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

Title 9, Division 10, Section 91003.01.F provides that swimming pool design must comply with the California Residential Code 2019 Edition, Appendix V, the Swimming Pool Safety Act, and California Electrical Code Article 680.26(B) equipotential bonding subsections and 680.26(c) pool water bonding, plus any other articles applicable to the specific pool, and must also satisfy County zoning Section 90501.16. The County's listed safety features mirror the state Swimming Pool Safety Act: an approved ASTM F1346 safety cover; exit alarms on doors and operable windows under 48 inches that access the pool; and self-closing, self-latching door hardware releasing no lower than 54 inches above the floor. The underlying California Health & Safety Code 115922 requires, when a building permit issues for a new or remodeled residential pool or spa, that the pool be equipped with at least two of seven specified drowning-prevention safety features (isolation enclosure, ASTM F2286 removable mesh fence, ASTM F1346 cover, door exit alarms, self-latching door device, ASTM F2208 pool alarm, or equivalent protection). Health & Safety Code 115928 separately requires anti-entrapment drain covers and a second protective device on suction outlets. Imperial County does not supplant these state standards; its ordinance adopts and points to them.