Pool fences in San Francisco

What does California law require around a pool?

Under the Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Section 115922), when a building permit is issued for a new pool or spa, or for remodeling one at a private single-family home, it must have at least two of seven listed drowning prevention features. An enclosure that separates the pool from the house is one of them. Others include a safety pool cover, exit alarms on doors to the pool, self-closing and self-latching doors, and a pool alarm.

What makes a fence count as a pool enclosure?

Section 115923 defines it. As of October 2026, the enclosure must:

• be at least 60 inches tall,
• leave no more than 2 inches between the ground and the bottom of the fence,
• have no gaps a 4-inch sphere could pass through,
• have gates that open away from the pool and are self-closing, with a self-latching device no lower than 60 inches above the ground,
• have an outside face with no handholds or footholds a young child could climb.

Which fences work best?

Aluminum with narrow picket spacing is the usual choice because it meets the spacing rule, does not rust and keeps the pool visible. Solid vinyl works if the outside face is smooth. Horizontal-board fences are a poor fit because the rails can act as a ladder.

Does San Francisco inspect the barrier?

Pool and spa barriers are reviewed with the pool's building permit, so the city's building code requirements apply on top of the state list. We build to the approved plans and the inspector's checklist for your address.