Having a pool is a great way to be able to host friends and family for memorable occasions all summer long. But being a pool owner is also a big responsibility, and the new California pool safety law is asking more of pool owners throughout the state. Sonoma Backyard has all the details of this law so you can adhere to the new regulations as you host your pool parties this year.

What Does the Law State?

The new law calls for a second safety feature to keep children and beginning swimmers safer. Previously, the law required that pools have a fence, cover, or alarm to prevent drowning. Now, pool owners need to double-up on safety and have at least two of these precautionary elements to protect swimmers.

Who is the Law For?

All California pool owners should take note of this new law, but the regulations are only enforced for swimming pools and spas built or remodeled starting in 2018. After being in the works for many months, the law officially took effect on January 1, 2018.

Why Was This Law Created?

Drowning statistics in the United States are quite grim, and the main cause for tighter pool safety laws in our country. Drowning is the main cause of death for California children age one through four. Additional statistics show that more than 160 young California kids died of drowning from 2010 to 2015. This doesn’t even include the more than 700 children who were hospitalized because of near-drowning incidences.

The new law aims to cut back on the risk of drowning and keep children and those who aren’t experienced swimmers safer. Because fences can be left open or alarms can be faulty, the hope is that multiple barriers to entry will prevent cases of drowning.

Learn More

If you’d like to learn more about how to adhere to the new California pool safety law when installing your pool, contact us at Sonoma Backyard. We’re ready to help answer all your questions and guide you through the process with ease.