Section 11B-1009 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-07-29 · California
Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.
11B- 1009.1 General. Where provided, pool lifts, sloped entries, transfer walls, transfer systems and pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B- 1009 .
11B- 1009.2 Pool lifts. Pool lifts shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.2.
11B- 1009.2.1 Pool lift location. Pool lifts shall be located where the water level is 36 inches (914 mm) minimum and 48 inches (1219 mm) maximum.
Exceptions:
Where the entire pool depth is less than 36 inches (914 mm) or greater than 48 inches ( 1219 mm), compliance with Section 11B- 1009.2.1 shall not be required.
Where multiple pool lift locations are provided, no more than one pool lift shall be required to be located in an area where the water level is 48 inches ( 1219 mm) maximum.
11B- 1009.2.2 Seat location. In the raised position, the centerline of the seat shall be located over the deck and 16 inches ( 406 mm) minimum from the edge of the pool. The deck surface between the centerline of the seat and the pool edge shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48.
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B- 1009.2.2—POOL LIFT SEAT LOCATION
11B- 1009.2.3 Clear deck space. On the side of the seat opposite the water, a clear deck space shall be provided parallel with the seat. The space shall be 36 inches ( 914 mm) wide minimum and shall extend forward 48 inches ( 1219 mm) minimum from a line located 12 inches (305 mm) behind the rear edge of the seat. The clear deck space shall have a slope not steeper than 1:48.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.2.3—CLEAR DECK SPACE AT POOL LIFTS
11B- 1009.2.4 Seat. The seat shall be rigid and shall have a back support that is at least 12 inches (305 mm) tall. The height of the lift seat shall be designed to allow a stop at 17 inches (432 mm) minimum to 19 inches ( 483 mm) maximum measured from the deck to the top of the seat surface when in the raised (load) position. The seat shall have a restraint for the use of the occupant with opera- ble parts complying with Section 11B-309.
FIGURE 11B -1009.2.4—POOL LIFT SEAT HEIGHT
11B- 1009.2.5 Seat width. The seat shall be 16 inches ( 406 mm) wide minimum.
11B- 1009.2.6 Footrests and armrests. Footrests shall be provided and shall move with the seat. The seat shall have two armrests. The armrest positioned opposite the water shall be removable or shall fold clear of the seat when the seat is in the raised (load) position.
Exception: Footrests shall not be required on pool lifts provided in spas.
11B- 1009.2.7 Operation. The lift shall be capable of unassisted operation from both the deck and water levels. Controls and operating mechanisms shall be unobstructed when the lift is in use and shall comply with Section 11B- 309.4 . The lift shall be stable and not permit unintended movement when a person is getting into or out of the seat.
11B- 1009.2.8 Submerged depth. The lift shall be designed so that the seat will submerge to a water depth of 18 inches ( 457 mm) minimum below the stationary water level.
11B-146 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B- 1009.2.8—POOL LIFT SUBMERGED DEPTH
11B- 1009.2.9 Lifting capacity. Single person pool lifts shall have a weight capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) minimum and be capable of sustaining a static load of at least one and a half times the rated load.
11B- 1009.3 Sloped entries. Sloped entries shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.3.
11B- 1009.3.1 Sloped entries. Sloped entries shall comply with Division 4 except as modified in Sections 11B-1009.3.1 through 11B- 1009.3.3.
Exception: Where sloped entries are provided, the surfaces shall not be required to be slip resistant.
11B- 1009.3.2 Submerged depth. Sloped entries shall extend to a depth of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 30 inches ( 762 mm) maximum below the stationary water level. Where landings are required by Section 11B- 405.7, at least one landing shall be located 24 inches (610 mm) minimum and 30 inches ( 762 mm) maximum below the stationary water level.
Exception: In wading pools, the sloped entry and landings, if provided, shall extend to the deepest part of the wading pool.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.3.2—SLOPED ENTRY SUBMERGED DEPTH
11B- 1009.3.3 Handrails. At least two handrails complying with Section 11B- 505 shall be provided on the sloped entry. The clear width between required handrails shall be 33 inches ( 838 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum.
Exceptions:
Handrail extensions specified by Section 11B- 505.10.1 shall not be required at the bottom landing serving a sloped entry.
Where a sloped entry is provided for wave action pools, leisure rivers, sand bottom pools and other pools where user access is limited to one area, the handrails shall not be required to comply with the clear width requirements of Section 11B- 1009.3.3.
Sloped entries in wading pools shall not be required to provide handrails complying with Section 11B- 1009.3.3. If provided, handrails on sloped entries in wading pools shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 505 .
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B -1009.3.3—HANDRAILS FOR SLOPED ENTRY
11B- 1009.4 Transfer walls. Transfer walls shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.4.
11B- 1009.4.1 Clear deck space. A clear deck space of 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar is provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the clearance between the grab bars.
9.4.1 Clear deck space.** A clear deck space of 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the base of the transfer wall. Where one grab bar is provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided, the clear deck space shall be centered on the clearance between the grab bars.
measured from the deck.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.4.2—TRANSFER WALL HEIGHT
11B- 1009.4.3 Wall depth and length. The depth of the transfer wall shall be 12 inches (305 mm) minimum and 16 inches ( 406 mm) maximum. The length of the transfer wall shall be 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum and shall be centered on the clear deck
space.
11B-148 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B- 1009.4.3—DEPTH AND LENGTH OF TRANSFER WALLS
11B- 1009.4.4 Surface. Surfaces of transfer walls shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.
11B- 1009.4.5 Grab bars. At least one grab bar complying with Section 11B- 609 shall be provided on the transfer wall. Grab bars shall be perpendicular to the pool wall and shall extend the full depth of the transfer wall. The top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches ( 102 mm) minimum and 6 inches ( 152 mm) maximum above transfer walls. Where one grab bar is provided, clearance shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum on both sides of the grab bar. Where two grab bars are provided, clearance between grab bars shall be 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.
Exception: Grab bars on transfer walls shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 609.4.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.4.5—GRAB BARS FOR TRANSFER WALLS
11B- 1009.5 Transfer systems. Transfer systems shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.5.
11B- 1009.5.1 Transfer platform. A transfer platform shall be provided at the head of each transfer system. Transfer platforms shall provide 19 inches ( 483 mm) minimum clear depth and 24 inches (610 mm) minimum clear width.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.5.1—SIZE OF TRANSFER PLATFORM
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ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
11B- 1009.5.2 Transfer space. A transfer space of 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum by 60 inches ( 1524 mm) minimum with a slope not steeper than 1:48 shall be provided at the base of the transfer platform surface and shall be centered along a 24 inch (610 mm) minimum side of the transfer platform. The side of the transfer platform serving the transfer space shall be unobstructed.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.5.2—CLEAR DECK SPACE AT TRANSFER PLATFORM
11B- 1009.5.3 Height. The height of the transfer platform shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.4.2.
11B- 1009.5.4 Transfer steps. Transfer step height shall be 8 inches ( 203 mm) maximum. The surface of the bottom tread shall extend to a water depth of 18 inches ( 457 mm) minimum below the stationary water level.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.5.4—TRANSFER STEPS
11B- 1009.5.5 Surface. The surface of the transfer system shall not be sharp and shall have rounded edges.
11B- 1009.5.6 Size. Each transfer step shall have a tread clear depth of 14 inches ( 356 mm) minimum and 17 inches ( 432 mm) maximum and shall have a tread clear width of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum.
FIGURE 11B- 1009.5.6—SIZE OF TRANSFER STEPS
11B- 1009.5.7 Grab bars. At least one grab bar on each transfer step and the transfer platform or a continuous grab bar serving each transfer step and the transfer platform shall be provided. Where a grab bar is provided on each step, the tops of gripping surfaces shall be 4 inches ( 102 mm) minimum and 6 inches ( 152 mm) maximum above each step and transfer platform. Where a continuous grab bar is provided, the top of the gripping surface shall be 4 inches ( 102 mm) minimum and 6 inches ( 152 mm) maximum above the step nosing and transfer platform. Grab bars shall comply with Section 11B- 609 and be located on at least one side of the transfer system. The grab bar located at the transfer platform shall not obstruct transfer.
Exception: Grab bars on transfer systems shall not be required to comply with Section 11B- 609.4.
11B-150 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS, COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND PUBLIC HOUSING
FIGURE 11B -1009.5.7—GRAB BARS
11B- 1009.6 Pool stairs. Pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B- 1009.6.
11B- 1009.6.1 Pool stairs. Pool stairs shall comply with Section 11B- 504 .
Exception: Pool step riser heights shall not be required to be 4 inches ( 102 mm) high minimum and 7 inches ( 178 mm) high maximum provided that riser heights are uniform.
11B- 1009.6.2 Handrails. The width between handrails shall be 20 inches ( 508 mm) minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) maximum. Handrail extensions required by Section 11B- 505.10.3 shall not be required on pool stairs.
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Ask AI about this code▸ Contents — 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
- Chapter 1 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 3 — OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION AND USE
- Chapter 4 — SPECIAL DETAILED REQUIREMENTS BASED ON OCCUPANCY A…
- Chapter 5 — GENERAL BUILDING HEIGHTS AND AREAS
- Chapter 6 — TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 7 — FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
- Chapter 7A — MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS FOR EXTERIOR W…
- Chapter 8 — INTERIOR FINISHES
- Chapter 9 — FIRE PROTECTION AND LIFE SAFETY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 10 — MEANS OF EGRESS
- Chapter 11 — RESERVED
- Chapter 11A — HOUSING ACCESSIBILITY
-
▸ Chapter 11B — ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PUBLIC ACCOMM…
Overview- Section 11B-101 — PURPOSE
- Section 11B-104 — CONVENTIONS
- Section 11B-105 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Section 11B-106 — DEFINITIONS
- Section 11B-201 — APPLICATION
- Section 11B-202 — EXISTING BUILDINGS AND FACILITIES
- Section 11B-203 — GENERAL EXCEPTIONS
- Section 11B-204 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
- Section 11B-205 — OPERABLE PARTS
- Section 11B-206 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
- Section 11B-207 — ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS
- Section 11B-208 — PARKING SPACES
- Section 11B-209 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES AND BUS…
- Section 11B-210 — STAIRWAYS
- Section 11B-211 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
- Section 11B-212 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES, WET BARS AND SINKS
- Section 11B-213 — TOILET FACILITIES AND BATHING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-214 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
- Section 11B-215 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM…
- Section 11B-216 — SIGNS
- Section 11B-217 — TELEPHONES
- Section 11B-218 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
- Section 11B-219 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-220 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
- Section 11B-221 — ASSEMBLY AREAS
- Section 11B-222 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
- Section 11B-223 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
- Section 11B-224 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS, HOUSING
- Section 11B-225 — STORAGE
- Section 11B-226 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
- Section 11B-227 — SALES AND SERVICE
- Section 11B-228 — DEPOSITORIES, VENDING MACHINES, CHANGE MACHI…
- Section 11B-229 — WINDOWS
- Section 11B-230 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-231 — JUDICIAL FACILITIES
- Section 11B-232 — DETENTION FACILITIES AND CORRECTIONAL FACILI…
- Section 11B-233 — PUBLIC HOUSING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-234 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
- Section 11B-235 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-236 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
- Section 11B-237 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
- Section 11B-238 — GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-239 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-240 — PLAY AREAS
- Section 11B-241 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
- Section 11B-242 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
- Section 11B-243 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
- Section 11B-244 — RELIGIOUS FACILITIES
- Section 11B-245 — PUBLIC ACCOMMODATIONS LOCATED IN PRIVATE RES…
- Section 11B-246 — OUTDOOR DEVELOPED AREAS
- Section 11B-247 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
- Section 11B-248 — COMMON USE AREAS AND EMPLOYEE WORK AREAS
- Section 11B-249 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-250 — CIRCULATION PATHS
- Section 11B-301 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-302 — FLOOR OR GROUND SURFACES
- Section 11B-303 — CHANGES IN LEVEL
- Section 11B-304 — TURNING SPACE
- Section 11B-305 — CLEAR FLOOR OR GROUND SPACE
- Section 11B-306 — KNEE AND TOE CLEARANCE
- Section 11B-307 — PROTRUDING OBJECTS
- Section 11B-308 — REACH RANGES
- Section 11B-309 — OPERABLE PARTS
- Section 11B-401 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-402 — ACCESSIBLE ROUTES
- Section 11B-403 — W ALKING SURFACES
- Section 11B-404 — DOORS, DOORWAYS AND GATES
- Section 11B-405 — RAMPS
- Section 11B-406 — CURB RAMPS, BLENDED TRANSITIONS AND ISLANDS
- Section 11B-407 — ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-408 — LIMITED-USE/LIMITED-APPLICATION ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-409 — PRIVATE RESIDENCE ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-410 — PLATFORM LIFTS
- Section 11B-411 — DESTINATION-ORIENTED ELEVATORS
- Section 11B-501 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-502 — PARKING SPACES
- Section 11B-503 — PASSENGER DROP-OFF AND LOADING ZONES
- Section 11B-504 — STAIRWAYS
- Section 11B-505 — HANDRAILS
- Section 11B-601 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-602 — DRINKING FOUNTAINS AND BOTTLE-FILLING STATIONS
- Section 11B-603 — TOILET AND BATHING ROOMS
- Section 11B-604 — WATER CLOSETS AND TOILET COMPARTMENTS
- Section 11B-605 — URINALS
- Section 11B-606 — LAVATORIES AND SINKS
- Section 11B-607 — BATHTUBS
- Section 11B-608 — SHOWER COMPARTMENTS
- Section 11B-609 — GRAB BARS
- Section 11B-610 — SEATS
- Section 11B-611 — WASHING MACHINES AND CLOTHES DRYERS
- Section 11B-612 — SAUNAS AND STEAM ROOMS
- Section 11B-701 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-702 — FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-703 — SIGNS
- Section 11B-704 — TELEPHONES
- Section 11B-705 — DETECTABLE WARNINGS AND DETECTABLE DIRECTION…
- Section 11B-706 — ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-707 — AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINES, FARE MACHINES AND…
- Section 11B-708 — TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
- Section 11B-801 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-802 — WHEELCHAIR SPACES, COMPANION SEATS AND DESIG…
- Section 11B-803 — DRESSING, FITTING AND LOCKER ROOMS
- Section 11B-804 — KITCHENS, KITCHENETTES AND WET BARS
- Section 11B-805 — MEDICAL CARE AND LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
- Section 11B-806 — TRANSIENT LODGING GUEST ROOMS
- Section 11B-807 — HOLDING CELLS AND HOUSING CELLS
- Section 11B-808 — COURTROOMS
- Section 11B-809 — RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNITS
- Section 11B-810 — TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
- Section 11B-811 — STORAGE
- Section 11B-812 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Section 11B-813 — ADULT CHANGING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-901 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-902 — DINING SURFACES AND WORK SURFACES
- Section 11B-903 — BENCHES
- Section 11B-904 — CHECK-OUT AISLES AND SALES AND SERVICE COUNT…
- Section 11B-1001 — GENERAL
- Section 11B-1002 — AMUSEMENT RIDES
- Section 11B-1003 — RECREATIONAL BOATING FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1004 — EXERCISE MACHINES AND EQUIPMENT
- Section 11B-1005 — FISHING PIERS AND PLATFORMS
- Section 11B-1006 — GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1007 — MINIATURE GOLF FACILITIES
- Section 11B-1008 — PLAY AREAS
- Section 11B-1009 — SWIMMING POOLS, WADING POOLS AND SPAS
- Section 11B-1010 — SHOOTING FACILITIES WITH FIRING POSITIONS
- Chapter 12 — INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT
- Chapter 13 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY
- Chapter 14 — EXTERIOR WALLS
- Chapter 15 — ROOF ASSEMBLIES AND ROOFTOP STRUCTURES
- Chapter 16 — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 16A — STRUCTURAL DESIGN
- Chapter 17 — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 17A — SPECIAL INSPECTIONS AND TESTS
- Chapter 18 — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 18A — SOILS AND FOUNDATIONS
- Chapter 19 — CONCRETE
- Chapter 19A — CONCRETE
- Chapter 20 — ALUMINUM
- Chapter 21 — MASONRY
- Chapter 21A — MASONRY
- Chapter 22 — STEEL
- Chapter 22A — STEEL
- Chapter 23 — WOOD
- Chapter 24 — GLASS AND GLAZING
- Chapter 25 — GYPSUM PANEL PRODUCTS AND PLASTER
- Chapter 26 — PLASTIC
- Chapter 27 — ELECTRICAL
- Chapter 28 — MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
- Chapter 29 — PLUMBING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 30 — ELEVATORS AND CONVEYING SYSTEMS
- Chapter 31 — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 31A — SYSTEMS FOR WINDOW CLEANING OR EXTERIOR BUILDING…
- Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS
- Chapter 31C — RADIATION
- Chapter 31D — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 31F — MARINE OIL TERMINALS
- Chapter 32 — ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter 33 — SAFEGUARDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 34 — RESERVED
- Chapter 35 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
- Appendix A — EMPLOYEE QUALIFICATIONS
- Appendix B — BOARD OF APPEALS
- Appendix C — GROUP U—AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS
- Appendix D — FIRE DISTRICTS
- Appendix E — RESERVED
- Appendix F — RODENTPROOFING
- Appendix G — FLOOD-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
- Appendix H — SIGNS
- Appendix I — PATIO COVERS
- Appendix J — GRADING
- Appendix K — GROUP R-3 AND GROUP R-3.1 OCCUPANCIES PROTECTED B…
- Appendix L — EARTHQUAKE RECORDING INSTRUMENTATION
- Appendix M — TSUNAMI-GENERATED FLOOD HAZARDS
- Appendix N — REPLICABLE BUILDINGS
- Appendix O — PERFORMANCE-BASED APPLICATION
- Appendix P — SLEEPING LOFTS
- Appendix Q — EMERGENCY HOUSING