COMMERCIAL POOLS

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Commercial Pools Section 

  • 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

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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

2

Example of an improperly removed spa.

2

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.

Examples of violations:

2

Fence with missing slat

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fence higher than 4” from ground.

2

Pool with gate violation.

2

Pool after gate violation had been addressed.

2

Fencing violation.

 2

Missing main drain cover violation.

Important Forms

  • Commercial Pool Permit
  • Change of Management/Ownership Form
  • Application Form

Fees

       
Annual Permit Fee:                       $85.00
Late Fee:                                     $25.00
Permit Replacement Fee:              $65.00

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I obtain a commercial pool permit?

  • What do I do about my citation?
  • How do I submit a complaint?
  • What should I expect from an inspection?
  • How much does a permit cost?
  • What type of pool needs a permit?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I obtain a pool permit?

You can contact our office at (713) 640-4399, and an Application Form will

be mailed or faxed to you.

  • How do I submit a complaint?

Call the City when you see a pool and/or its enclosure not properly maintained.

  To submit a complaint, call (713) 640-4399.  You will need the exact address of

the concern, business name if applicable and the principal concern.  You are not

required to submit your personal information.

  • What do I do about my citation?

You are able to receive fine amounts and court procedures at www.houstoncourts.org,

by calling 311 or (713) 837-0311.

  • What to expect from an inspection?

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
for damages incurred directly or indirectly as a result of errors, omissions or
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

web site Privacy Policy page.

Helpful Documents

City Ordinance Chapter 43 Article I-III

Texas Department of Health Standards for Swimming Pools and Spas Section

265.181-265.200

Texas Health and Safety Code, Pool Yard Enclosures, Chapter 757

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