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

Tehama County's Swimming Pool Code (Section 15.24.040) requires that, when a building permit is issued for a new swimming pool or spa or for remodeling an existing one at a private single-family home, the pool or spa be equipped with at least two of the seven drowning-prevention safety features, with one of the two required features being an enclosure or safety cover. Section 15.24.050 separately requires compliance with California Health and Safety Code Section 115920 et seq. The seven features in Health and Safety Code Section 115922 are: (1) an enclosure meeting Section 115923; (2) ASTM F2286 removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching, key-lockable gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting the ASTM F1346 standard; (4) exit alarms on the home's doors and windows facing the pool; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device with a release placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on doors providing access to the pool; (6) an ASTM F2208 pool alarm that detects entry into the water; or (7) an equivalent approved means verified by a testing laboratory. Because Tehama County adopts these state standards by reference, the state's safety-feature menu is the governing rule in the unincorporated county. Owners should plan for inspection of the chosen features at permit final.