San Jose, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Safety Rules (2026)

Drowning-prevention rules for private pools in unincorporated Santa Clara County come from California Health and Safety Code Section 115922. Whenever a building permit is issued for the construction of a new pool or spa, or the remodeling of an existing one, at a private single-family home, the pool or spa must be equipped with at least two of seven safety features: (1) an isolating enclosure meeting Section 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate that can accommodate a key-lockable device; (3) an approved safety pool cover; (4) exit alarms on the home's doors that provide direct access to the pool or spa; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on those doors with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor; (6) a pool alarm that sounds on unauthorized entry into the water; or (7) other protection providing equal or greater safety. The law does not allow both features to be located on the same door. Before issuing final approval, the local building official inspects the required features. New pools must also have anti-entrapment grates meeting the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard designated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission. Pool placement is further controlled by the County's five-foot setback rule (Zoning Ordinance Section 4.20.J).