How Inglewood Handles Swimming Pools & Spas: A Practical Guide
Inglewood maintains 107 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with swimming pools & spas. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Inglewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Pool Permits
Building permits are required for pool construction in Inglewood. Plans must show pool location, dimensions, distances from property lines, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering. Building and Safety Division handles permits.
Key details: Permit: Required for pool construction. Plans Required: Location, dimensions, setbacks, engineering. Department: Building and Safety Division. State Code: CA Building Code Title 24.
Installing a pool without a building permit is a code violation. Pools must pass inspection before use.
Fencing Requirements
Inglewood requires all swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence or barrier at least 5 feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Pool barriers must comply with California Building Code requirements.
Key details: Barrier Height: 5 feet minimum. Gate Latch: Self-closing, self-latching at 54 inches. Openings: No gaps allowing 4-inch sphere. Code: California Building Code compliant.
Non-compliant pool barriers may result in code enforcement notices, fines, and orders to install proper fencing. Failure to comply can prevent property sale.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Inglewood actively enforces its fencing requirements requirements.
Safety Rules
Inglewood enforces swimming pool safety requirements including barriers, drain covers, and safety equipment per California Health and Safety Code. Pool construction requires building permits and inspections.
Key details: Permit: Required for new construction. Drain Covers: Must be VGB Act compliant. Safety Equipment: Rescue equipment required. Water Quality: Must be properly maintained.
Non-compliant pools may be ordered drained or closed until brought into compliance. Building without permits can result in fines and mandatory inspections.
Compared to other cities, Inglewood takes a harder line on safety rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Above-Ground Pools
Inglewood regulates above-ground pools similarly to in-ground pools. Pools over a certain size require permits and must meet barrier requirements. Small inflatable pools may be exempt from permitting.
Key details: Permit Threshold: Over 18 inches deep or 5,000 gallons. Barriers: Same as in-ground pool requirements. Pool Walls: May count toward barrier if non-climbable. Small Pools: Under 18 inches may be exempt.
Unpermitted above-ground pools may receive code enforcement notices requiring permits or removal. Non-compliant barriers must be corrected.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs follow the same permitting and safety requirements as pools under CA Building Code. Safety barriers and drain cover requirements apply. Must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Key details: Safety: Same barrier rules as pools. Permit: Required for permanent installation. Drain Covers: VGB Act compliant required. State Law: CA Building Code Title 24.
Unpermitted electrical work: fines and required correction. Drainage violations: remediation required. Safety cover violations: immediate correction.
The Bottom Line
Inglewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Inglewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Inglewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.