This is an EXCERPT from the code:
COBI0431 [Reviewed 10/24/2005] (Revised 10/24/2005)
Construction Requirements for Swimming Pools and Spas
[2. Barriers – Group R, Division 3 Occupancies SCC Section 16.36.130
An outdoor swimming pool shall be provided with a barrier that, once installed, shall be inspected and approved by a
Building Inspection official prior to filling the swimming pool with water. The barrier shall comply with each of the following:
a. The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away
from the swimming pool. The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be 2
inches measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool. (See Figure 1) The
maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the barrier may be increased to 4 inches when grade is a solid
surface such as a concrete deck or when the barrier is mounted on the top of the above ground pool structure.
(See Figure 2 and Figure 3) When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches apart between
the tops of the horizontal members, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier (See
Figure 4). Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions,
indentations, or cutouts that render the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited.
b. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 1 ¾ inch or greater diameter sphere. (See Figure 4)
a. Exception: For fencing composed of vertical and horizontal members, the spacing between vertical
members may be increased to a maximum 4 inches when the distance between the tops of the horizontal
members is 45 inches or more. (See Figure "5")
c. Chain link fences used as the barrier shall not be less than 11 gauge.
d. Solid barriers that do not have openings, such as masonry or stone walls, shall not contain indentations or
protrusions except for tooled masonry joints.
e. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of subdivisions a through (d) above. Pedestrian access gates
shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. Where the release mechanism of the latching device is
located less than 54 inches from grade, (i) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at
least 3 inches below the top of the gate, and (ii) the gate barrier shall have no opening greater that ½ inch within
18 inches of the release mechanism. (See Figure 6) Pedestrian gates (in fences isolating the pool from the
dwelling) shall swing away from the pool. Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with
lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when the pool is not in use.
f. Where a wall of a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy dwelling unit serves as part of the barrier and contains door
openings between the dwelling unit and the outdoor swimming pool that provide direct access to the pool, a
separation fence meeting the requirements of subdivisions (a) through (e) above shall be provided.
g. Any other alternate barrier product maybe approved on a case by case basis by the Chief Building Official.
h. Where an above ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted on the top of the pool
structure and the means of access is a ladder or steps, either (i) the ladder or steps shall be capable of being
secured, locked, or removed to prevent access, or (ii) the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that
meets the requirements of subdivisions (a) through (f) above. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked, or
removed, any opening created shall be protected by a barrier complying with subdivisions (a) through (f) above.
Exception:
a. An Approved Child Safety Device, as defined in Section 16.36.120(b), Sacramento County Code (SCC),
subject to a prior written determination by the Chief of Building Inspection that the degree of protection to
small children afforded by such an approved device is equal to that provided by a separation fence
meeting the requirements of Items 1 through 6 of Section 16.36.130, SCC (see subdivisions (a) through
(f) above).
b. Pool covers meeting AST F1346-91 standards may be used.
COBI0431 [Reviewed 10/24/2005] Swim Pool Spa(Revised 10/24/2005) Page 3 of 13
COBI0431 [Reviewed 10/24/2005] Swim Pool Spa(Revised 10/24/2005) Page 4 of 13
Indoor Swimming Pool
For an indoor swimming pool, protection shall comply with the requirements of subsection ( f ) above.
Spas and Hot Tubs
A spa or hot tub with a locking safety cover that complies with ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
Standard F 1346-91 shall not be required to provide other barriers. Where a locking safety cover is not provided, the spa
or hot tub shall comply with the requirements of subsection ( a ) through ( g ) above.]