In its ongoing pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability, California has made some significant updates to a key law. The state’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards, Title 24 Part 6, has recently undergone some changes that impact homeowners who plan to build or renovate a pool. These changes restructure the way pools are heated and went into effect January 1, 2026.
But how far-reaching is the impact of these changes? Let’s take a look at the 2025 Title 24 in California and break it down for you.
What is Title 24 in California?
Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations is the state’s building standards code. It provides all the standards for the majority of construction projects in California.
All construction must comply with the code’s minimum requirements for maintenance, construction, and design. The intent is to ensure public welfare, safety, and health. Title 24 places a strong emphasis on sustainability and emergency efficiency criteria for structures in California.
Part 6 of Title 24 contains the Building Energy Efficiency Standards, which are designed specifically to reduce energy consumption in structures and enhance energy efficiency.
The updates introduced in 2025 that went into effect January 1, 2026, provide expanded baselines on new construction. This includes pools and spa equipment for both commercial and personal use.
How does California Title 24 Affect Swimming Pool Owners?
There are five key changes that directly affect new pool construction and renovation. They involve stricter standards for the heating equipment that is used in pools. It essentially terminates the use of gas-fired heaters for pools, making it unlawful to use them as primary heat sources for new pools and pool renovations.
These are the new regulation requirements.
- Primary Heat Source – The changes prohibit the use of gas heaters as a primary heating source. Options under the new requirements include a solar thermal system, a heat pump, or other renewable energy source that is approved within the regulations.
- Energy Efficient Heating Equipment – New heating equipment is required to meet the new certification standards for efficiency. These new standards are more stringent than the previous requirements.
- Solar Energy Compatible Infrastructure – Any new pool is required to be solar-ready. This does not mean it must be solar powered, but it does have to be ready for solar installation.
- Pool Covers are Mandatory – Any pool or spa that is located outdoors and has a heat pump or gas heater is required to have a pool cover.
- Smart Pool Control Systems – New control systems for pools are required to have the capability to access the electrical grid. This will allow it to optimize energy consumption during peak use times.
In addition to planning for regulations compliance, there are also impacts that pool owners need to be aware of before embarking on a new pool or renovation project.
What Does this Mean for New Pool Construction and Renovation?
Several impacts may not be readily apparent but will affect new pools and renovations.
Thermal solar pool heating uses tubes that are mounted to the roof instead of the typical photovoltaic panels. The effectiveness of solar heating may fail to meet expectations because it will never provide significant heating. It may reduce the icy chill of an outside pool, but it won’t heat on demand, and it won’t bring a pool or spa to temperature.
Electric heat pumps have their own shortcomings. As temperatures drop, heat pumps become less effective for pools. When temperatures dip below 500 F, they stop working completely. Heat pumps also have a higher electricity demand, doubling the amount used to heat a pool.
Under the new regulations, the expense to heat a pool or spa is likely to increase by 10 to 15 percent. A combo pool and spa setup will require a dual heating system. Homes that are older may require an upgrade to their electrical panel in order to handle the increased load.
How Can Pool Owners Comply with Title 24 California Code of Regulations?
It is important to understand that these changes do not affect new swimming pools and pool renovations that were approved by the December 31, 2025, deadline. Hot tubs that are installed above ground and heater replacements are not subject to these regulations.
However, any new pool construction or renovation that involves adding a heater and is submitted for approval after that date will be subject to the new requirements.
Gas heaters can be used as a supplemental heat source or as backup; they just can’t be used as the primary heat source.
Title 24 offers several options for primary heat sources:
- Solar – A solar pool heater system should have a collector area that is at least
- Single-family homes – 60% of the pool’s surface area
- Multifamily properties – 65% of the pool’s surface area
- Commercial properties – 65% of the pool’s surface area
- Heat Pump – Electric heat pump pool heater that meets the requirements for performance and size per the regulations.
- High Renewable/Recovered Energy – Pool heater system that gets a minimum of 60% of its annual heating energy from recovered waste heat, photovoltaics, or other renewable sources that are housed on-site.
- Solar/Heat Pump Combo – Hybrid pool heating systems combine a heat pump and a solar thermal system and do not have any supplemental heaters.
- Alternative System – Requirements for any other pool heating systems include approval by the California Energy Commission and must not use more energy than the specific heating sources listed in the regulations.
The e360 Pool Heating System is a Game Changer
When you are ready to install your new pool or renovate your old one, call on us first. Blue Square’s innovative pool heating system is both effective and efficient while remaining compliant with Title 24.
When our professionals install your pool or spa, we’ll include our e360 system. Its advanced design circulates the heated water along the floor of the pool. This conserves both the chemicals and heat, which are often lost on the pool’s surface. High-powered jets push the heated water down, keeping the entire pool warmer.
Contact us to talk to one of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives. You’ll be glad you did.
