Tarrant County, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Health And
- TX Health and Safety Code 757 covers multi-unit rental pools
- Barriers
- Typical residential barrier: 4 to 5 ft fence, self-closing/self-latching gate
- Public Pools
- Public pools under 25 TAC 265 (DSHS + Tarrant County Public Health)
- Federal Vgb
- Federal VGB Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers on public pools
- Electrical
- NEC Article 680 governs pool electrical bonding
Summary
Pool safety in Tarrant County follows TX Health and Safety Code 757 for residential pools and 25 TAC 265 for public pools. Cities add barrier and alarm requirements. Federal VGB Act applies to public pools.
Sec. 757.004. GATES. (a) Except as otherwise provided by Section 757.005, a gate in a fence or wall enclosing a pool yard as required by Section 757.003 must: (1) have a self-closing and self-latching device; (2) have hardware enabling it to be locked, at the option of whoever controls the gate, by a padlock or a built-in lock operated by key, card, or combination; and (3) open outward away from the pool yard. (b) Except as otherwise provided by Subsection (c) and Section 757.005, a gate latch must be installed so that it is at least 60 inches above the ground.
Full Breakdown
Residential swimming pool safety in Tarrant County is governed primarily by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757, which requires that any pool capable of holding water deeper than 18 inches and located at a multi-unit rental complex be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates with the latch at least 60 inches above grade. Single-family residential pools are not directly covered by Ch. 757 in unincorporated areas, but most cities in Tarrant County (Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Keller, Southlake, Mansfield, Euless, North Richland Hills, Colleyville) have adopted the International Residential Code Appendix G or similar barrier rules requiring a 4 to 5 foot fence, self-closing and self-latching gates, window locks, and sometimes a door alarm or pool cover.
Public and semi-public pools (apartment complexes, HOA pools, hotels) are regulated under 25 TAC Chapter 265 by the Texas Department of State Health Services and Tarrant County Public Health, which enforces barrier, water quality, and operator certification rules. The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requires VGB-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers on all public pools and spas. Electrical bonding and grounding follows NEC Article 680, and gas-line installation for pool heaters requires a licensed plumbing or gas contractor. Tarrant County Environmental Health administers food-service rules for pool concessions where applicable.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain required pool enclosures at rental properties violates TX Health and Safety Code 757 and can result in administrative penalties and civil liability for drowning incidents. Public pool violations under 25 TAC 265 can result in closure orders, permit suspension, and civil penalties by DSHS or Tarrant County Public Health. Non-compliant drain covers at public pools violate the federal VGB Act and can result in federal Consumer Product Safety Commission enforcement. Drowning incidents frequently result in tort suits with substantial damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fence around my residential Tarrant County pool?
Who inspects apartment and HOA pools?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tarrant County
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