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

Upland's pool safety rules come from the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Section 115922), which the city enforces through the California Residential Code adopted in Title 15. For a new pool or spa, or for a remodel of an existing one at a single-family home, at least one of seven drowning-prevention safety features must be in place before the building permit is finalized: (1) an enclosure that isolates the pool from the home meeting the 60-inch barrier standard; (2) removable mesh fencing meeting ASTM F2286 with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) an approved safety pool cover meeting ASTM F1346; (4) exit alarms on doors with direct pool access; (5) self-closing, self-latching doors with a release no lower than 54 inches above the floor; (6) a pool alarm certified to ASTM F2208; or (7) an approved equivalent protection system. The requirement has applied to permits issued since January 1, 2007, and the city's inspector verifies the chosen feature at final inspection. These are minimum life-safety standards, so an applicant may combine measures but must satisfy at least one approved option. Property owners replacing or remodeling an older pool should confirm whether the upgrade triggers a permit and the safety-feature requirement.