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

San Bernardino County Building & Safety Bulletin IB-0007 treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools for barrier purposes. Enclosure requirements are identical to those for in-ground pools unless the side walls of the above-ground pool themselves form a complying barrier equivalent in height (at least 5 feet high) and meet all the minimum enclosure requirements in Section A of the bulletin (no climbable surfaces, no gaps passing a 4-inch sphere, compliant gates, etc.). Where the above-ground pool structure is used as the barrier, or a barrier is mounted on top of the pool, and the means of access is a ladder or steps, then either the ladder/steps must be capable of being secured, locked, or removed to prevent access, or the ladder/steps must be surrounded by a barrier meeting Section A, Items 1 through 7. Where the ladder or steps are secured, locked, or removed, any opening created must not allow the passage of a 4-inch-diameter sphere. Because any structure holding water over 18 inches deep is a 'pool' under the bulletin, a Pool and Spa Permit from Building & Safety is required, and inflatable or portable pools over that depth are also subject to these barrier standards.