What’s Changing Under Title 24 (Effective Jan 1, 2026)

• The 2025 update to Title 24, Part 6 is now adopted and will take effect for new permits filed on or after January 1, 2026.

• For pools and spas, Title 24 now requires the primary heating source to meet higher efficiency and lower-emissions standards.
• Specifically, for new pools (or existing pools being newly heated), gas-only heaters (natural gas or propane) cannot be used as the primary heating system anymore. Instead, one of several approved alternatives must be used.

Approved Heating Options Under New Code

Under the new regulations, you must choose from one of the following when installing a pool heater (or installing a heater for the first time):

Additionally:

• Electric resistance heaters (i.e. simple “electric heating elements” that just convert electricity into heat) are — in general — no longer permitted as primary heaters.

• Outdoor heated pools and spas must be equipped with a pool cover, to reduce heat loss and improve efficiency.
• Pool control systems now must comply with the state’s new “flexible demand” requirements — meaning controls should default heating/filtration to times when electricity demand (and emissions) are low.

What This Means if You Own or Plan a Pool in California

• If you’re building a new pool (or a new spa) — or adding a heater to an existing pool for the first time — the days of just installing a standard gas heater are basically over. You’ll need to plan for a solar, heat-pump, or other approved low-energy heating system.

• Up-front costs will likely increase. Solar systems or heat-pump heaters generally cost more initially than a basic gas heater. However, the long-term savings (energy bills, maintenance, emissions) tend to be much lower.

• If you have an existing pool with a gas heater already installed, and you don’t plan to replace or upgrade the heating system — then you are exempt from the new rules (for now).

• But if/when you replace or upgrade — or add a heater — you’ll need to comply. So it might be worth planning ahead if you foresee remodeling or an equipment upgrade.

• Because of the requirement for covers and demand-response ready controls, you may need to rethink how your pool is used (cover when not in use, schedule heating during off-peak, etc.) — but this also offers an opportunity for lower operating costs and greener pools.

Broader Impacts & Why It’s Happening

The new pool-heating standards are part of a larger push by the California Energy Commission (CEC) through Title 24 to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable energy in buildings.

According to the code-implementers, these changes are estimated to cut back millions of therms of natural gas use statewide and significantly reduce CO₂-equivalent emissions.

For homeowners, it pushes the market toward more sustainable pool heating solutions — heat pumps, solar, hybrids — which are quieter, cleaner, and often more efficient in the long run.

What You Should Do if You’re Planning / Updating a Pool (especially in 2025–2026)

If you plan to build a pool or add heating — try to get permits submitted before December 31, 2025. That way, your project can be evaluated under the old (less stringent) rules. Many contractors recommend this to avoid extra costs.

If starting after 2026 — factor in the higher upfront cost of compliant systems (heat pump, solar, hybrid) and possibly extra infrastructure (piping, wiring, solar panels, etc.).

Make sure the design includes required elements: pool covers (for outdoor pools), properly-sized heat pump or solar collectors, and demand-response ready controls.

Talk to a pool contractor or energy‐code consultant familiar with the latest Title 24 rules — especially if you plan to use a hybrid system or alternative approach (e.g. waste-heat recovery).

Consider long-term operating costs and savings: though upfront costs are higher, electricity or solar-based heating often pays off over time compared to gas (in energy bills, maintenance, emissions).