Pools and spas work better with layers

Choose one adult to be the water watcher. That person should have no other task while children or weak swimmers are in or near a pool or spa. Keep a young child within arm’s reach. Close and latch the barrier every time. Keep rescue gear nearby and know CPR. Lessons, alarms, and covers add safety. None replaces active watching.

California’s permit rule is narrower than this daily safety advice. It applies when a private single-family home gets a building permit for a new pool or spa. It also applies to a permit for remodeling an existing one. The pool or spa generally needs at least two of seven listed safety features. It must pass a local inspection before final approval. Not every pair of features counts.

The law has some exceptions. They include public pools and a hot tub or spa with a locking safety cover that meets the rule. Local rules may be stricter. An older pool does not fall under this permit rule just because it exists.

If a child is missing, check the pool, spa, and nearby water first. Call 911 and start CPR if the child is not breathing. Keep watching and using barriers after the permit work is done.