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

When the Tulare County RMA issues a building permit for a new or remodeled pool or spa, several state-mandated safety provisions apply. Under Health & Safety Code 115922, the pool/spa must have at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features (enclosure, removable mesh fence, safety cover, water-surface or door alarms, self-closing self-latching doors, etc.). Health & Safety Code 115928 requires that, for new construction, the suction outlets of the pool or spa be equipped to provide circulation throughout the pool or spa, addressing suction-entrapment hazards consistent with anti-entrapment standards. The Act also requires that owners be given the drowning-prevention notice. Because Tulare County adopts the California Building Standards Codes by reference rather than writing its own pool-safety chapter, these state requirements are the operative rules in the unincorporated area, and the County's role is plan review and inspection. Owners should also confirm electrical bonding/grounding of pool equipment, which is inspected under the adopted electrical code. Note that a self-contained spa or hot tub with a listed safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 is treated differently from a pool barrier standpoint under the Act.