Bexar County, TX Swimming Pools & Spas: Pool Permits (2026)
Swimming pool permit rules in Bexar County, TX, also covering above-ground pools, in-ground pools, and spa installations, set fencing, barrier, alarm, and inspection requirements.
Key Facts
- San Antonio fee
- ~$180 base residential
- Inspections
- Pre-gunite, deck, bond, final
- Setback
- 5 ft side/rear in San Antonio
- Code adopted
- 2021 IRC
- Authority
- TX Local Gov Code 233.033
Summary
Unincorporated Bexar County requires pool permits under TX Local Gov Code 233.033. San Antonio charges fees from 180 dollars and requires a 48-inch barrier, VGB drain covers, and a self-closing gate.
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, except that it may be installed lower if:(1) the latch is installed on the pool yard side of the gate only and is at least three inches below the top of the gate; and(2) the g
Full Breakdown
Residential swimming pool construction in Bexar County requires multiple approvals. Inside the City of San Antonio, a building permit is required from the Development Services Department before excavation under Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances and the adopted 2021 International Residential Code. Fees begin at approximately 180 dollars for pools under 500 square feet with additional fees for electrical and plumbing sub-permits. The permit application requires a site plan showing setbacks (minimum 5 feet from side and rear property lines), a fencing plan, and equipment locations.
Inspections occur at pre-gunite, deck, bond, and final stages. 033 authorizes counties to adopt the International Residential Code in unincorporated areas, and Bexar County has adopted building standards including pool permits through Commissioners Court orders. The county charges a flat residential pool fee and requires a permit through Public Works. All pools countywide must comply with Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757 pool yard enclosure rules and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act for drain cover standards. Pools on on-site sewage facilities need additional setback approval from Bexar County Environmental Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for an above-ground pool in Bexar County?
Can a contractor pull the permit for me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bexar County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bexar County to another location·View the Texas swimming pools & spas overview
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