Austin requires VGBA-compliant anti-entrapment drain covers, barrier compliance, and for public/semi-public pools, lifeguard or signage requirements under Chapter 10-3. Residential pool drownings are the leading accidental death cause for Texas children 1–4.
Austin pool safety combines federal, state, and local rules. Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers on all public and semi-public pools; Texas H&S §757 extends drain-cover rules to residential where applicable. Austin Chapter 10-3 governs semi-public pools (HOA, apartment, hotel) with: minimum one compliant drain cover every 5 years, chemical logs reviewed daily, depth markers, ring buoy and shepherd's crook, and posted rules. Lifeguards required at pools with diving boards over 1 meter in Chapter 10-3 semi-public; otherwise signs reading 'No Lifeguard on Duty – Swim at Your Own Risk' must be posted. Residential pool owners must maintain barriers and drain covers. Austin Parks pools (Barton Springs, Deep Eddy, Big Stacy) operate under Aquatic Division rules with certified lifeguards seasonally. CPR and water-safety training encouraged; infant swim lessons (ISR) are popular. Austin Public Health investigates recreational water illness outbreaks. The Children's Safety Network identifies pool drowning as the #1 accidental death cause for Texas children ages 1–4 — multiple layers (barrier + cover + supervision + swim lessons) are recommended.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Austin code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 9-2 establishes citywide quiet hours from 10:30 PM to 7:00 AM, during which sound plainly audible across a property line in resident...
Austin, TX
Austin enforces Texas Transportation Code Chapter 683 and Austin City Code Chapter 12-5: a vehicle on public right-of-way is abandoned if inoperable for more...
Austin, TX
Austin Land Development Code Chapter 25-2 Subchapter F caps residential fences at 6 feet in side and rear yards and 4 feet in front yards without a permit. C...
Austin, TX
Austin City Code Chapter 3-4 requires dogs in public to be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet, with limited exceptions for designated off-leash area...
Austin, TX
Consumer fireworks are illegal to possess, use, or sell within Austin city limits. Violations can carry fines up to $2,000. Permits are issued only for profe...
Austin, TX
Austin imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (LDC 25-10...
See how Austin's safety rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.