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

Per the County's pool safety handout, a 'swimming pool' is any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 18 inches deep, and the definition expressly 'includes in-ground and aboveground structures' as well as hot tubs, spas, portable spas and nonportable wading pools. As a result, an above-ground pool in unincorporated Placer County is treated like any other pool: it requires a building permit from CDRA Building Services and must comply with Placer County Code 15.04.320 and CBC Section 3109, including the permanent 60-inch enclosure (measured on the outside), 2-inch maximum bottom clearance, no openings passing a 4-inch sphere, a self-closing/self-latching gate with the latch at least 60 inches above ground, and at least one additional approved drowning-prevention safety feature. Note that the walls of the above-ground pool itself generally do not satisfy the barrier requirement unless the overall installation meets the enclosure standards; owners should confirm specifics with the Building Services Division. The same submittal items (site plan, electrical bonding, signed barrier form) apply.