CA Title 24 and What It Means For Your New Pool Heater.

If you’re planning to build a new pool or upgrade your current pool equipment, there are some important changes coming to California’s energy and air-quality rules that may affect the type of heater you choose. These regulations aim to reduce energy use, support cleaner technologies, and lower emissions across the state. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand what’s changing — and what it means for you.

New Rules Starting January 1, 2026

Beginning in 2026, California’s updated Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24) will change the types of heating systems that can be used for new pools or for existing pools adding a heater for the first time. These new rules means that gas-only pool heaters will no longer qualify as the primary heating source for newly constructed pools and spas. Instead one of these heating systems will have to be the primary heating system:

• A solar-thermal heating system sized to meet most of the pool’s heating needs

• A heat-pump pool heater, which runs on electricity and is more energy-efficient

• A system powered by at least 60% on-site renewable or recovered energy

• A combination of solar and heat pump, without relying on gas as a secondary heater

Who Is Not Affected?

These rules mostly affect new pools and pools adding a heater for the first time.

There are also several important exceptions:

✔ Existing pools with heaters

If your pool already has a heater you can usually replace your existing gas heater with another gas unit, assuming local rules allow it. Although somr cities are being stricter with this compared the others.

✔ Pools or spas heated only by solar

If you’re using a solar-thermal system as your sole heating method, you are exempt from these new requirements.

✔ Certain spas in existing buildings

Some spas located in existing buildings with available natural gas may be allowed to continue using gas heaters under specific conditions.

✔ Properties without adequate solar access

If your property can’t support a properly sized solar-thermal system due to shading, roof layout, or orientation, this can qualify for an exception — especially for spas.

✔ Portable electric spas

These continue to follow separate standards and are not affected by the new pool-heater rules.

Local Air District Rules May Add More Restrictions

In addition to the statewide changes, some regional air-quality districts — especially in Southern California — have begun phasing in stricter rules on gas pool heaters. Depending on your location, future installations or replacements may need to meet zero-emission requirements.

New “Smart Controls” Requirements in 2025

Starting September 29, 2025, new pool equipment controls must meet California’s Flexible Demand Appliance Standards. This means new pool controls must be able to shift energy use away from peak times and support demand-response programs. This doesn’t prevent you from using your pool heater when you need it.

What Does This Means for You

If you’re planning a new pool, these new rules will affect the type of heating system you can install as your primary sounce of heating . Solar and heat-pump systems will become the standard options for primary heating going forward.

If you already have a gas heater, you can continue using it — and in many cases you can still replace it with a similar unit. But over time, California is moving towards cleaner, electric and solar-based technologies.

Need Help Choosing the Right System?

Whether you’re building a new pool, adding a heater, or replacing old equipment, we’re here to help you navigate the new regulations and choose a heating system that is best for your home and fits in your budget. If you have questions about the upcoming rules or want a personalized recommendation, just reach out — we’re happy to help!

Just Call 951-376-7815