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Hayward · Building on your lot

Swimming pools in Hayward

Hayward'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 Hayward Municipal Code it was read from, with the code text one click away (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

What Hayward's code says

Hayward code What Hayward's code adds
Pool barrier
  • The fence or wall must keep anyone, including small children, from passing through, under or over it, except at gates.
    § 3-5.51 · code text
    Said fence or wall shall be constructed so as to prevent any person, including small children, from crawling or passing through, under or over the same except at gates therein.
Barrier height
  • At least 4½ feet high.
    Applies: Outdoor pools or other water used for swimming or dipping, more than 2 feet deep.
    § 3-5.51 · code text
    a fence or wall not less than four and one-half (4½) feet in height
Gates
  • Self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 4 feet above ground.
    Applies: Unless the latch is otherwise out of reach of small children; house doors forming part of the enclosure are excepted.
    § 3-5.52 · code text
    Such latching shall be placed at least four (4) feet above the ground level or otherwise made inaccessible to small children
Maintenance and empty pools
  • A pool completed after this rule took effect may not be filled until the required fencing is in place.
    Applies: Pools or other bodies of water completed after the rules took effect.
    § 3-5.53 · code text
    No pool or other body of water, the construction of which is completed after the effective date of these regulations, shall be filled with water until the fencing required by the provisions hereof has been provided.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Hayward?

Hayward's code: At least 4½ feet high. (Outdoor pools or other water used for swimming or dipping, more than 2 feet deep.) (§ 3-5.51); Self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 4 feet above ground. (Unless the latch is otherwise out of reach of small children; house doors forming part of the enclosure are excepted.) (§ 3-5.52).

General information, not legal advice.

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Hayward Municipal Code — full text