Rialto · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Rialto

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

Ask about swimming pools in Rialto See coverage

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

What Rialto's code says

Rialto code What Rialto's code adds
Pool barrier	Openings no wider than 4 inches. Applies: Applies to the fence or wall around the pool, except doors or gates. § 15.36.030 · code text with no opening therein (other than doors or gates) wider than four inches Wire mesh openings no larger than 2 inches. Applies: Applies to wire mesh fences. § 15.36.030 · code text Wire mesh fences shall be limited to openings of no larger than two inches. The barrier must not create a ladder effect. § 15.36.030 · code text and shall not create a ladder effect.
Barrier height	At least 5 feet high. Applies: Applies to the fence or solid structure that fully surrounds the pool, lot or premises, kept at all times. § 15.36.030 · code text a fence or other solid structure not less than five feet in height with no opening therein
Equipment and alarms	The alarm must reach at least 85 dBA, measured indoors at 10 feet. Applies: Applies to an alarm on a door that is part of the pool enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text An alarm capable of providing a sound pressure level of not less than eighty-five dba when measured indoors at a distance of ten feet (3048 mm). The alarm sounds within 15 seconds of opening, for at least 10 seconds, then resets itself. Applies: Applies to an alarm on a door that is part of the pool enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text The alarm shall activate within fifteen seconds after the door, and its screen if present, are opened and shall sound continuously for a minimum of ten seconds then automatically reset. A manual reset at least 54 inches above the door threshold. Applies: Applies to an alarm on a door that is part of the pool enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text The alarm shall be equipped with a manual reset, such as a touchpad or switch, located on the interior side of the wall not less than fifty-four inches above the threshold of the door
Gates	Self-closing and self-latching, keeping the gate or door securely closed when not in use. Applies: Applies to all gates or doors through the enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text All gates or doors opening through such enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device designed and capable of keeping such door or gate securely closed at all times when not in actual use No self-closing or self-latching device is required. Applies: Applies to the door of an occupied home that forms part of the enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text provided, however, that the door of any dwelling occupied by human beings and forming any part of the enclosure need not be so equipped. Must meet the same pool barrier and gate rules, unless a second fence and gate are installed near the pool. Applies: Applies to RV dual wide gates. § 15.36.030 · code text R.V. dual wide gates must meet the same requirements of this chapter unless a second fence and gate have been installed within the vicinity of the pool to meet the requirements.
Maintenance and empty pools	Stagnant water from unused or broken filters or poor chemical care is a hazard and severe health hazard. Applies: Applies to private swimming pools. § 15.36.020 · code text Private swimming pools where water has been allowed to stagnate as a result of nonuse of filtering systems and failure to maintain proper chemicals or inoperative filtering systems constitutes a hazardous condition and severe health hazard to residents of the city.
Permit	Plans must show compliance; fences and gates must be installed and approved before the pool is filled. Applies: Applies to swimming pools being built. § 15.36.040 · code text All plans hereinafter submitted to the city for swimming pools to be constructed shall show compliance with the requirements of this chapter. No pool shall be filled with water until fences and gates are in place and have been inspected and approved.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Rialto?

Rialto's code: Openings no wider than 4 inches. (Applies to the fence or wall around the pool, except doors or gates.) (§ 15.36.030); Wire mesh openings no larger than 2 inches. (Applies to wire mesh fences.) (§ 15.36.030).

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a specific Rialto property

Ask GoCodebook how Rialto's swimming pools rules apply to your situation and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on building on your lot in Rialto

All building on your lot rules in Rialto

Rialto Municipal Code — full text