Learn the necessary regulations for your San Diego pool

Many people get excited at the prospect of building a pool for their family to enjoy. During the warm months of summer in San Diego, the cool water can provide serious relief from the rising temperatures. But before you dive in and talk to the local San Diego pool service, you should make yourself aware of any laws on pool compliance.

Cities, towns, counties and states may differ on their requirements for owning and operating a swimming pool on your property. For San Diego homeowners, here are the various compliance standards that you must adhere to.

The definition of pool
According to Pool Surfacing 2000, a pool is defined as a closed system that doesn't share a connection with your personal water supply. The municipal code for San Diego requires that pools be intended for swimming or recreational bathing. Additionally, the structure itself must have water that is more than 18 inches deep and is either in-ground, on-ground or above-ground. It also has to be hot tub, swimming area or spa as stipulated by the city's regulatory standards.

Plan for inspections
One of the main stipulations of ownership is allowing your pool to be inspected in accordance with the Department of Environmental Health, Food and Housing Division's Pool Program, as reported by the County of San Diego. The FHD ensures that pool are in safe conditions for swimming and aren't going to cause harm to swimmers. To avoid any complications, you can have any necessary maintenance conducted by the San Diego pool company who installed your swimming area.

Purchase a permit
Pool Surfacing also stated that owners must acquire a permit from the city of San Diego to install a pool on their property. A set of plans or blueprints must be included with the application, which are typically handed off to an administrative staff member at the Development Services Center. The plans must have been tested and approved by a licensed agency, such as the International Conference of Building Officials. Additionally, they must follow rigid enclosure and child safety requirements that include barriers and self-closing gates that surrounds the pool area.

After submission, city agents will work to review and approve the plans after you've paid the appropriate fees. Once approved, the plans will be returned to you with the necessary stamps, which you're required to present at all inspections of your pool.