Swimming pools in Santa Cruz County

The maximum vertical clearance between grade and the bottom of the barrier shall be two inches (51 mm) measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.

When barriers have horizontal members spaced less than 45 inches (1,143 mm) apart, measured between the tops, the horizontal members shall be placed on the pool side of the barrier.

Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations, cutouts or other physical characteristics, that could serve as handholds or footholds, which renders the barrier easily climbable, is prohibited.

Openings in the barrier shall not allow passage of a one-and-three-quarters-inch diameter (44.5 mm) sphere, except in the following circumstances:

When vertical spacing between such openings is 45 inches (1,143 mm) or more, the opening size may be increased such that the passage of a four-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere is not allowed;

For fencing composed of vertical and horizontal members, the spacing between vertical members may be increased up to four inches (102 mm) when the distance between the tops of horizontal members is 45 inches (1,143 mm) or more.

Chain link fences used as the barrier shall not be less than 11 gauge.

Maximum mesh size for chain link fences shall be a 1.75-inch square (44 mm square) unless the fence is provided with slats fastened at the top or the bottom which reduce the openings to no more than 1.75 inches (44 mm).

The ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access; or

An outdoor swimming pool shall be provided with a barrier that shall be installed, inspected and approved prior to plastering or filling with water.

The top of the barrier shall be at least 60 inches (1,524 mm) above grade measured on the side of the barrier that faces away from the swimming pool.

(8) Access Gates. Access gates shall comply with the requirements of subsections (C)(1) through (C)(7) of this section in addition to the following: (a) Pedestrian access gates shall be self-closing and have a self-latching device. (b) Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 60 inches (1,524 mm) from the bottom of the gate: (i) The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least three inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate; and (ii) The gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than one-half inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism. (c) Pedestrian gates shall swing away from the pool. (d) Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use.

(b) Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 60 inches (1,524 mm) from the bottom of the gate: (i) The release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the barrier at least three inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate; and (ii) The gate and barrier shall have no opening greater than one-half inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism.

Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times when not in use.