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

California Health and Safety Code § 115922 (Swimming Pool Safety Act, last substantively amended by SB 442, eff. Jan. 1, 2018) requires that whenever a building permit is issued for the construction or remodeling of a swimming pool or spa at a single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning-prevention safety features: (1) an enclosure meeting HSC § 115923 (60-inch fence, self-closing/self-latching gate, no 4-inch gaps, unclimbable); (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 doors and windows that provide direct access to the pool, producing an audible continuous alarm or repeated verbal warning; (5) self-closing, self-latching devices on all doors providing direct access to the pool, with release mechanisms no lower than 54 inches above the floor; (6) a water-surface alarm certified to ASTM F2208 that sounds upon unauthorized entry into the water; or (7) another protection equivalent in performance and independently verified by an approved testing laboratory. Carson Building & Safety verifies these features at final inspection. Additionally, federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act and ANSI/APSP-16 (incorporated by reference in the California Building Code adopted by Carson's Building Code chapter) require anti-entrapment-compliant drain covers and, where applicable, a secondary safety vacuum release system on single-main-drain pools. Because Carson is served by LA County Fire/EMS, drowning incidents receive LACoFD paramedic response.