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

Residential pool safety in unincorporated Santa Barbara County is governed by California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922), which the County Building & Safety Division enforces through the building permit. When a building permit is issued for the construction or remodeling of a swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the pool or spa must be equipped with at least two of seven listed drowning-prevention safety features: (1) an enclosure isolating the pool/spa from the home meeting Section 115923; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) an approved safety cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on doors and windows with direct pool access; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on doors providing direct access from the home, with the release mechanism at least 54 inches above the floor; (6) an alarm that sounds on unauthorized entrance into the water meeting ASTM F2208; or (7) other means of protection that provide equal or greater protection. These features are verified during plan check and inspection. The County does not waive or reduce these state minimums for residential pools.