Anza, CA Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

Riverside County treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools for permitting purposes when water depth exceeds 18 inches. A building permit from Building and Safety is required, covering the pool structure, electrical connection, and decking/ladder. Under California H&S §115922 and CBC §3109, the pool wall itself can be used as a barrier if it is at least 60 inches above adjacent grade (or 48 inches if an additional approved feature is added). The pool access ladder must either be removable and stored when the pool is not in use, or enclosed within a 60-inch barrier with a self-closing self-latching gate. Any decking or platform around the pool that provides access must be enclosed. The pool equipment must be placed at least 5 feet from side/rear property lines under Ord. 348 and must comply with noise limits. Soft-sided inflatable pools deeper than 18 inches are technically subject to the same rules, although enforcement is often complaint-driven. Temporary/seasonal pools 18 inches or shallower are unregulated but create attractive nuisance liability. Draining above-ground pools to the street or storm drain is prohibited under the County's NPDES MS4 permit; discharge to landscape or sanitary sewer (with utility permission) is required.