California Pool Signage Requirements: Ensure Safety and Compliance in San Diego & East County

Pool and spa signage compliance is not just a formality—it’s California law. Whether you manage a hotel in Downtown San Diego, an apartment complex in El Cajon, a school in La Mesa, or an HOA community in East County, proper signage is essential for safety, legal compliance, and peace of mind.

At CPR Signs, we specialize in the fabrication, design, and professional installation of California-compliant pool signs. With fast turnaround, custom options, and professional-grade materials including aluminum, ACM signs (aluminum composite), and metal signage, we're your go-to local source in San Diego.

Who Needs These Signs?

Under the California Building Code (Title 24) and California Health and Safety Code, these rules apply to:

• Hotels and motels

• Apartments and condo complexes

• Schools and universities

• Public and community pools

• Homeowners associations (HOAs)

• Resorts and recreational centers

• Property management companies

If your pool is considered “public,” California law requires you to install the proper signs in clearly visible areas with specific font sizes and dimensions. Failure to comply can result in serious fines and legal liability.

Mandatory Pool Signage & Specifications

✅ 1. Diarrhea Warning Sign

Text: "Persons having currently active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days shall not be allowed to enter the pool water."

• Font Size: Minimum 1 inch

• Material: ACM, metal, or weatherproof aluminum

• Recommended Size: 14” x 20”

• Required at: Every public pool entrance

✅ 2. “Keep Closed” Gate Sign

• Text: "KEEP CLOSED"

• Font Size: Minimum 4 inches

• Installed on: All pool access gates and entry points

• Size: 18” x 24” is common

• Installation Available: We offer on-site sign installation in El Cajon, San Diego, and East County

✅ 3. No Diving Sign

• Text: "NO DIVING"

• Font Size: At least 4 inches

• Required If: Your pool has a maximum depth of 6 feet or less

• Size: 18” x 24” or larger, depending on visibility needs

✅ 4. Pool Capacity Sign

• Includes: Max bather load (1 per 20 sq ft of pool area)

• Font Size: Minimum 4 inches

• Size: Typically 18” x 24”

• Custom-Fabricated Signs: We offer capacity signs with your facility's name and address

✅ 5. CPR and Artificial Respiration Instructions

• Includes: Emergency CPR techniques and rescue breathing

• Text Size: At least ¼ inch

• Placement: In a visible location inside pool area

✅ 6. Emergency Contact Sign

• Includes:

  • “CALL 911”

  • Name and address of the facility

  • Name/address of nearest emergency hospital

• Font Size: At least 1 inch

• San Diego-area templates available upon request

✅ 7. No Lifeguard On Duty Sign

• Text:

  • "WARNING: NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY."

  • "Children under the age of 14 shall not use pool without a parent or adult guardian in attendance."

• Font: Minimum 1 inch

✅ 8. Spa Warning Sign

• Required for all spas

• Lists hazards for: elderly, pregnant women, children, medical conditions

• Font: Minimum 1 inch

✅ 9. Emergency Shut-Off Switch (Spas Only)

• Text: “EMERGENCY SHUT OFF SWITCH”

• Installed at: The emergency spa shut-off location

✅ 10. “No Use After Dark” Sign

• Required where pool lighting does not meet nighttime operation code

• Text: "NO USE OF POOL ALLOWED AFTER DARK."

• Placement: On outside of entry gates

Why Choose CPR Signs?

We’re a locally owned sign shop in El Cajon, serving all of San Diego County with:

✔️ Expert custom sign fabrication of compliant pool and spa signs

✔️ Professional signage installation services

✔️ Custom designs with your logo or branding

✔️ Durable materials: ACM signs, reflective aluminum, weatherproof plastics

✔️ Bulk orders available for property management companies, schools, and hotels

Service Areas

We proudly design, fabricate, and install pool signs throughout:

• San Diego

• El Cajon

• La Mesa

• Santee

• Spring Valley

• Chula Vista

• East County

• And across Southern California

Ready to Get Compliant?

Don’t wait for a failed inspection. Contact CPR Signs today to get the exact pool signs required by California law—installed professionally and built to last.

📞 Call us now: 619-596-7446

🌐 Visit: www.cprsigns.com

📍 Serving San Diego & East County with local, in-house sign professionals

908 Fesler St. El Cajon, CA 92020