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

Sacramento City Code defines a swimming pool to include both in-ground and above-ground structures, including hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools, when water depth exceeds 18 inches. Above-ground pools meeting that depth require a building permit through the Community Development Department. Plan submittals must include manufacturer's specifications for the pool and, where applicable, retractable ladder manufacturer's specifications, plus a scaled site plan dimensioning the pool and pool equipment in relation to the main dwelling, adjacent property lines, and the landside toe of any flood control levee. Plumbing, electrical, and landscape features must also be shown. The barrier must be installed, inspected, and approved before the pool is filled with water. The same 60-inch height, 2-inch (or 4-inch over concrete) bottom-clearance, 1.75-inch maximum opening, and 11-gauge chain-link standards apply as for in-ground pools. Per Sacramento City Code 17.624.060, an uncovered, unenclosed pool, spa, or hot tub located more than 60 feet from the front property line must observe a 3-foot interior side-yard and rear-yard setback, and a minimum 5-foot street side-yard setback. The California Pool Safety Act (HSC 115922) two-of-seven drowning prevention requirement applies to new and remodeled above-ground pools at single-family homes; an above-ground pool with a retractable or removable ladder secured when the pool is not in use can qualify as the isolation barrier under IRC Appendix V/Section R326 when ladder access is fully blocked.