Tuscaloosa, AL Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

Tuscaloosa does not exempt above-ground pools from its main pool rules. The city's permit guidance requires a building permit for 'swimming pools over 2 ft in depth,' which captures the typical above-ground pool. The Zoning Ordinance defines a swimming pool as a self-contained body of water at least 18 inches deep and eight feet in diameter or width, used for recreation, whether above or below ground; as an accessory use it is accessory to a residential use. The enclosure rule in Sec. 25-107.x expressly covers 'any temporary or inflatable pool which can be filled to a depth greater than 18 inches,' so an above-ground pool over that depth must be surrounded by a fence or wall at least six feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate and no easily scaled fence design. For placement, when accessory to a single-family, duplex, triplex, or quadplex dwelling, a pool (including pumps and filters) may encroach into the required rear yard no closer than six feet from the rear lot line and must be at least six feet, or the required side-yard depth (whichever is greater), from a side lot line; it may not sit in a required front yard. A larger above-ground pool valued at $5,000 or more triggers the state general contractor's license requirement. Owners should verify setback and barrier details with Building and Inspections before installation.