5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 8 cities in Harris County, Texas.
Verified from official government sources
Harris County requires a building permit for all swimming pool construction in unincorporated areas. Pools must maintain clearance from utility easements and on-site septic systems. Inspections are required during and after construction.
Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.003 and 757.004 (Pool Yard Enclosures and Gates)
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 awa...
Harris County requires pool barriers of at least 48 inches high with no more than 4-inch gaps, per the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and IRC. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Unprotected pools can also be cited as nuisances under state law.
Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.003 and 757.004 (Pool Yard Enclosures and Gates)
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 awa...
Harris County enforces pool safety standards under the ISPSC and IRC including drain covers, alarms, and barrier requirements. Abandoned or neglected pools are also enforceable as nuisances under state law due to mosquito breeding and child safety hazards.
Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 757.003 and 757.004 (Pool Yard Enclosures and Gates)
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 awa...
Above-ground pools in Harris County holding more than 24 inches of water must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 pool barrier requirements. Electrical connections require permits under the county fire code. No separate county above-ground pool ordinance exists.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.003 (Pool Enclosure Required)
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 away...
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Harris County must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code pool barrier requirements if they hold more than 24 inches of water. Electrical work requires permits under the Harris County fire code. No separate county hot tub ordinance exists.
Texas Health & Safety Code Sec. 757.002 (Definitions)
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. Added by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 517, Sec. 2, eff. Jan. 1, 199...
8 cities in Harris County have their own swimming pools & spas rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
4 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
3 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
4 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
5 verified rules • Above-Ground Pools, Fencing Requirements
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