Georgetown, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Above-Ground Pools (2026)

Georgetown's permit guidance applies to in-ground or prefabricated swimming pools greater than 24 inches deep, which captures most above-ground pools. The depth, not the construction method, is the trigger: a prefabricated above-ground pool deeper than 24 inches requires a building permit, while a prefabricated pool less than 24 inches deep is exempt. When a permit is required, the same standards apply as for in-ground pools, including a fence, wall, or barrier that completely surrounds the pool, audible alarms on doors with direct pool access, the three-foot side and rear setback, and the prohibition on locating the pool within a Public Utility Easement. The City's note that, effective August 1, 2024, all pools are required to be engineered means even some prefabricated pools may need engineered documentation, so applicants should confirm submittal requirements with Development Services. The pool wall of an above-ground pool can sometimes serve as part of the required barrier if it meets the adopted code's height and access-control standards, but ladders and steps must be removable or secured so the pool cannot be entered when unsupervised; this is verified against the adopted 2021 Swimming Pool and Spa Code at inspection rather than assumed. As with all pools, the barrier and alarms must be in place before the pool is filled and used.