Swimming Pools & Spas in Tyler, TX (2026)
5 verified swimming pools & spas rules for Tyler, Texas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pool Permits
Tyler requires a building permit before any residential pool or spa is built, obtained from the Building Official, and sets water-line setbacks of 5 feet from the house and side or rear lot lines and 12 feet from a side street.
Tyler Swimming Pool Permit and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Unified Development Code Sec. 10-79(j)
No swimming pool or spa shall be built or assembled upon a lot until a permit for construction of the primary structure on such lot has been obtained from the Building Official. ... A minimum setback of five feet shall be required between the water line of any pool or spa and the primary structure. A minimum setback of five feet shall be required between the water line of any pool or spa and th...
Fencing Requirements
Tyler requires every pool holding water over 18 inches deep to be enclosed. Single-family residential lots (R-1A through R-1D) need at least 4 feet; all other pools need 6 feet. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
Tyler Pool Fencing Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-14
Every residential pool in an area zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C and R-1D) shall be completely surrounded by a fence, wall or building not less than four (4) feet in height. ... Except for residential pools in areas zoned Single-Family Residential, every swimming pool in the City limits shall be completely surrounded by a fence, wall or building not less than six (6) feet in ...
Safety Rules
Tyler treats any neglected or unfenced pool as an unlawful public nuisance. Owners must keep water clear enough to see the bottom, maintain Section 6-14 fencing and latching gates, and lock gates on unoccupied property.
Tyler Pool Safety and Nuisance Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances Sec. 18-50
Any time that a private swimming pool or spa contains any amount of water, the owner or occupant of the premises shall: 1. Maintain water clarity so that the bottom can be seen. 2. Maintain the pool or spa free from all foreign matter, garbage or debris. 3. Prevent harborage or breeding places for insects, snakes, rodents, vermin or other animals. 4. Maintain proper fencing in accordance with C...
Above-Ground Pools
Tyler treats any pool holding water over 18 inches deep like an in-ground pool: it needs Sec. 6-14 fencing and, on single-family lots, the 5-foot water-line setbacks. A primary-structure permit must exist first.
Tyler Above-Ground Pool Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances Sec. 6-14
In this section, "swimming pool" means any structure or excavation which contains or may contain a body of water over eighteen (18) inches in depth, which is used for recreational bathing or swimming purposes. ... Every residential pool in an area zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1A, R-1B, R-1C and R-1D) shall be completely surrounded by a fence, wall or building not less than four (4) feet i...
Hot Tub Rules
Tyler defines a spa, including hot tubs, jacuzzis, and whirlpools, as a swimming pool, so it must meet Sec. 6-14 fencing and Sec. 18-50 maintenance. Portable spas are exempt from pool setback distances.
Tyler Hot Tub and Spa Rules
Some RestrictionsTyler, TX, Code of Ordinances Sec. 18-50(b)
Spa shall mean a small body of water, manmade, which is exclusively designed for or used in conjunction with high velocity air and/or high velocity water recirculation systems utilizing hot, cold or ambient temperature water. Said term shall include jacuzzis, hot tubs, whirlpools, and similar structures. Swimming pool shall mean any manmade structure, basin, chamber or tank containing any amoun...
Looking for Smith County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tyler city rules.
Swimming Pools & Spas in Smith County →