Making Your Pool Safer and Pool Safety Law Compliant

Planning a pool remodel in the near future? Then it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the pool safety renovations laid out in California’s updated Pool Safety Act (SB442).

Signed into law by Governor Brown, this new law requiring new or remodeled pools and spas to have at least two of seven child safety protective barriers went into effect on January 1, 2018.

Existing pools and spas that aren’t being remodeled are not required to abide by this law (unless they become part of a real estate transaction). But when it comes to protecting the young and most vulnerable among us, it’s a good idea to ensure the safety of your poolscape, whether it’s new or old.

It Only Takes One Inch of Water

All it takes is an inch of water and a few seconds for a child and other vulnerable individuals to find themselves in danger. It’s estimated that around the world as many as 11 people die each day because of unintentional drowning, with 1 in 5 of those being kids under the age of 14.

Nothing beats vigilant adult supervision when it comes to keeping kids safe around water.  But this new law serves as a good reminder that additional steps should be taken to ensure that our pools are safe for our family, friends and communities.

What’s Changed with California’s Pool Safety Law?

Pool owners will now need at least two of the following safety measures in place when building or remodeling their pool:

1. A fence, a wall, or another type of enclosure between your swimming pool and your home (Section 115923). There are a few specific rules about how the enclosure should be built, including it needing to be at least 60 inches in height and equipped with a self-closing and self-latching device.

2. A removable mesh fence. The mesh fencing must meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 and also come with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

3. ASTM F1346-91 compliant and approved pool safety cover. This includes having a cover able to withstand a minimum of 485 pounds and one that can pass Perimeter Deflection Tests, as well as the Surface Drainage Test.

4. Exit alarms on any doors and windows that lead directly to the pool or spa when there isn’t an enclosure between the poolscape and the home. The alarm must make a continuous audible sound.

5. A self-closing and self-latching device with a release mechanism at least 54 inches above the ground on any doors that provide direct access to the pool or spa. It must also be lockable by key and the gate must open away from the swimming pool.

6. An in-pool or in-spa alarm that will sound when there is unauthorized or accidental access to the pool or spa. It’s important to note that swimming protection alarms like those that can be attached to a child do not qualify as a drowning prevention safety feature under this new law.

The law also states that other means of protection may also meet these new requirements, as long as the features provide equal or greater protection and that it meets standards established by the ASTM or American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

For full details of Senate Bill 442, you can access it in its entirety here.

Explore your Pool Safety Renovations Options with Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling

Since 1969, the premier pool remodelers at Gardner Outdoor Pool and Remodeling have renovated well over 45,000 swimming pools throughout Southern California! From finishes, tiling and gorgeous mosaics to hardscapes and pool safety renovations, our pool remodel experts have what it takes to refresh and reinvigorate your backyard. Contact us online for your free quote today!

About The Company

Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling has been serving the Southern California area since 1969. As one of only 50 licensed PebbleTec® applicators in the entire United States and the exclusive SoCal referral partner of Leslie’s Pool Supplies, Gardner Remodeling is the premier pool contractor in San Diego County, LA County, Orange County, and Palm Springs.

Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling completes over 1,600 projects each year and has completed over 44,000 projects in the Southern California area. They focus solely on swimming pools and the surrounding landscaping and specialize in all aspects of pool remodeling, including pool finishes, pool tile, pool coping, pool mosaics, plumbing and electrical work, and both commercial and residential swimming pools.

As the only pool remodeling company with three showrooms to serve you – in El Cajon, Anaheim, and Indio – Gardner Outdoor and Pool Remodeling has over 170 employees and has three levels of management to ensure the quality of every project. Gardner Remodeling maintains an A+ rating with the BBB and is certified by the ASPS, IPSA, and National Plasterers Council. Take a look at their gallery for inspiration and contact them to get started on your pool remodeling project.