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

Westminster's pool safety standards are largely set by California state law, which the City adopts and enforces through the building codes in Title 15 of the Municipal Code. The City requires pools and spas to be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition, in addition to being fenced and secured. The core drowning-prevention requirements come from the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Under Health and Safety Code section 115922, when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or for permitted remodeling, at a single-family home, the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven safety features: (1) an enclosure meeting section 115923; (2) approved removable mesh fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate; (3) an approved ASTM safety cover; (4) exit alarms on doors with direct pool access; (5) a self-closing, self-latching device on those doors set no lower than 54 inches above the floor; (6) an approved pool alarm; or (7) an equivalent protection independently verified. The Act applies to private single-family home pools and spas; it does not by itself cover public pools or apartment complexes. Westminster supplements these with its accessory-structure setback and height rules (Municipal Code section 17.400.130) and its general nuisance and property-maintenance enforcement. Owners should confirm the exact combination of safety features with the Building Division during plan review.