Approximately 4,000 public and semi-public swimming pools/spas exist within
the incorporated limits of the City of Houston
The Commercial Pools Section regulates public and semi-public pools/spas;
compliance with City Ordinance Chapter 43 is assessed through annual inspections
The Commercial Pools Section responds to complaints concerning improperly
maintained swimming pools/spas
The Commercial Pools Section reviews and regulates all new commercial
swimming
pool/spa constructions to ensure compliance with State Design
Standards for public
and semi-public pools/spas
New Pool Construction Requirements for submitting construction plans for a new pool or spa
Three (3) complete sets of plans with specifications
Plans must be drawn to scale, and scale noted on plan
Include top view and side view of pool and spa with appropriate measurements
Show size and type of filter and pump
Show location of pump and filter in relation to pool/spa
Show total number of gallons
Note surface area of pool/spa in square feet
Include the name and address of pool/spa location
Indicate the size and type of piping with schematic, drawn to scale
Pool/spa removal procedures
Procedures for appropriately removing and/or closing a pool or spa
Pool water must be drained to the SANITARY sewer, NOT the storm sewer
Accessories such as coping, ladder, diving board and diving platform must be
properly removed and disposed of
Existing coping, trough gutter and drain apron must be demolished and removed
Three-inch deep holes must be drilled into the bottom slab of the pool/spa at
the lowest point in a 4’x4’ square pattern
Fill pool/spa completely with layers of granular fill material, compacting each layer
to a thickness of 12”
Demolition material must not be used as back fill material
Example of an improperly removed spa.
Example of a properly removed spa.
Penalties
Commercial pools/spas must be in kept in good working condition and meet
inspection requirements all year round. Neglect and
non-compliance with
City regulations creates hazardous conditions. Violations of the
requirements listed can result in fines ranging $250 to $2000 per day, per
violation.
During an inspection, the inspector will look for:
Appropriate level of chlorine (1.0-8.0 ppm for pools, 2.0-8.0 ppm for spas)
Appropriate pH level (7.0-7.8)
Spa temperature not in exceedance of 104°F
Proper water clarity, main drain clearly visible
Main drains and skimmer covers securely in place, uncracked, unbroken
Primary enclosure minimum of 48 inches tall
Gaps in and under primary enclosure less than 4 inches
Gates and doors must be self-closing and self-latching
Pool/spa must be free of algae
Pool/spa equipment must be in good general working condition
Backflow prevention device must be in place on all fill lines
Pool/spa must be free of objects
How much does a permit cost?
Please refer to the Fees section.
What type of pool needs a permit?
All commercial pools/spas located within the City limits are required to have a permit.
This permit expires annually, or upon transfer of ownership of the pool
(whichever occurs first).
Contact Us
City of Houston-Bureau of Water Resources Protection 7411 Park Place Blvd, Room 109 Houston, TX 77087 Phone : (713) 640-4399 Fax : (713) 640-4388
Disclaimer
Information in this site was valid at the time of posting. HDHHS assumes no liability
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discrepancies. HDHHS is not responsible for the content nor endorses any site
linked from this site. For additional information, please review the City of Houston
