San Diego Swimming Pool Compliance Requirements

If you plan to have a swimming pool, hot tub or spa on your San Diego property, it's important to know the rules.Pools for a single or multifamily residence must comply with city, county and state codes and usually require a permit.

What is a "pool"
   A pool is a closed system that never connects to your water supply - a private swimming pool is defined in the San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) as any structure that is:

• Intended for swimming or Recreational bathing
• Has more than 18" of water in depth
• Is in-ground, above-ground or on-ground
• Is a swimming pool, hot tub or spa

How to get a permit
First, you need to apply for a permit with the city of San Diego. Include a set of plot plans with your application. Appointments are available in the Development Services Center at (619) 446-5300 for simple plans that can be reviewed over the counter. Your plans must either be:

• Constructed to pre-approved master plans
• Or have been tested and approved by a licensed testing agency, such as the International Conference of building officials

Without a master plan, which is previously submitted by the designer to ensure compliance with the California Building Code, or approval by a testing agency, a pool cannot be checked over the counter.

The permit process
The city agents strive to approve the plans during the first plan review, when fees are due. The invoice you receive when the permit is issued is your copy of the permit. You will also receive a set of plans with all the necessary approval stamps, which must be available at all inspections. An Inspection Record Card and a Circuit Card for the inspector's signature is also required.
Typical Required inspections include:

• Steel placement
• Fencing
• Final inspection
• Permits are active for 180 days and renew for an additional 180 days each time an inspection is approved.

Plan requirements
Required elements in an over-the-counter plan include:

• Maximum exterior dimensions of the pool
• Distance from the edge of the pool to all adjacent structures
• Location of all pool service equipment
• Location and depth of the deep and shallow ends of the pool
• Location and height of all barriers
• Location and direction of all gates that lead to the pool area
• Separate building, electrical and plumbing permits are required for pools that are to be used by two or more residential units.

Enclosure requirements
The city of San Diego also requires pools to be enclosed for safety reasons. Every outdoor pool must be enclosed by a barrier that is at least 60" above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. In an above ground pool, the barrier may be the pools structure itself, or mounted on top of the pool structure. Chain link or lattice fences are allowed. If access to the above ground pool is a ladder or steps, they must be capable of being removed, secured or locked. In addition the ladder or steps must be surrounded by a barrier.

Child safety requirements
When you have a pool, child safety is also very important. The city's rules are also very specific in this area. If the house forms part of the swimming pool barrier and the wall opens directly into the pool yard area, one of the following child safety features must be provided;

• The pool area must be isolated from the home by an additional barrier
• A safety cover must be provided
• The residence must have exit alarms
• Or all doors leading to the pool yard must be self-closing and self-latching
• If the pool is three feet or less above grade, there must be a three foot minimum front, side and back yard. If the pool is more than three feet above grade, a four foot minimum rear yard is required.