Midway City, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Per County of Orange Ordinance number 19-006, as set out in the OC Public Works Swimming Pool/Spa Note Sheet, a secondary pool barrier is required in addition to the perimeter enclosure. The secondary barrier must consist of one of the following: a removable mesh fence located more than 20 inches from the water edge with a self-closing, self-latching gate that can accommodate a key-lockable device; a safety pool cover; a pool alarm for entrance into the water; or other means providing greater protection as approved by the building official. This requirement layers on top of the perimeter fence and reflects the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code Section 115922), which requires that when a building permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool be equipped with at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features: a compliant enclosure (115923), removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing/self-latching gate, an ASTM F1346 safety cover, exit alarms on doors with direct pool access, a self-closing/self-latching device on home doors with a release no lower than 54 inches, an ASTM F2208 water-entry alarm, or other approved equivalent means. The County note sheet also requires anti-entrapment drainage: two return drains (one at the bottom and one on the side within 2 inches of the bottom, minimum 4 feet apart) with anti-vortex covers, and advises compliance with California Health & Safety Code Section 115928 for proper pool drain system installation.