Amarillo, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Amarillo, TX, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- Who must permit
- All public/semi-public pools and spas
- Regulating department
- Environmental Health
- Residential exception
- Private single-family pools exempt
- Standards basis
- Int'l Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Summary
Amarillo requires permits and inspections for all public and semi-public pools, spas, and interactive water features under the city's Public Recreational Pool Ordinance, enforced by Environmental Health.
Sec. 757.002. APPLICATION. This chapter applies only to:(1) a pool owned, controlled, or maintained by the owner of a multiunit rental complex or by a property owners association; and(2) doors and windows of rental dwellings opening into the pool yard of a multiunit rental complex or condominium, cooperative, or town home project. 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.
Full Breakdown
Under the Amarillo Area Public Health District's Public Recreational Pool Ordinance (codified in Ch. 8-5 of the Code of Ordinances), permits and annual inspections are required for all public and semi-public pools, spas, and public interactive water features: including those at hotels, motels, apartments, duplexes, trailer parks, and homeowners associations. Standards follow the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and Texas Administrative Code Ch. 265, Subchapters L and M. Residential pool construction also requires a building permit for barrier/enclosure from Building Safety (Ch. 4-3). Permit applications are available through the Environmental Health Department.
Violations & Fines
Operating a public or semi-public pool without a valid permit is a code violation subject to fines and closure orders enforced by Environmental Health inspectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a backyard pool at a private home need a permit?
Where do I apply for a public pool permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Amarillo
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Amarillo to another location·View the Texas swimming pools & spas overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.