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

For private pools, El Monte applies California Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929 through Title 15 of the Municipal Code. New and remodeled pools must include at least two of the seven safety features in HSC §115922(a), which include enclosures, ASTM F2286 removable mesh fencing, ASTM F1346-91 power safety covers, exit alarms on doors with direct pool access, self-closing self-latching doors with releases at least 54 inches off the floor, ASTM F2208 pool alarms, or other devices independently certified as equivalent. The California Plumbing Code (adopted via El Monte MC Ch. 15.02) requires that all suction outlets comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. §8003) — i.e., ANSI/APSP-16 anti-entrapment drain covers and, where applicable, a secondary anti-entrapment system. Separately, El Monte MC Ch. 13.04 governs the sewer and storm system: §13.04.120 prohibits any discharge that 'creates a hazard' or that includes chlorinated water — pool water must be dechlorinated and drained to the sanitary sewer through an approved connection, not into the gutter, because El Monte's storm drains discharge to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River.