Bexar County, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Hot Tub Rules (2026)

Hot tubs and spas in Bexar County are regulated as swimming pools when capable of holding more than 24 inches of water. Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 requires a pool yard enclosure (generally a 48-inch-tall fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate) around any pool or spa unless the spa is equipped with a lockable safety cover complying with ASTM F1346-91 standard. Most residential hot tubs qualify for the safety cover exception and avoid the need for a full yard fence, but the cover must be closed and latched when the tub is not supervised. Inside the City of San Antonio, Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances adopts the International Residential Code Appendix G which imposes the same barrier standards plus a requirement that the GFCI electrical disconnect be within sight of the tub and at least 5 feet away. A permit is required in San Antonio for any permanently installed spa and for the dedicated electrical circuit. Portable plug-in 120-volt spas may be exempt from the building permit but still require the electrical inspection when hardwired. In unincorporated Bexar County, county building standards apply plus NEC Article 680. Federal VGB Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers on all spas.