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

For unincorporated Kings County, pool safety is governed by the California Health & Safety Code, which the County Development Code adopts by reference. Article 5, Section 508.B.3.a (and the matching Article 4, Section 418.B.3.a) require private single-family pools built after January 1, 1998 to be "fenced, enclosed or equipped with another safety feature as provided in Sections 115920 - 115927 of the California Health and Safety Code." Under HSC 115922, whenever a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or for remodeling an existing one, at a private single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features: (1) an isolating enclosure meeting HSC 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate; (3) an approved manually or power-operated safety pool cover (ASTM F1346); (4) exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on doors with a release no lower than 54 inches above the floor; (6) a pool alarm that sounds on accidental entry into the water; or (7) other approved equivalent protection verified by an approved testing laboratory. The County's building inspection verifies these features before finalizing the pool permit. These are the same statewide standards, so the rules in unincorporated Kings County mirror California law.