Swimming pools in San Marcos: the local rules

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

What San Marcos's code says

San Marcos code What San Marcos's code adds
Pool barrier	No horizontal openings larger than 5 inches. Applies: Applies to swimming pool barriers. § 8.40.070 · code text Said barrier, wall, fence or structure shall be constructed or installed so as to prevent ladder-like access and shall have no horizontal openings greater than five inches. The barrier must prevent ladder-like climbing access. Applies: Applies to swimming pool barriers. § 8.40.070 · code text Said barrier, wall, fence or structure shall be constructed or installed so as to prevent ladder-like access and shall have no horizontal openings greater than five inches.
Barrier height	At least 5 feet tall, measured from the outside grade. Applies: Applies to pools on lots of 1 acre or less, and to hotel, apartment and public pools. § 8.40.070 · code text every swimming pool shall be enclosed by a natural barrier, retaining wall, fence or other structure having a minimum height of five feet measured from the exterior grade of said barrier, wall, fence or structure.
Gates	Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches at least 4 feet 6 inches above the grade below. Applies: Applies to gates in the pool enclosure. Gates must stay securely closed and latched at all times. § 8.40.070 · code text All gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches placed at least four feet six inches above the grade immediately below the latch in order to be securely closed. All gates opening through such enclosure shall be kept securely closed and latched at all times.

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What are the pool fence and setback rules in San Marcos?

San Marcos's code: At least 5 feet tall, measured from the outside grade. (Applies to pools on lots of 1 acre or less, and to hotel, apartment and public pools.) (§ 8.40.070); Gates must be self-closing and self-latching, with latches at least 4 feet 6 inches above the grade below. (Applies to gates in the pool enclosure. Gates must stay securely closed and latched at all times.) (§ 8.40.070).

Swimming pools in San Marcos

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