California requires two of seven listed safety features when a permit is issued for a new or remodeled residential pool or spa. A qualifying barrier is at least 60 inches high, has no gaps a 4-inch sphere can pass, offers no footholds, and uses self-closing, self-latching gates that swing away from the water.
Where do the rules come from?
The Swimming Pool Safety Act, in Health and Safety Code sections 115920 to 115929. Section 115922 lists the seven features, such as an enclosure, removable mesh fencing, a safety cover, door alarms, self-closing door hardware and a pool alarm. Section 115923 says what an enclosure must be.
The enclosure checklist
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | At least 60 inches |
| Gap at the bottom | No more than 2 inches |
| Openings | None that a 4-inch sphere can pass |
| Climbing | No outside footholds or handholds |
| Gates | Open away from the pool, self-closing, self-latching, latch at least 60 inches up |
Which pairs do not count twice?
Some combinations count as one feature, not two, such as a safety cover plus a pool alarm. Plan the two features together with your pool builder.
And in Santa Ana?
The city reviews pool barriers through its building permit and inspection. Ask the building division whether any local amendments apply to your project. See pool fences in Santa Ana.
Sources, as of November 2026: California Health and Safety Code sections 115920 to 115929. General information, not legal advice.
Updated November 2026