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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 31B — PUBLIC POOLS

3161B Wading Pools — 2025 California Building Code

California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-10-19 · California

CBSC: official editions, supplements and errata

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

Cite as: 2025 California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2) § 3161B · Effective January 1, 2026 · Official source: Building Standards Commission

1. “Public wading pool” means a pool that meets all of the following criteria: 1.1. It has a maximum water depth not exceeding 18 inches (457 mm). 1.2. It is a pool other than a pool that is located on the premises of a one-unit or two-unit residence, intended solely or the use of the residents or guests.

2. “Public wading pool” includes, but is not limited to, a pool owned or operated by private persons or agencies, or by state or local governmental agencies.

3. “Public wading pool” includes, but is not limited to, a pool located in an apartment house, hotel or similar setting that is intended for the use of residents or guests. 4. “Alteration” means any of the following: 4.1. To change, modify or rearrange the structural parts or the design.

4.2. To enlarge.

4.3. To move the location of.

4.4. To install a new water circulation system. 4.5. To make any repairs costing fifty dollars ($50) or more to an existing circulation system. 5. A public wading pool shall have at least two circulation drains per pump that are hydraulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more T fittings, and are separated by a distance of at least 3 feet (914 mm) in any dimension between drains.

6. All public wading pool main drain suction outlets that are under 12 inches (305 mm) across shall be covered with antivortex grates or similar protective devices. All main drain suction outlets shall be covered with grates or antivortex plates that cannot be removed except with the use of tools. Slots or openings in the grates or similar protective devices shall be of a shape, area and arrangement that would prevent physical entrapment and would not pose any suction hazard to bathers. 7. The maximum velocity in the pump suction hydraulic system shall not exceed 6 feet per second (1.8 m/s) when 100 percent of the pump’s flow comes from the main drain system and any main drain suction fitting in the system is completely blocked. 8. On or after January 1, 1998, all newly constructed public wading pools shall be constructed in compliance with this section.

9. Commencing January 1, 1998, whenever a construction permit is issued for alteration of an existing public wading pool, it shall be retrofitted so as to be in compliance with this section. 10. By January 1, 2000, every public wading pool, regardless of the date of original construction, shall be retrofitted to comply with this section.

Authority: Health and Safety Code Section 116064 (e) Reference: Health and Safety Code Section 116064 AB 2114, (Statues 1995, c. 415).

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▸Contents — California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)
California Building Code (Title 24, Part 2)

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