Garland's Swimming Pools & Spas: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles swimming pools & spas a little differently. In Garland, Texas, there are 5 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.
Safety Rules
Garland enforces Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 plus IRC pool barrier standards, requiring self-closing gates, alarms on doors, and anti-entrapment drain covers.
Key details: Authority: 48-inch minimum barrier height required. Measurement: Self-closing, self-latching gates with latch at 54 inches. Authority: Door alarms required if house wall is part of barrier. Measurement: VGB-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers mandatory. Authority: Texas H&S Code Ch. 757 applies to multifamily pools.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/HS/htm/HS.757.htm) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Garland actively enforces its safety rules requirements.
Pool Permits
Garland requires a building permit and plan review for all in-ground and most above-ground pools, with separate electrical and plumbing permits issued by Building Inspection.
Key details: Permit Required: Building permit required before excavation begins. Barriers: Site plan must show setbacks, easements, and barrier details. Permit Required: Separate electrical and plumbing permits required. Fees: Backwash must discharge to sanitary sewer, not street. Barriers: Final barrier inspection required before water fill.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.garlandtx.gov/178/Building-Inspection) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Fencing Requirements
Pool barriers in Garland must be at least 48 inches tall, fully enclose the pool, and meet IRC Appendix V plus Texas state pool yard enclosure standards.
Key details: Minimum 48-inch Barrier: Minimum 48-inch barrier height from outside grade. Vertical Openings Limited: Vertical openings limited to 4 inches maximum. Gates Must Open: Gates must open outward, self-close, and self-latch. Latch Release At: Latch release at least 54 inches above ground. Chain Link Mesh: Chain link mesh limited to 1.25-inch openings.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/IRC2021P2/appendix-v-swimming-pools-spas-and-hot-tubs) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is one of the stricter rules in Garland's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in Garland require permits, barriers or removable ladders, and must meet setback rules from property lines and structures.
Key details: Setbacks: Pools over 24 inches deep require a permit. Setbacks: Pool walls 48+ inches can serve as the barrier. Ladder Must: Ladder is removable and locked when unattended. Setbacks: 5-foot setback from side and rear property lines. Prohibitions: Cannot be placed over easements.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://www.garlandtx.gov/178/Building-Inspection) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs and spas in Garland require building and electrical permits, must meet barrier rules unless equipped with a locking safety cover, and need GFCI protection.
Key details: Permit Requirement: Building and electrical permits required. Safety Cover: ASTM F1346 locking safety cover exempts from fence. Setback: 5-foot minimum setback from property lines. Electrical Protection: GFCI protection required on all spa circuits. Bonding: Equipotential bonding mandatory per NEC 680.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Garland code enforcement](https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/ISPSC2021P1) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
The Bottom Line
Garland is tougher than many cities when it comes to swimming pools & spas. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Garland, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
These rules come from Garland's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.