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

In unincorporated Madera County, above-ground swimming pools are treated under the same framework as in-ground pools: the County's adopted California Building Code plus the statewide Swimming Pool Safety Act in the Health and Safety Code. The Pool Safety Act applies to pools and spas capable of holding water more than the state-defined depth threshold, which captures most permanent above-ground pools. That means a building permit from the County Building Division is generally required, and the pool must be protected by a compliant barrier. Where the wall of an above-ground pool itself serves as the barrier, the enclosure standards in Health and Safety Code Section 115923 still apply: an effective barrier height of at least 60 inches, no gap over 2 inches at the bottom, and openings that reject a 4-inch sphere; any ladder or access point must be removable, lockable, or otherwise secured so it cannot be used by young children. New pools must also carry at least two of the seven drowning-prevention features under Section 115922. Pool placement must respect the accessory-structure setbacks in the Zoning Ordinance (Title 18, Chapter 18.98). Always confirm with the Building Division whether a particular small or temporary pool meets the threshold for a permit.