As of January 1, 2026, California’s updated Title 24 Energy Code will significantly change how swimming pools and spas are heated. These new regulations are designed to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and shift the industry toward more efficient, renewable heating technologies.
If you’re a pool builder, designer, or homeowner planning a new pool or spa project, understanding these requirements before permitting is critical.
When Do the New Title 24 Pool Heating Rules Take Effect?
The updated requirements apply to projects permitted on or after January 1, 2026. The permit date — not the construction date — determines which version of the Energy Code applies.
- Projects permitted before January 1, 2026 are governed by the prior code, even if construction continues into 2026.
- If a permit expires or is reissued after January 1, 2026, the project must comply with the new code.
- Local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) may have additional interpretations or requirements, so early coordination is recommended.
What’s Changing for New Pool & Spa Construction?
1. Solar or Heat Pump Becomes the Primary Heating Source
For new pools and spas, the primary heating system must be one of the following:
- Solar thermal pool heating, or
- Electric heat pump pool heater (HPPH)
Traditional gas pool heaters can no longer be used as the primary heating source for new installations.
2. Gas Pool Heaters Are Now Supplemental Only
Gas heaters are still allowed — but only as a secondary or supplemental heat source when paired with:
- A solar pool heating system, or
- A heat pump pool heater
This allows homeowners to maintain rapid heat-up capability while still meeting California’s efficiency goals.
Important Exceptions to the Rule
Certain scenarios are exempt from the new requirements, including:
- Alterations to existing pools or spas that already have heating systems
- Pools heated exclusively by solar with no backup heater
- Portable electric spas that meet appliance efficiency standards
- Permanent spa heating in existing buildings with gas availability
- Situations where inadequate Solar Access Roof Area (SARA) prevents solar installation
What About Replacing an Existing Gas Pool Heater?
If a pool already has a gas heater, replacement with a new gas heater is still allowed.
Key conditions include:
- The replacement heater must meet California efficiency and emissions standards
- No continuously burning pilot lights
- Minimum thermal efficiency ratings
- Low NOx emissions where applicable
Important: Homeowners are not required to add solar or a heat pump when simply replacing an existing gas heater.
Why Solar Pool Heating Plays a Central Role
No individual — and no entire industry — likes being told they have to do something. However, when it comes to energy codes, it’s helpful to look at history as a roadmap for what actually works.
For more than 50 years, swimming pools in California have been successfully heated using a combination of solar thermal pool heating and gas heaters. This approach is proven, cost-effective, and well-suited to California’s climate. Solar does the heavy lifting by maintaining temperature using free energy from the sun, while gas provides fast recovery when needed. It’s a system the pool industry understands and homeowners trust.
In contrast, heat pump pool heaters have been pushed into the California market over the past several years with limited real-world traction. The reasons are practical, not philosophical.
In most cases, a properly sized heat pump requires:
- A dedicated 50-amp electrical breaker
- Approximately 3’ x 3’ of equipment pad space
- Adequate airflow clearances
- An HVAC license for proper service and repair
Beyond installation complexity, heat pumps present a challenging operating reality in California. They draw a significant amount of electricity, and California’s electricity rates are among the highest in the country. That combination alone makes long-term operating costs difficult to justify.
Additionally, the advertised output of many pool heat pumps — typically around 140,000 BTUs — is only achieved under ideal laboratory conditions: approximately 80°F air temperature, 80°F water temperature, and 80% humidity. Real-world conditions rarely match this, resulting in slower heating performance.
When evaluating the best heating option for a large body of water, the decision ultimately comes down to three factors:
- Cost of the heat source
- Operating cost over time
- Time required to heat the water
Measured against these criteria, heat pumps consistently rank last. Solar thermal pool heating, on the other hand, excels at low operating cost and long-term temperature maintenance — which is precisely why it has remained a cornerstone of pool heating in California for decades.
Planning Ahead Is the Key to Compliance
For pool builders and homeowners alike, the biggest takeaway is this:
Heating strategy must be considered early in the design and permitting process.
Waiting until later stages can lead to redesigns, delays, or unexpected costs.
Working with an experienced solar pool heating partner ensures:
- Code-compliant system design
- Accurate solar sizing
- Seamless integration with pool equipment and automation
- Long-term performance and customer satisfaction
Need Help Navigating Title 24?
For over 30 years, Suntrek has partnered with pool builders and homeowners across California and Nevada to design, install, and service code-compliant solar pool heating systems.
With more than 30,000 systems installed since 1991, Suntrek is a trusted resource for navigating changing energy codes while delivering reliable, cost-effective pool heating solutions.
If you’re planning a pool or spa project that will be permitted in 2026 or beyond, now is the time to start the conversation.