeting Section 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) an approved manual or power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346-23; (4) exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on doors providing direct access, with the release mechanism placed high on the door; (6) a water-detection alarm meeting ASTM F2208; and (7) other approved means providing equal or greater protection. Monterey County building inspectors verify the selected features at final inspection. Separately, Monterey County Environmental Health's Consumer Health Protection program inspects and permits PUBLIC swimming pools and spas, including apartment, HOA, hotel and resort pools, under the California Health & Safety Code and Title 22 regulations. Private single-family residential pools are not routinely inspected after final construction sign-off, but the required safety features must be maintained in working order.