Chapters 1 through 3 and Chapters 7 through 11 of the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code are adopted herein by reference as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code of the City of Garden Grove and are hereby amended as provided in this chapter.
(2940 § 10, 2022; 2971, 11/12/2025)
A. 
Where the term International Building Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Building Code.
B. 
Where the term International Residential Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Residential Code (CRC).
C. 
Where the term International Plumbing Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Plumbing Code.
D. 
Where the term International Energy Conservation Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Energy Code (CEnC).
E. 
Where the term International Fire Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Fire Code.
F. 
Where the term International Fuel Gas Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Plumbing Code.
G. 
Where the term International Mechanical Code is used it shall be replaced with the term California Mechanical Code.
H. 
Where the term NFPA 70 is used it shall be replaced with the term California Electrical Code (CElecC).
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 101.1 Title is hereby amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Swimming Pool and Spa Code of the City of Garden Grove, hereinafter referred to as "this code."
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 103.1 Creation of agency is hereby amended to read as follows:
103.1 Creation of agency. The Building Division and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the code official. The function of the Building Division shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 106.3 Swimming Pool Safety Act, is hereby amended to read as follows:
2025 CRC APPENDIX V 115924 Agreement to Build:
(a)
Any person entering into an agreement to build a swimming pool or spa, or to engage in permitted work on a pool or spa covered by this article, shall give the consumer notice of the requirements of this article.
(b)
Pursuant to existing law, the Department of Health Services shall have available on the department's Web site, commencing January 1, 2007, approved pool safety information available for consumers to download. Pool contractors are encouraged to share this information with consumers regarding the potential dangers a pool or spa poses to toddlers. Additionally, pool contractors may provide the consumer with swimming pool safety materials produced from organizations such as the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, Drowning Prevention Foundation, California Coalition for Children's Safety & Health, Safe Kids Worldwide, Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, or the American Academy of Pediatrics.
2025 CRC APPENDIX V 115925. The requirements of this article do not apply to any of the following:
(a)
Public swimming pools.
(b)
Hot tubs or spas with locking safety covers that comply with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM F1346).
(c)
An apartment complex, or any residential setting other than a single-family home.
2025 CRC APPENDIX V 115926. This article does not apply to any facility regulated by the State Department of Social Services even if the facility is also used as the private residence of the operator. Pool safety in those facilities shall be regulated pursuant to regulations adopted therefor by the State Department of Social Services.
2025 CRC APPENDIX V 115927. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, this article shall not be subject to further modification or interpretation by any regulatory agency of the state, this authority being reserved exclusively to local jurisdictions, as provided for in paragraph (7) of subdivision (a) of Section 115922 and subdivision (c) of Section 115925.
(2940 § 10, 2022; 2971, 11/12/2025)
Section 112.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:.
112.1 Board of Appeals. The Administrative Board of Appeals for the City shall hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the Building Official relative to the application and interpretations of the Building Codes and Regulations of the City of Garden Grove including, without limitation, this Code. Refer to Title 2, Chapter 2.54, of this Code.
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 202 is hereby amended by adding and/or amending the following definitions:
"Swimming pool" or "pool"
means any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep. "Swimming pool" includes in-ground and aboveground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and nonportable wading pools.
"Public swimming pool"
means a swimming pool operated for the use of the general public with or without charge, or for the use of the members and guests of a private club. Public swimming pool does not include a swimming pool located on the grounds of a private single-family home.
"Enclosure"
means a fence, wall, or other barrier that isolates a swimming pool from access to the home.
"Approved safety pool cover"
means a manually or power-operated safety pool cover that meets all of the performance standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), in compliance with standard F1346-91.
"Exit alarms"
means devices that make audible, continuous alarm sounds when any door or window, that permits access from the residence to the pool area that is without any intervening enclosure, is opened or is left ajar. Exit alarms may be battery operated or may be connected to the electrical wiring of the building.
"ANSI/APSP performance standard"
means a standard that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and published by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
"Suction outlet"
means a fitting or fixture typically located at the bottom or on the sides of a swimming pool that conducts water to a recirculating pump.
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 301.1.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
301.1.2 Conflicts. In the event of a conflict between the provisions of the Swimming Pool Safety Act, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2024 Edition, the 2025 California Building Code, or the 2025 California Residential Code, the Building Official shall implement the most restrictive measures cited.
(2940 § 10, 2022; 2971, 11/12/2025)
Section 303.1.2.1 is hereby added to read as follows:
303.1.2.1 Operating time. A time switch or other control mechanism shall be installed as part of a pool water circulation control system that will allow all pumps to be set or programmed to run only during off-peak electric demand period, and for the minimum time necessary to maintain the water in the condition required by applicable public health standards. [CEnC 110.4(b)3ii]
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 303.1.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
303.1.3 Covers. A cover is required for outdoor pools or outdoor spas that have a heat pump or gas heater Exception: Pools or spas deriving at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from site solar energy or recovered energy. [CEnC 110.4(b)2]
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 305.2 is hereby amended to read as follows:
305.2 Outdoor swimming pools and spas. Other than those facilities regulated in Section 305.8, all outdoor pools and spas and indoor swimming pools shall be surrounded by a barrier that complies with Sections 305.2.1 through 305.7. [CBC 3109.4.4.2]
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 305.8 is hereby amended to read as follows:
305.8 Construction permit; safety features required.
Except as provided in Section 115925, when a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa or the remodeling of an existing swimming pool or spa at a private single-family home, the respective swimming pool or spa shall be equipped with at least two of the following seven drowning prevention safety features:
(1) 
An enclosure that meets the requirements of Section 115923 and isolates the swimming pool or spa from the private single-family home.
(2) 
Removable mesh fencing that meets American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Specifications F2286 standards in conjunction with a gate that is self-closing and self-latching and can accommodate a key lockable device.
(3) 
An approved safety pool cover, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 115921.
(4) 
Exit alarms on the private single-family home's doors that provide direct access to the swimming pool or spa. The exit alarm may cause either an alarm noise or a verbal warning, such as a repeating notification that "the door to the pool is open."
(5) 
A self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism placed no lower than 54 inches above the floor on the private single-family home's doors providing direct access to the swimming pool or spa.
(6) 
An alarm that, when placed in a swimming pool or spa, will sound upon detection of accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. The alarm shall meet and be independently certified to the ASTM Standard F2208 "Standard Safety Specification for Residential Pool Alarms," which includes surface motion, pressure, sonar, laser, and infrared type alarms. A swimming protection alarm feature designed for individual use, including an alarm attached to a child that sounds when the child exceeds a certain distance or becomes submerged in water, is not a qualifying drowning prevention safety feature.
(7) 
Other means of protection, if the degree of protection afforded is equal to or greater than that afforded by any of the features set forth above and has been independently verified by an approved testing laboratory as meeting standards for those features established by the ASTM or the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 305.9 is hereby added to read as follows:
305.9 Enclosure; required characteristics. An enclosure shall have all of the following characteristics:
(a) 
Any access gates through the enclosure open away from the swimming pool and are self-closing with a self-latching device placed no lower than 60 inches above the ground.
(b) 
A minimum height of 60 inches.
(c) 
A maximum vertical clearance from the ground to the bottom of the enclosure of two inches.
(d) 
Gaps or voids, if any, do not allow passage of a sphere equal to or greater than four inches in diameter.
(e) 
An outside surface free of protrusions, cavities, or other physical characteristics that would serve as handholds or footholds that could enable a child below the age of five years to climb over.
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 310.2 is hereby added to read as follows:
310.2 Construction requirements for building a pool or spa. Whenever a building permit is issued for the construction of a new swimming pool or spa, the pool or spa shall meet all of the following requirements:
(1) 
The suction outlets of the pool or spa for which the permit is issued shall be equipped to provide circulation throughout the pool or spa as prescribed in paragraphs (2) and (3).
(2) 
The swimming pool or spa shall either have at least two circulation suction outlets per pump that shall be hydraulically balanced and symmetrically plumbed through one or more "T" fittings, and that are separated by a distance of at least three feet in any dimension between the suction outlets, or be designed to use alternatives to suction outlets, including, but not limited to, skimmers or perimeter overflow systems to conduct water to the recirculation pump.
(3) 
The circulation system shall have the capacity to provide a complete turnover of pool water, as specified in Section 3124B of Chapter 31B of the California Building Standards Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).
(4) 
Suction outlets shall be covered with antientrapment grates, as specified in the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard or successor standard designated by the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, 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.
(5) 
Any backup safety system that an owner of a new swimming pool or spa may choose to install in addition to the requirements set forth in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall meet the standards as published in the document, "Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer," Publication Number 363, March 2005, United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
310.2.1 Existing Pool, Toddler Pool, or Spa
115928.5. Whenever a building permit is issued for the remodel or modification of an existing swimming pool, toddler pool, or spa, the permit shall require that the suction outlet or suction outlets of the existing swimming pool, toddler pool, or spa be upgraded so as to be equipped with antientrapment grates, as specified in the ANSI/APSP-16 performance standard or a successor standard designated by the Federal Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Section 316.2.1(a) and (b) are hereby added to read as follows:
316.2.1(a) Certification by manufacturers. Heating systems and equipment shall be certified by the manufacturer that the heating system and equipment complies with the following:
1. 
Efficiency. A thermal efficiency that complies with the Appliance Efficiency Regulations in Title 20, Division 2, Chapter 4, Article 4 of the California Code of Regulations; and [CEnC 110.4(a)1]
2. 
Instructions. A permanent, easily readable and weatherproof plate or card that gives instruction for the energy efficient operation of the pool or spa heater and for the proper care of pool or spa water when a cover is used; and [CEnC 110.4(a)3]
3. 
Electric resistance heating. No electric resistance heating; and Exception 1 to Section 110.4(a)4: Listed package units with fully insulated enclosures, and with tight-fitting covers that are insulated to at least R-6. Exception 2 to Section 110.4(a)4: Pools or spas deriving at least 60 percent of the annual heating energy from site solar energy or recovered energy. [CEnC 110.4(a)4]
316.2.1(b) Installation. Any pool or spa system or equipment shall be installed with all of the following: [CEnC 110.4(b)]
1.
Piping. At least 36 inches of pipe shall be installed between the filter and the heater or dedicated suction and return lines, or built-in or built-up connections shall be installed to allow for the future addition of solar heating equipment. [CEnC 110.4(b)1]
2.
Directional inlets. The swimming pool shall have directional inlets that adequately mix the pool water. [CEnC 110.4(b)3ii]
(2940 § 10, 2022)
Sections 903—908 are hereby added to read as follows:
SECTION 903
MATERIALS
903.1 Pumps and motors. Pumps and motors shall be listed and labeled for use in spas.
SECTION 904
STRUCTURE AND DESIGN
904.1 Water depth. The maximum water depth for spas shall be 4 feet (1,219 mm) measured from the design waterline except for spas that are designed for special purposes and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The water depth for exercise spas shall not exceed 6 feet 6 inches (1,981 mm) measured from the design waterline.
904.2 Multilevel seating. Where multilevel seating is provided, the maximum water depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be 28 inches (711 mm) measured from the design waterline to the lowest measurable point.
904.3 Floor slope. The slope of the floor shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3-percent slope). Where multilevel floors are provided, the change in depth shall be indicated.
SECTION 905
PUMPS AND MOTORS
905.1 Emergency shutoff switch. One emergency shutoff switch shall be provided to disconnect power to circulation and jet system pumps and air blowers. Emergency shutoff switches shall be accessible, located within sight of the spa and shall be located not less than 5 feet (1,524 mm) but not greater than 10 feet (3,048 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of the spa. [CElecC 686.14]
905.2 Timer. The operation of the hydrotherapy jets shall be limited by a cycle timer having a maximum setting of 10 minutes. The cycle timer shall be located not less than 5 feet (1,524 mm) away, adjacent to, and within sight of the spa.
SECTION 906
RETURN AND SUCTION FITTINGS
906.1 Return fittings. Return fittings shall be provided and arranged to facilitate a uniform circulation of water and maintain a uniform sanitizer residual throughout the entire spa or exercise spa.
906.2 Suction fittings. Suction fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.2.1 through 505.2.4.
906.2.1 Testing and certification. Suction fittings shall be listed and labeled in accordance with APSP 16.
906.2.2 Installation. Suction fittings shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Spas and exercise spas shall not be used or operated if the suction outlet cover is missing, damaged, broken or loose.
906.2.3 Outlets per pump. Suction fittings shall be provided in accordance with Section 310.
906.2.4 Submerged vacuum fittings. Submerged vacuum fittings shall be in accordance with Section 310.
SECTION 907
HEATER AND TEMPERATURE REQUIREMENTS
907.1 General. This section pertains to fuel-fired and electric appliances used for heating spa or exercise spa water.
907.2 Water temperature controls. Components provided for water temperature controls shall be suitable for the intended application.
907.2.1 Water temperature regulating controls. Water temperature regulating controls shall comply with UL 873 or UL 372. A means shall be provided to indicate the water temperature in the spa.
Exception: Water temperature regulating controls that are integral to the heating appliance and listed in accordance with the applicable end use appliance standard.
907.2.2 Water temperature limiting controls. Water temperature limiting controls shall comply with UL 873 or UL 372. Water temperature at the heater return outlet shall not exceed 140°F (60°C).
SECTION 908
WATER SUPPLY
908.1 Water temperature. The temperature of the incoming makeup water shall not exceed 104°F (40°C).
(2940 § 10, 2022)