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Swimming pools in Del Mar

Del Mar's own rules on swimming pools, with the code text for every value, and the state law underneath.

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Each rule below links to the section of the Del Mar Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Del Mar's code says

Del Mar code What Del Mar's code adds
Pool barrier
  • The pool barrier must have no openings.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    with no opening therein provided, however, that no such fence or wall shall be erected that affords ladder-like or step-like access.
  • The fence or wall must not offer ladder-like or step-like footholds for climbing.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    no such fence or wall shall be erected that affords ladder-like or step-like access.
Barrier height
  • The barrier must be at least 5 feet high.
    Applies: Applies to a fence, wall or other barrier around a pool or outdoor water over 12 inches deep, measured on the outside.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    The height of said fence(s), wall(s), enclosure(s) or other effective barrier shall be not less than five feet as measured on the exterior facade above the finished grate at any point,
Equipment and alarms
  • Conventional pool heaters are not allowed, except spas or jacuzzis with less than 75 square feet of water surface.
    Applies: Applies to pools that will be heated or connected to a spa or jacuzzi.
    § 23.20.060 · code text
    Conventional swimming pool heating systems shall be prohibited, except those spas or jacuzzis whose water surface area is less than 75 square feet may be heated by conventional means.
  • The pool must have a solar pool heating system.
    Applies: Applies to all pools that will be heated, plumbed, or connected to a spa or jacuzzi.
    § 23.20.060 · code text
    All swimming pools proposed to be heated, or plumbed, or otherwise connected to a spa or jacuzzi, shall be equipped with a solar pool heating system.
  • Unglazed solar collectors must cover at least 1/2 of the pool's surface area, unless an approved alternative design is used.
    Applies: Applies to pools connected to a spa or jacuzzi that uses conventional heaters.
    § 23.20.060 · code text
    shall include a solar swimming pool heating system which contains an unglazed solar collector area of not less than one-half of the surface area of the swimming pool, or shall consist of an alternative design,
Gates
  • Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, and stay closed and latched when not in use.
    Applies: Applies to all gates or doors through the required pool fences, walls, or enclosures.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    All gates or doors opening through such fences, walls, or enclosures shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices designed to keep, or capable of keeping, such door or gate securely closed and latched at all times when not in actual use,
  • Latch release devices must be at least 4 feet above the ground.
    Applies: Applies to all gates or doors through the required pool fences, walls, or enclosures.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    Unlatching devices shall be located not less than four feet above the ground.
  • House doors that form part of the pool enclosure do not need self-closing or self-latching devices.
    Applies: Applies to a dwelling door that forms part of the required enclosure.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    provided, however, that the door of any dwelling that is forming any part of the enclosures hereinabove required need not be so equipped.
Maintenance and empty pools
  • Existing pools must be fenced; keeping an unfenced pool is unlawful.
    Applies: Applies to existing pools and outdoor bodies of water.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    It shall be unlawful to maintain a swimming pool which is not fenced in accordance with the terms of this Chapter.
Permit
  • Pool plans must show compliance, and the pool cannot be filled until final inspection and approval.
    Applies: Applies to building a swimming pool.
    § 30.86.170 · code text
    All plans for construction of swimming pools shall show compliance with the requirements of this Title. No water shall be placed in said pool, and final inspection and approval shall be withheld until all requirements are in compliance with this Title.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Del Mar?

Del Mar's code: The pool barrier must have no openings. (§ 30.86.170); The fence or wall must not offer ladder-like or step-like footholds for climbing. (§ 30.86.170).

General information, not legal advice.

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