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

Pool safety in unincorporated Shasta County is governed mainly by California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920 to 115929), which applies whenever the County issues a building permit. Under HSC 115922, a new swimming pool or spa, or a remodeled one, at a private single-family home must be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features: (1) an enclosure isolating the pool from the home that meets HSC 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on the home's doors that provide direct access to the pool; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on those doors; (6) an approved in-water alarm meeting ASTM F2208; or (7) other means providing equal or greater protection, independently verified. Shasta County's barrier handout reflects this by requiring, in addition to the perimeter fence, a feature that isolates the pool from access to the house. HSC 115928 also requires that, at permit issuance, pool suction outlets provide adequate circulation and be covered with anti-entrapment grates meeting the ANSI/APSP-16 standard. Under HSC 115921, a 'pool' is any structure holding water over 18 inches deep, including in-ground and above-ground pools, hot tubs, and spas.