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As the weather warms up, pools become a central part of many California homes, offering a refreshing way to cool off. However, with the joys of pool ownership comes the responsibility of ensuring safety, especially when it comes to preventing drowning accidents, which can happen in the blink of an eye. For homeowners in California, the Swimming Pool Safety Act (SPSA) mandates specific measures to protect children and others from pool-related incidents.

Key Safety Features Required by the California Swimming Pool Safety Act

California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act mandates that residential pools must incorporate at least two of the following safety features to reduce the risk of drowning:

1. Isolation Fencing
   A barrier at least 5 feet tall must be in place that separates the pool from the house, ensuring that children or pets cannot easily access the pool area without supervision.
2. Approved Removable Mesh Fencing with Self-Closing, Self-Latching Gate
   A removable mesh fence can be installed around the pool, and it must include a gate that automatically closes and latches on its own, adding an extra layer of protection. The fence must meet specific safety standards written by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM).
3. Approved Safety Pool Cover
   A safety pool cover can prevent accidental access to the water by securely covering the pool when it is not in use. The cover must meet specific safety standards to ensure it can withstand weight and pressure.
4. Exit Alarms on Doors Leading to the Pool
   Doors that provide direct access to the pool area must be equipped with exit alarms that sound when the door is opened. This provides immediate notification to alert homeowners of potential unauthorized access.
5. Self-Closing, Self-Latching Devices on Pool-Access Doors
   Any door that leads directly to the pool should be fitted with a self-closing, self-latching device. This ensures that the door remains securely closed, preventing children from wandering into the pool area.
6. Pool Alarms
   Pool alarms can be installed in the pool itself to detect unauthorized entry into the water. These alarms sound off when someone or something falls into the pool, alerting the homeowners to potential emergencies.
7. Other Safety Measures Providing Equivalent Protection
   If a homeowner prefers, they may implement other safety measures that provide the same level of protection as the aforementioned features, as long as the safety measures meet the standards laid out by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers or the American Society for Testing and Materials.

Why Pool Safety Is Crucial

While California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act provides essential guidelines, the importance of drowning prevention cannot be overstated. Every year, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for young children. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, often in under 30 seconds and without a splash. The victims are often young children who were out of sight for just a moment. Preventing such tragedies begins with understanding the risks and proactively addressing them by complying with the SPSA and installing the required safety features. By implementing the SPSA’s required safety features, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of tragic accidents.

California sees some of the most pool-related drownings in the US in children under five. In 2025 alone, San Bernardino County has already reported 14 drowning and submersion incidents involving both children and adults, and Riverside County has seen nine pediatric cases, highlighting the urgent vigilance and proper safety measures. Experts emphasize that drowning is often silent and fast, sometimes taking just five minutes to result in irreversible injury or death.

Some actions that can be taken to prevent drownings include:

• Ensuring children are supervised by an undistracted adult while in and around pools
• Using only US Coast Guard-approved flotation devices for children who do not know how to swim
• Enrolling children in early and ongoing swim lessons
• Installing at least two of the safety features required by the California Swimming Pool Safety Act
• Teaching children basic pool safety rules and what to do if they find themselves in trouble, such as floating on their back and yelling for help

Legal Support For Drowning Victims and Their Families

When a drowning incident occurs due to unsafe pool conditions, families may be left with medical bills, emotional trauma, and devastating loss. At Singleton Schreiber, we advocate for drowning victims and their loved ones, working to hold negligent property owners accountable. If your child or loved one has been injured or killed in a preventable pool accident, our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (619) 771-3473 or contact us online for a free consultation.