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

The City of Redlands does not maintain a distinct code chapter singling out above-ground pools. Instead, the Building & Safety Division applies the adopted California Building/Residential Code and the Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC Section 115920 et seq.) to any pool or spa capable of holding water deep enough to pose a drowning risk. In practice this means an above-ground pool that meets the state definition of a swimming pool requires a building permit and must satisfy the same barrier rules described in the City's Pool Barriers handout - a non-climbable barrier at least 5 feet (60 inches) high opposite the pool, gates that swing away and are self-closing and self-latching, and at least one of the seven drowning-prevention features. Because the wall of an above-ground pool can itself form part of a barrier, the handout warns about 'step' or climbing conditions: where a ladder, deck, equipment, or the pool wall structure creates a foothold, applicants must contact Building & Safety for clarification so the barrier remains non-climbable. The City did not publish a numeric exemption for small portable or inflatable pools, so owners should confirm with Building & Safety at (909) 798-7536 whether a specific above-ground or portable pool is regulated.