College Station's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In College Station, Texas, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Pool Permits
Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.001 defines a pool to include above-ground pools, so an above-ground pool in College Station gets no break on safety rules. Anything over 18 inches deep counts, and Sec. 757.003 requires a pool yard enclosure at least 48 inches tall with no gap underneath that lets a sphere four inches in diameter pass.
Key details: Pool definition: over 18 inches deep, at ground level, above ground, below ground, or indoors. Enclosure height: at least 48 inches, measured on the side away from the pool. Gap under enclosure: no sphere four inches in diameter may pass under. Pool wall as barrier: walls 48 inches or higher may satisfy the requirement.
College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to pool permits. That said, there are still limits.
Fencing & Safety Requirements
Pool fences in College Station must meet Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.003: at least 48 inches tall measured from the outside, no gap underneath that passes a 4-inch sphere, no chain link on a new pool yard enclosure built after January 1, 1994, and no diagonal fence members lower than 49 inches above the ground.
Key details: Minimum height: 48 inches, measured on the side away from the pool. Gap under fence: no 4-inch sphere may pass. Chain link: prohibited for new enclosures built after January 1, 1994. Diagonal members: prohibited below 49 inches. Gate latch: at least 54 inches above grade.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find College Station gives residents more flexibility on fencing & safety requirements.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, College Station gives residents more room on swimming pools & spas. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that College Station can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.