New Swimming Pool Enclosure Law

[NOTE] When a single-family residence with a pool is transferred and a home inspection is performed on the home, the home inspection report shall identify which, if any, of seven specific drowning prevention safety features are present. Those safety features are defined in section 115922 of the Health & Safety Code.

The home inspection report shall specifically state if the pool or spa has fewer than two of the listed drowning prevention safety features.

Pool & Spa Fencing Notes:

CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 115920 – 115929 adopted January 1, 2018 now requires a pool be equipped with at least TWO (2) of the following Seven (7) drowning prevention safety features:

1. The pool shall be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure the meets the requirements of SECTION 115923.
2. The pool shall incorporate removable mesh fencing that meets America Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) Specifications F 2286 standards (the inspector is not able to determine if the ASTM specifications are met).
3. The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover.
4. The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors/windows providing direct access to the pool.
5. All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool shall be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor.
6. Swimming pool alarms that, when placed in pools, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.
7. Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by the device set forth above.

Local codes may be more restrictive than those listed above.

Recommend where needed installing two or more of the choices above. A qualified person should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary, and as per CALIFORNIA HEALTH and SAFETY CODE 115920 – 115929.