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

Sacramento County Code defines a swimming pool to include above-ground and on-ground pools containing water over 18 inches deep, so above-ground pools fall under the same Chapter 16.36 barrier rules. The County provides above-ground-specific provisions in Section 16.36.130: where the above-ground pool structure itself is used as a barrier, or where the barrier is mounted on top of the pool structure, and access is by a ladder or steps, the ladder or steps must be capable of being secured, locked, or removed to prevent access, or be surrounded by a barrier meeting the full standards. When the ladder or steps are secured, locked, or removed, any opening created must still be protected by a conforming barrier. The maximum 2-inch gap at the bottom of a barrier may be increased to 4 inches when the barrier is mounted on top of the above-ground pool structure. The pool wall, where used as a barrier, must still meet the 60-inch effective height and the no-passage-of-a-1-3/4-inch-sphere opening limits. A building permit is generally required; confirm scope with County Development and Code Services, since some small or temporary inflatable pools may have different treatment.