Swimming pools in Livermore: the local rules

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

What Livermore's code says

Livermore code What Livermore's code adds
Pool barrier	The gap under the barrier may be no more than 2 inches. Applies: Over ground that is not solid, such as grass or gravel; measured on the side away from the pool. § 15.92.050 · code text The vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 2 inches (51 mm) for grade surfaces that are not solid, such as grass or gravel, where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. The gap under the barrier may be no more than 4 inches. Applies: Over a solid surface such as concrete; measured on the side away from the pool. § 15.92.050 · code text The vertical clearance between a surface below the barrier to a solid surface, such as concrete, and the bottom of the required barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm) where measured on the side of the required barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. The barrier sits on the ground, or on the pool with a gap of no more than 4 inches. Applies: Applies when the pool or spa structure is above ground. § 15.92.050 · code text Where the top of the pool or spa structure is above grade, the barrier shall be installed on grade or shall be mounted between the top of the pool or spa and the bottom of the barrier shall not exceed 4 inches (102 mm).
Barrier height	At least 60 inches above the ground. Applies: Measured away from the pool, along the barrier and 3 feet out; not needed with a lockable spa cover or powered pool cover. § 15.92.050 · code text The top of the barrier shall be not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade where measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the pool or spa. The top of the pool wall must be at least 60 inches above the ground. Applies: Applies to onground home pools where only the pool wall is the barrier. § 15.92.050 · code text Where only the pool wall serves as the barrier, the bottom of the wall is on grade, the top of the wall is not less than 60 inches (1219mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, the wall complies with the requirements of section 305.2, and the pool manufacturer allows the wall to serve as the barrier. The top of the barrier must be at least 60 inches above the ground. Applies: Applies to onground home pools with a barrier mounted on the pool wall. § 15.92.050 · code text Where a barrier is mounted on top of the pool wall, the top of the barrier is not less than 60 inches (1219 mm) above grade for the entire perimeter of the pool, and the wall and the barrier on top of the wall comply with the requirement of Section 305.2.
Equipment and alarms	One of: a UL 2017 door alarm, an ASTM F1346 safety cover, or another approved means like self-closing, self-latching doors. Applies: Applies where a wall of a home or building is part of the barrier. § 15.92.050 · code text Doors and gates shall have an alarm that produces an audible warning when the window, door or their screens are opened. The alarm shall be listed and labeled as a water hazard entrance alarm in accordance with UL 2017.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Livermore?

Livermore requires pool barriers at least 60 inches above grade, except with a powered pool safety cover or a lockable spa cover. The gap under a pool barrier is at most 2 inches on grass or gravel and at most 4 inches on concrete.

Swimming pools in Livermore

Key points

What Livermore's code says

Who this affects

Frequently asked questions

Ask about a specific Livermore property

More on building on your lot in Livermore