Section 110.4
California Energy Code (Title 24, Part 6) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-12 · California
MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS FOR POOL
AND SPA SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT (a) Certification by manufacturers. Any pool or spa heating system or equipment may be installed only if the manufacturer has certified that the system or equipment has all of the following:
Efficiency. For equipment subject to State or federal appliance efficiency standards, listings in the Commission’s directory of certified equipment showing compliance with applicable standards; and
On-off switch. A readily accessible on-off switch, mounted on the outside of the heater that allows shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting; and
Instructions. A permanent, easily readable and weatherproof plate or card that gives instruction for the energy efficient operation of the pool or spa heater and for the proper care of pool or spa water when a cover is used; and
Electric resistance heating. No electric resistance heating.
Exception 1 to Section 110.4(a)4: Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tightfitting covers that are insulated to at least R-6.
Exception 2 to Section 110.4(a)4: Pools or spas deriving at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from site solar energy or recovered energy.
(b) Installation. Any pool or spa system or equipment shall be installed with all of the following:
Piping. At least 36 inches of pipe shall be installed between the filter and the heater or dedicated suction and return lines, or built-in or built-up connections shall be installed to allow for the future addition of solar heating equipment;
Covers. A cover for outdoor pools or outdoor spas that have a heat pump or gas heater; and
Directional inlets and time switches for pools. If the system or equipment is for a pool: i. The pool shall have directional inlets that adequately
mix the pool water; and
ii. A time switch or similar control mechanism shall be
installed as part of a pool water circulation control system that will allow all pumps to be set or programmed to run only during off-peak electric demand period, and for the minimum time necessary to maintain the water in the condition required by applicable public health standards.
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