Odessa, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Hot tub counts as pool at
- 2 feet deep or more
- Fence/lock rule covers
- public and semipublic pools only
- Residential hot tubs
- exempt from this article
- Permit authority
- city health department
- Permit term
- up to 1 year
Summary
Odessa's swimming pool code counts jacuzzis and hot tubs holding two feet or more of water as regulated swimming pools, but the city's fence, locked-gate, and permit rules apply only to public and semipublic pools, not private backyard hot tubs or spas.
Swimming pool. Any structure, basin, chamber or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, or recreational bathing and having a depth of two (2) feet or more at any point. This includes jacuzzis or hot tubs which meet the above qualifications. ... When a public or semipublic swimming pool is not open for use, the owner shall prevent access by means of a fence and gate with lock. ... The requirements set forth in sections 6-8-2 through 6-8-8 shall not apply to private residential swimming pools, as defined in section 6-8-1.
Full Breakdown
Under Article 6-8 of the Odessa Code, a swimming pool is any structure holding water two feet deep or more for swimming or bathing, and the definition expressly includes jacuzzis and hot tubs meeting that depth. Section 6-8-10 requires a fence and locked gate whenever a public or semipublic swimming pool is closed, and section 6-8-11 requires a health department permit to operate one. Section 6-8-9 confirms sections 6-8-2 through 6-8-8 do not reach private residential pools. Because the fence and permit sections are themselves worded to cover only public or semipublic facilities, a homeowner's backyard hot tub or spa is not subject to this article's barrier or permit mandate.
Violations & Fines
Operating a public or semipublic pool or spa without a health department permit, or leaving one unfenced and unlocked when closed, risks permit suspension, revocation, or closure under section 6-8-11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my backyard hot tub need a city permit in Odessa?
What if I install a hot tub for shared use at an apartment complex?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Odessa
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