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

Under the County PDS 379 requirements, a new pool, spa, or hot tub must be separated from neighboring properties by a compliant enclosure AND equipped with at least one of the following safety features: (1) isolation of the pool from the home and other habitable buildings by a second enclosure meeting the same standards; (2) an electrically operated approved safety pool cover operable by a single switch at least 54 inches above ground; (3) an exit alarm on each door providing direct pool access (sounding for at least 30 seconds within 7 seconds of opening, at least 85 dB at 10 feet indoors, with a manual deactivation control no lower than 54 inches); (4) self-closing, self-latching devices on all doors with direct pool access, with the release no lower than 54 inches above the floor plus a compliant alternate exit door; or (5) other means of equal or greater protection as determined by the building official. Entrapment-avoidance rules require suction-outlet covers meeting ASME A112.19.8M (or a 12-by-12-inch or larger drain grate), an atmospheric vacuum relief or safety vacuum release system, and dual suction outlets of the approved type separated by at least 3 feet horizontally or vertically. These mirror California's Pool Safety Act (HSC 115922/115928). Fence gates must also allow access for emergency personnel; contact the local fire agency.