Claremont · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Claremont

Claremont's own rules on swimming pools, with the code text for every value.

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

What Claremont's code says

Claremont code What Claremont's code adds
Pool barrier	No more than 2 inches of clearance between the ground and the bottom of the enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text A maximum vertical clearance between the grade and the bottom of the enclosure of two inches (51 mm). Bottom clearance may be up to 4 inches. Applies: Applies when the ground is a solid surface like a concrete deck, or the enclosure sits on top of an aboveground pool. § 15.36.030 · code text A maximum vertical clearance at the bottom of the enclosure may be increased to four inches (102 mm) when grade is a solid surface such as concrete deck or when the enclosure is mounted on the top of the aboveground pool structure. Openings must not let a 1¾-inch ball pass through. § 15.36.030 · code text Openings in the enclosure shall not allow the passage of a 1¾-inch diameter (44.5 mm) sphere. Openings must not let a 4-inch ball pass through. Applies: Applies when the vertical spacing between openings is 45 inches or more. § 15.36.030 · code text When vertical spacing between such openings is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more, the opening size may be increased such that passage of a four-inch-diameter (102 mm) sphere is not allowed. Spacing between vertical members may be up to 4 inches. Applies: Applies to fences of vertical and horizontal members with 45 inches or more between the tops of horizontal members. § 15.36.030 · code text 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 the horizontal members is 45 inches (1143 mm) or more. Chain link must be not less than 11 gauge. Applies: Applies to chain link fences used as the pool enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text Chain link fences used as the enclosure shall not be less than 11 gauge. Decorative design work that makes the enclosure easy to climb is not allowed. § 15.36.030 · code text Any decorative design work on the side away from the swimming pool, such as protrusions, indentations or cutouts, which render the enclosure easily climbable, is prohibited. Aboveground pool ladders or steps must be secured, locked or removed, or surrounded by a compliant barrier. Applies: Applies when the aboveground pool is or carries the barrier, with ladder or step access; openings left after securing or removal need a compliant barrier. § 15.36.030 · code text the ladder or steps shall be capable of being secured, locked or removed to prevent access; or (2) the ladder or steps shall be surrounded by a barrier that meets the requirements of Sections 15.36.025 through 15.36.030. A self-contained spa or hot tub with a listed safety cover is exempt from the enclosure rules. § 15.36.030 · code text A self-contained spa or hot tub equipped with a listed safety cover shall be exempt from the requirements of Sections 15.36.025 and 15.36.030.
Barrier height	The fence or wall must be at least 60 inches above grade. § 15.36.030 · code text A fence or wall surrounding property at pool area, which is at least 60 inches (1524 mm) above grade, measured on the side of the enclosure that faces away from the swimming pool. The enclosure may be lowered to at least 48 inches. Applies: Applies where 2 or more adjacent properties all have a pool. § 15.36.030 · code text Where there are two or more adjacent properties that all have a pool, then the enclosure height may be reduced to 48 inches (1219 mm).
Equipment and alarms	Alarm sounds within 7 seconds, at least 30 seconds long, at least 85 dBA indoors at 10 feet. Applies: Applies when a house wall is part of the enclosure, has doors directly to the pool, and exit alarms are used. § 15.36.025 · code text The alarm shall sound continuously for a minimum of 30 seconds within seven seconds after the door and its screen, if present, are opened, and be capable of providing a sound pressure level of not less than 85 dBA when measured indoors at 10 feet (3048 mm). Alarm resets automatically; a switch at least 54 inches above the threshold pauses it for one opening, 15 seconds maximum. Applies: Applies where exit alarms are used on doors directly to the pool. § 15.36.025 · code text The alarm system shall be equipped with a manual means, such as a touch pad or switch, to temporarily deactivate the alarm for a single opening. Such deactivation switch shall last no longer than 15 seconds. The deactivation switch shall be located at least 54 inches (1372 mm) above the threshold of the door.
Gates	The latch release must be on the pool side, at least 3 inches below the top of the gate. Applies: Applies when the release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate. § 15.36.030 · code text Where the release mechanism of the self-latching device is located less than 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate, (1) the release mechanism shall be located on the pool side of the enclosure at least three inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate; No opening larger than 1/2 inch within 18 inches of the latch release. Applies: Applies when the release is less than 54 inches from the bottom of the gate. § 15.36.030 · code text the gate and enclosure shall not have no opening greater than one-half inch (12.7 mm) within 18 inches (457 mm) of the release mechanism. Gates other than pedestrian gates need lockable hardware or padlocks and must stay locked when not in use. § 15.36.030 · code text Any gates other than pedestrian access gates shall be equipped with lockable hardware or padlocks and shall remain locked at all times not in use. Garage and carport doors must self-close, self-latch and open away from the pool; release at least 54 inches above floor. Applies: Applies to garage and carport doors that open through the pool enclosure. § 15.36.030 · code text Doors within garages and carports opening through an enclosure shall be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches (1372 mm) above the floor and open away from the swimming pool. All gates or doors through the enclosure must stay securely closed when not in actual use. § 15.36.030 · code text All gates or doors opening through an enclosure shall be kept securely closed at all times when not in actual use.
Setback from property lines	The pool water line must be at least 5 feet from any property line. § 15.36.040 · code text The minimum distance between any property line and a pool water line shall be five feet. Pools must be at least 5 feet from any structure. § 15.36.040 · code text In addition, pools shall be at least five feet from any structure.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Claremont?

Claremont's code: The fence or wall must be at least 60 inches above grade. (§ 15.36.030); The pool water line must be at least 5 feet from any property line. (§ 15.36.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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Claremont Municipal Code — full text