POOL + SPA INSTALLATION PERMIT
Guide
VERSION 1.0 REVISED 03/31/15
GENERAL
The purpose of this guide is to clarify the minimum building code requirements when applying for a permit
to install or remodel a pool, spa, hot tub or other water-containing structure intended for swimming or
recreational bathing over 18” deep in or on 1 or 2-family dwelling sites. Note that these requirements do
not apply to apartment complexes or any residential setting other than a single-family home, or to public
swimming pools.
The information provided in this document is general and intended as a guide only. Each project is unique
and additional requirements may be enforced as deemed appropriate.
DEFINITIONS
1. APPROVED SAFETY POOL COVER = a manually or power-operated safety pool cover that meets
the requirements of ASTM F 1346-91.
2. BARRIER = A fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof which completely surrounds the
swimming pool and obstructs access to the pool.
3. ENCLOSURE = a fence, wall or other barrier that isolates a swimming pool from access to the home.
4. EXIT ALARM = a device that makes audible, continuous alarm sounds when any door or window that
permits access from the residence to the pool area, that is without any intervening enclosure, is
opened or is left ajar.
5. SUCTION OUTLET = a fitting or fixture typically located at the bottom or on the sides of a swimming
pool that conducts water to a recirculating pump.
6. SWIMMING POOL OR POOL = any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that
contains water over 18” deep. Swimming pool includes in-ground and above-ground structures and
includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas and non-portable wading pools.
PROCEDURE TO OBTAIN CONSTRUCTION PERMITS FOR SPAS/POOLS
1. Submit plans, specifications and a combination permit application for all work to be covered.
2. The building permit plans shall include a site plan with dimensions to fences, property lines, and
structures from the spa/pool. The site plan shall also include location of equipment, existing fences,
and self-closing gates or other drowning prevention safety features.
3. The electrical plans shall include a load breakdown analysis on the service panel to justify that there is
capacity for the additional circuits. The analysis shall include the wattage and amperage demand of
the new circuits. The contractor shall include an electrical circuit drawing to be reviewed by the plan
reviewer.
4. The plumbing plans shall include an isometric drawing of the spa water line system. The type and
BTU capacity of the heater shall be listed as well as the size and specification of the gas line shall be
shown on the plan.
5. Provide IAPMO approval number for spa or signed engineering drawing.
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6. Provide a copy of the site plan on an 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of paper.
7. The contractor shall provide owner notice of the requirements of Appendix G of the 2013 California
Building Code. The following links provide more information useful to owners: Federal Pool Safety
FAQ, California Department of Health Services, Association of Pool and Spa Professionals.
8. If the pool is located in a flood hazard area provide documentation as follows:
a. If the pool is located in a designated floodway, documentation shall demonstrate that the
construction of the pool will not increase the design flood elevation at any point within the
jurisdiction.
b. If the pool is located where design flood elevations are specified, but where floodways have not
been designated, provide a floodway analysis that demonstrates that the proposed pool will not
increase the design flood elevation more than 1 foot at any point within the jurisdiction.
POOL LOCATION AND SETBACK REQUIREMENTS
A swimming pool may be placed or constructed in any of the required yard areas provided the pool is
constructed at ground level and provided the following setbacks are maintained San Mateo Municipal Code
23.44:
1. For single family dwellings, the inside face of the pool shall not be less than four feet from any
property boundary of the lot or parcel on which the pool is located.
2. For multifamily dwellings, the inside face of an outdoor pool shall be not less than twenty feet from
any property boundary. Indoor swimming pool structures for multifamily dwellings shall also be subject
to the setback requirements for accessory buildings, as designated in Chapter 27.70 of the Zoning
Code, with the exception that the minimum clearance of 4 feet to the property line and 5 feet to
surrounding buildings shall still apply.
3. No portion of a swimming pool may be constructed in any public utility easement or drainage
easement or utility right-of-way. There shall be not less than five feet of open space between the
inside face of the pool and any structure.
4. No part of a swimming pool (water area) shall be located or constructed directly under permanentlyinstalled electric power lines. Pools shall be located in such a manner that overhead conductor
clearances meet the requirements of the Electrical Code, Chapter 23.12 of the San Mateo Municipal
Code. No pool shall be constructed in any location that violates any State law or Public Utility
Commission rules for location in relation to electric power lines, service drops and/or communication
lines.
5. Swimming pools located on slopes must comply with setback requirements as prescribed in chapter
23.40 of the Site Development Code.
ENCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
New pools or remodeling of existing pools shall be equipped with at least one of the following drowning
prevention safety features. Enclosures separate access to the pool from the house:
1. The pool shall be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure that has all the following
characteristics:
a. Any access gates through the enclosure shall open away from the swimming pool and are selfclosing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60” above ground.
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b. The enclosure height is 60” high minimum.
c. A 2” maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure.
d. Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow the passage of a sphere equal to or greater than 4” in diameter.
e. The outside surface shall be free of protrusions, cavities or other physical characteristics that would
serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of 5 years to climb over.
2. The pool shall incorporate removable mesh pool fencing that meets ASTM F 2286 in conjunction with
a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
3. The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover that meets ASTM F 1346.
4. The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors providing direct access to the pool.
5. All doors providing direct access from the home to the swimming pool shall be equipped with a selfclosing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54” above the floor.
6. Swimming pool alarms that meet ASTM F 2208 and that, when placed in pools, will sound upon
detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water.
7. Pumps and other swimming pool equipment which produce sound above the level of 35dba shall not
be located within twenty-five feet of any neighboring property unless such equipment is enclosed in an
enclosure that will reduce the sound at the property line to a level of 35dba or less. Swimming pool
heaters need not be enclosed in a pool equipment enclosure
8. Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than the devices
in 1-4 above, and have been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory.
BARRIER REQUIREMENTS
Outdoor swimming pools, including an in-ground, above-ground or on-ground pool, hot tub or spa shall be
surrounded by a barrier which complies with the following:
1. The top of the barrier shall be at least 48” above grade measured on the side of the barrier which
faces away from the pool.
2. Where an in-ground pool is installed, the maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom
of the barrier shall be 2”.
3. Where an above-ground pool is installed and the barrier is mounted to the top of the pool structure,
the maximum clearance between the pool structure and the bottom of the barrier shall be 4”.
4. Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a 4” diameter sphere.
5. Solid barriers shall not have protrusions of indentations, except for tooled masonry joints.
6. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between the tops
of the horizontal members is less than 45”, the horizontal members shall be located on the pool side
of the fence. Spacing between vertical members shall not exceed 1 1/4”.
7. Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, and the distance between the tops
of the horizontal members is 45” or more, spaces between the vertical members shall not exceed 4”.
8. Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be 2 ¼” square, unless the fence has slats fastened at
the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to not more than 1 1/4”.
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9. Where the barrier is composed of diagonal members, such as a lattice fence, the maximum opening
formed by the diagonal members shall not be more than 1 1/4”.
10. Pedestrian access gates shall comply with items 1 – 9 above and:
a. Shall be equipped with a locking device.
b. Shall be equipped with a self-closing and a self-latching device.
c. Shall open outward away from the pool.
11. Non-pedestrian gates shall:
a. Have a self-latching device.
b. If the self-latching device is located less than 54” from the bottom of the gate, the release
mechanism and openings shall comply with the following:
1) The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the gate at least 3 inches from
the top of the gate.
2) The gate and barrier shall have no opening larger than ½” within 18” of the release
mechanism.
12. Where a wall of a dwelling serves as part of the barrier, one of the following conditions shall be met:
a. The pool shall be equipped with an approved safety pool cover that meets ASTM F 1346.
b. The residence shall be equipped with exit alarms on those doors (and screens, if present), on that
wall providing direct access to the pool. The alarms shall comply with the following:
1) The alarm shall be listed and labeled per UL 2017.
2) The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54” above the threshold of the door.
c. Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than the
devices in 12 a) or 12 b) above, and have been independently verified by an approved testing
laboratory.
13. Where an above-ground pool structure is used as a barrier or where the barrier is mounted to the top
of the pool structure, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, comply with one of the following:
a. The ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access, or
b. The ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier. When the ladder or steps are secured,
locked or removed, any openings created shall not allow passage of a 4” diameter sphere.
14. Barriers shall be located to prevent permanent structures, equipment or similar objects from being
used to climb over the barrier.
15. Refer to Safety Barrier Guidelines for drawings and other detailed information.
SUCTION OUTLET ANTI-ENTRAPMENT REQUIREMENTS
New pools or remodeling of existing pools shall meet all of the following anti-entrapment requirements:
1. The suction outlets of the pool or spa shall be equipped to provide circulation throughout the pool or
spa as follows:
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a. The pool shall have either 1) or 2) below:
1) At least 2 circulation suction outlets per pump that are hydraulically balanced and
symmetrically pumped through one or more “T” fittings, and that are separated by at least 3’
in any direction, or
2) Be designed to use alternative to suction outlets, including, but not limited to, skimmers or
perimeter overflow systems to conduct water to the recirculation pump.
2. The circulation system shall have the capacity to provide a complete turnover of pool water per 2013
California Building Code Section 3124B on page 446.
3. Suction outlets shall be covered with anti-entrapment grates that cannot be removed except with the
use of tools. FAQ Anti-Entrapment Grates
4. Any backup safety system that an owner may choose to install in addition to the requirements in 1 – 4
above, shall meet the standards as published in Consumer Products Safety Commission Publication
363: Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer.
5. Whenever an existing pool or spa is remodeled or modified, the suction outlets shall be upgraded so
as to be equipped with anti-entrapment grates.
ELECTRICAL REQUIREMENTS
The requirements for the installation of electrical systems at pools and pool equipment are found in Section
680 of the 2013 California Electrical Code, which is based on the 2011 National Electrical Code. The
requirements listed below include basic requirements only. Refer to the CEC for additional requirements.
POWER SUPPLY CONDUCTOR CLEARANCES
1. Refer to CEC Table 680.8 for clearances to overhead conductors.
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2. Refer to CEC Table 680.10 for minimum cover for buried conductors.
Non-metallic raceways
listed for direct burial
under minimum of 4”
thick concrete exterior
slab and extending
not less than 6” beyond
the underground
installation
150
6
3. Communications system cables minimum 10’ above pool.
DISCONNECTING MEANS
One or more disconnecting means to simultaneously disconnect power to utilization equipment shall be
provided. The disconnect shall be:
1. Readily accessible and within sight from its equipment.
2. At least 5’ horizontally from the inside walls of the pool, unless separated from the open pool water
by a permanently installed barrier that provides a reach path of at least 5’.
3. The horizontal distance is measured from the water’s edge along the shortest path required to reach
the disconnect.
GROUNDING
The following equipment shall be grounded:
1. Through-wall lighting assemblies and underwater luminaires, except low voltage fixtures listed for use
without a grounding conductor.
2. All electrical equipment located within 5’ of the inside wall of the pool.
3. All electrical equipment associated with the recirculating system for the pool.
4. All junction boxes.
5. All transformer and power supply enclosures.
6. All GFCI’s.
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7. Panelboards that are not part of the service equipment and that supply any electrical equipment
associated with the pool.
BONDING
1. Bonding clamps shall be listed and marked for direct burial in concrete and for rebar.
2. Equipotential Bonding at Pool Deck/Perimeter Surfaces: The equipotential bonding of the perimeter
surface shall extend for (3 ft) horizontally beyond the inside walls of the pool and shall include
unpaved surfaces as well as poured concrete and other types of paving and shall be attached to the
pool deck structural reinforcing steel rods bonded together by the usual steel tie wires at a minimum
of four (4) points uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the pool with a min. 8 AWG copper
conductor.
3. For pools with unpaved decks, at least one (1) min. #8 AWG bare solid copper conductor shall be
provided which follows the contour of the pool and located between 18” to 24” from the inside edge of
the pool, secured within or under perimeter surface four (4) to six (6) inches below the subgrade and
attached at four (4) points equally spaced.
4. For pools with non-conductive pool shells (i.e. fiberglass, vinyl lined, or encapsulated rebar), a copper
conductor grid shall be provided, consisting of min. #8 AWG bare solid copper conductors bonded to
one another at each point of crossing, arranged in a 12” X 12” grid, and secured within or under the
pool no more than six (6) inches from the outer contour of the pool shell.
5. An intentional bond of min. nine (9) square inches shall be installed in contact with the pool water and
connected to the equipotential bond.
JUNCTION BOXES
1. The bottom of a junction box shall be at least 8” above maximum water line.
2. The bottom of a junction box shall be at least 4” above ground or pool deck.
3. A junction box shall be at least 4’ from the inside wall of the pool, unless separated by a barrier.
RECEPTACLES
1. Receptacles shall be located at least 6’ from the edge of the pool.
2. GFCI protection is required for pool lights and receptacle outlets.
LUMINAIRES
1. J-boxes shall be listed for pool/spa lights.
2. There are many types of pool lights and installation methods. Consult with building inspector and/or
refer to CEC Section 680.23 for details.
POOL EQUIPMENT
1. Fixed or stationary cord and plug connected equipment at permanently installed pools are permitted
to be connected with a maximum 3’ long flexible cord and plug.
PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS
WATER SUPPLY INLETS
1. Water supply inlets to swimming pools shall be protected by one of the following means:
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a. An approved air gap.
b. A listed vacuum breaker install on the discharge side of the last valve with the critical level not less
than 6” or in accordance with its listing.
c. A backflow preventer suitable for use at swimming pools.
2. Potable water supply to swimming pools shall be protected by an air gap or reduced pressure
principle backflow preventer according to the following:
a. The unit is equipped with a submerged fill line.
b. The potable water supply is directly connected to the unit circulation system.
WASTEWATER PIPING
1. Pipes carrying wastewater from swimming pools, including pool drainage and backwash from filters
shall be installed as an indirect waste.
2. Where a pump is used to discharge waste, the pump discharge shall be installed as an indirect
waste.
UNDERGROUND PIPING SYSTEMS
GAS PIPING
1. No gas piping shall be installed in or on the ground under any building or structure unless
installed/sleeved in gastight conduit, and all exposed gas piping shall be kept at least 6” inches
above grade or structure. The term “building or structure” shall include breezeways, roofed patios,
pool equipment pads, covered walks, and similar structures or appurtenances.
2. A gas test using a gauge with 1/10 pound increments at house meter location is required to maintain
3 psi for 10 minutes. Test gauges shall not be greater than twice the pressure applied. [CPC 318.1-5]
3. Gas pipe shall be sized using the tables in the California Plumbing Code.
[CPC 1216.2]
4. Underground metallic gas pipe that is extended below grade requires a dielectric/ isolation fitting
union to be installed at a minimum of 6” above grade. [CPC 1210.15.1]
5. Underground non-metallic (plastic) gas piping shall be installed with #14 AWG yellow tracer wire.
[CPC 1210.1.7.2]
RE-CIRCULATION POOL PIPING
1. A pressure test is required. [CPC 103.5]
2. Water and waste pipes shall be at least 12” below grade.
[CPC 718.3]
3. Minimum schedule 40 PVC.
4. Bond wire should follow piping to equipment. [CPC 1210.15.1]
5. The pool or spa shall have at least 2 hydraulically balanced circulation drains per pump, and the
drains shall be at least 3’ apart. [Health and Safety Code sec. 115928]
POOL HEATER REQUIREMENTS
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If a new or replacement gas swimming pool heater system is installed, the system shall be equipped with
all of the following:
1. An on-off switch mounted on the outside of the heater for easy access to allow shutting off the
operation of the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting and to allow restarting without
relighting the pilot light.
2. A length of plumbing (36” minimum) between the filter and the gas heater to allow for future addition
of solar heating equipment.
3. Time clocks shall be installed on any new or replacement pool circulation pump not already so
equipped so that the pump can be set to run in the off-peak electric demand period (unless required
to operate an active solar pool heating system) and for the minimum time necessary to maintain the
water in a clean and sanitary condition in keeping with applicable public health standards.
4. A permanent weatherproof plate or card, easily readable giving instructions for the energy efficient
operation of the swimming pool and for the proper care of swimming pool water when a swimming
pool cover is used.
5. Underground metal gas lines shall be factory machine wrapped or plastic coated (buried 12'). Plastic
piping (P.V.C.), installed per IAPMO installation standard, is 10-90, can be used for natural gas yard
piping (buried 18”).
6. Pool/spa heater stack/vent termination minimum four (4) feet from property line and any windows.
Equipment located a minimum of one (1) foot to property line.
7. Pool and spa heaters shall not have continuously burning pilot lights.
8. All outdoor pools with heaters shall be equipped with a pool cover. The cover should be fitted and
installed during the final inspection.
9. Electric pool and spa heaters are not permitted, except for the following:
a. Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures (e.g., hot tubs), and with tight-fitting covers,
insulated to at least R-6.
b. Pools or spas getting 60 percent or more of their annual heating from site solar energy or
recovered energy.
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