Buena Park, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

The City of Buena Park Building Division pool handout adopts the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Under the heading 'New Regulations as of 1/1/2018 (CA Health and Safety Code Sec 115922),' when a building permit is issued for a new pool/spa or a remodel at a private single-family home, the pool/spa must have at least two of seven drowning-prevention features: (1) an isolating enclosure separate from property fencing; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing/self-latching lockable gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on house doors with direct pool access; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device with release at least 54 inches above the floor on those doors; (6) an in-water alarm certified to ASTM F2208; or (7) an equivalent approved protection. Inspection and approval of these features is mandatory before final approval. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct pool access need an audible alarm sounding at least 30 seconds, with a 54-inch-high temporary deactivation switch. Suction outlets must use anti-entrapment grates per ANSI/APSP-16, and remodels must upgrade existing outlets. Pools need approved safety covers meeting ASTM F1346. The handout states the full Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC 115920-115929) and California Building Code Section 3109 are part of its requirements. The State note: these features do not apply to public pools, apartment-complex pools, or settings other than single-family homes.