There is hereby adopted by the City Council by reference that certain code known as the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC), compiled by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, being particularly the 2021 edition thereof and the whole thereof, except as hereafter provided excluding Chapter 1, "Administration."
Such code, and amendments thereto, are hereby adopted and incorporated pursuant to California Government Code Section 50022.2 et seq., and Health and Safety Code Section 18941.5 as fully as though set out at length herein for the purpose of protecting public health and safety by prescribing minimum standards for the use, design and installation of swimming pool, spa and hot tub systems; by requiring a permit and inspection for installation, alteration and replacement of said systems. From the date on which this chapter takes effect, the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the corporate limits of the City of Huntington Beach.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code Chapter 1, Section 101.1 is hereby amended to read as follows:
101.1 Title. This document shall be known as the Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code of Huntington Beach, may be cited as such, and will be referred to herein as "this Code."
(4343-12/16/2025)
Except as amended below, the administrative provisions shall be as provided for in the California Building Code, Chapter 1 Division II, Scope And Administration as adopted pursuant to Chapter 17.04 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code.
(4343-12/16/2025)
New Section 108 Authority to Abate is hereby added to read as follows:
108 Authority to abate.
A. 
It shall be unlawful and is hereby declared to be a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge of any residential property in the City to maintain such premises in such a manner that any of the following conditions are found to exist thereon:
1. 
The failure to secure and maintain from public access all doorways, gate access and other openings, with regards to the barrier requirements of this Code.
2. 
Uncleanliness of swimming pool water as determined by the building official. All swimming pool and spa water shall be maintained in a clear condition which is free of algae, insects, debris and in a sanitary condition. The entire floor of the swimming pool shall be clearly visible.
B. 
Where a nuisance exists, the building official shall require the nuisance or violation to be abated and where necessary, shall seek such abatement in the manner provided by law.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Chapter 2 of the USPSHTC is hereby amended by adding or modifying the following definitions:
209 Grade (surface) - The underlying surface such as earth or a walking surface.
218 Portable - A non-permanent structure intended for recreational bathing, in which all controls, water-heating and water-circulating equipment are an integral part of the product and which is cord connected (not permanently electrically wired).
221 Swimming Pool - A swimming pool is any body of water having a depth exceeding 18 inches at any point, constructed, fabricated or installed for swimming, bathing or wading purposes. This includes in-ground, above-ground and on-grade pools, spas and hot tubs.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Chapter 3, Subsection 301.2.4 is amended to read as follows:
301.2.4 Fuel Gas Piping. Fuel gas piping shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the Huntington Beach Plumbing and Mechanical Codes.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Section 402.3 is hereby amended to read as follows:
Swimming pools shall be designed to withstand anticipated stresses under both full and empty conditions, taking into consideration climatic, hydrostatic, seismic, geotechnical, and integration of the pool with other structural conditions. All swimming pool construction shall be in conformance with engineered design for expansive soils, unless a soils report by a registered engineer, approved by the building official, indicates otherwise.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Section 512.1 General is hereby amended by adding the following exception:
512.1 Exception: Spas and hot tubs under 750 gallons shall not be required to discharge into a sewer.
(4343-12/16/2025)
Section 803.0 Barrier Requirements is deleted in its entirety and replaced with Section 3109.2 of the California Building Code as amended by Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 17.04.
(4343-12/16/2025)