Swimming Pools & Spas in Fort Worth, TX (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Fort Worth, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Fort Worth requires a building permit before constructing any residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. Applications must be filed in person with Development Services, and pools must comply with Appendix Q of the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as locally amended in Chapter 7.
Fort Worth Swimming Pool Permits
Some RestrictionsCity of Fort Worth Development Services - Submittal Requirements for New Residential Accessories (Pools)
All pools shall comply with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code along with various sections of the 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, and City of Fort Worth Amendments to each. Note: For Apartment or Commercial pools plans must show fence or barrier, location of pool equipment, and parking spaces. Private Residential Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs are requ...
Fencing Requirements
Fort Worth requires a barrier of at least 48 inches around any residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub under Appendix Q of the adopted 2021 International Residential Code (Fort Worth Construction Code). Openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass; the gap below the barrier cannot exceed 2 inches; gates must open outward away from the pool and be self-closing and self-latching. Multifamily and HOA-owned pools are additionally subject to Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757.
Pool Fencing Requirements in Fort Worth
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.003
Sec. 757.003. ENCLOSURE FOR POOL YARD. ... (b) The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches as measured from the ground on the side away from the pool.(c) Openings under the pool yard enclosure may not allow a sphere four inches in diameter to pass under the pool yard enclosure.(d) If the pool yard enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the di...
Safety Rules
Fort Worth pools must have a continuous barrier around the pool with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward. Lattice openings cannot exceed 1.75 inches and vertical pickets must be spaced no more than 1.75 to 4 inches apart depending on horizontal member spacing, per 2021 IRC Appendix Q as adopted in Chapter 7.
Fort Worth Pool Safety Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.003
Sec. 757.003. ENCLOSURE FOR POOL YARD. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, the owner of a multiunit rental complex with a pool or a property owners association that owns, controls, or maintains a pool shall completely enclose the pool yard with a pool yard enclosure.(b) The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches as measured from the ground on the side ...
Above-Ground Pools
Above-ground pools in Fort Worth are treated as residential pools under Chapter 7 and 2021 IRC Appendix Q. A building permit is required when the pool exceeds 24 inches in water depth or contains 5,000+ gallons, and barrier and ladder-removal rules apply.
Fort Worth Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.002
Sec. 757.002. APPLICATION. This chapter applies only to:(1) a pool owned, controlled, or maintained by the owner of a multiunit rental complex or by a property owners association; and(2) doors and windows of rental dwellings opening into the pool yard of a multiunit rental complex or condominium, cooperative, or town home project.
Hot Tub Rules
Hot tubs in Fort Worth require a building and electrical permit, must meet IRC Appendix G barrier rules if the water is over 24 inches deep, or a locking safety cover.
Fort Worth Hot Tub Rules
Some RestrictionsTex. Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.002, 757.010(c)
Sec. 757.002. APPLICATION. This chapter applies only to: (1) a pool owned, controlled, or maintained by the owner of a multiunit rental complex or by a property owners association; and (2) doors and windows of rental dwellings opening into the pool yard of a multiunit rental complex or condominium, cooperative, or town home project. ... Sec. 757.010. ... (c) A municipality may continue to requi...
Looking for Tarrant County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fort Worth city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Tarrant County →