Mission, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)

Under IRC Appendix AG105, any private pool or spa containing water deeper than 24 inches must be surrounded by a barrier at least 48 inches above grade on the outside, with no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere and no climbable surfaces within the lower 36 inches. Gates must open outward away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above the ground. Where a dwelling wall serves as part of the barrier, doors with direct access to the pool must have an approved alarm or the pool must have a power safety cover meeting ASTM F1346.

Mission's Planning & Development Services Department issues pool construction permits and inspects barriers as part of the final inspection. Texas state law (HB 738, Local Government Code Sec. 212) requires Texas municipalities to enforce at least the 2012 edition of the IRC, and most South Texas cities have moved to a more recent edition. For pools at apartment complexes, condos, townhome rentals, and any property-owners association that owns or maintains a pool serving multiple units, Texas Health & Safety Code Chapter 757 applies in addition to the IRC and requires a pool yard enclosure of at least 48 inches with self-latching gates. Single-family detached homes are exempt from Chapter 757 but remain subject to the city-adopted IRC barrier rules.