Pool or swimming pool means any structure, basin, chamber, tank or other receptacle capable of containing an artificial body of water for the purpose of swimming, diving or recreational bathing and having a depth at any point of more than 18 inches. The pool can be located at ground level, above ground or indoors.
Private swimming pool means any swimming pool located on private property under the control of a single homeowner or his tenant. It includes a pool or spa serving only a single-family home or duplex.
Public swimming pool means any swimming pool intended to be used collectively by people for swimming or bathing. Such a term includes, but is not limited to, a swimming pool owned or operated incident to a multifamily dwelling project, nonprofit recreational facility, hotel, educational facility or fitness center.
Spa means a pool designed for recreational or therapeutic use or physiological or psychological relaxation that is not drained, cleaned and refilled for each user. Common terminology for a spa includes but is not limited to therapeutic pool, hydrotherapy pool, whirlpool, hot spa and hot tub. Such spas are shallow in depth and not intended for swimming or diving.
Wading pool means any special purpose pool or receptacle set aside primarily for use by children.
Costs Associated With Buying a Pool
Building costs: Pools with minimal patio surrounding and basic fencing start at around $30,000. More elaborate designs will run between $50,000 and $100,000+. Building materials, landscaping, lighting and extra features such as spas or fountains also determine the cost.
Pools are easier to build or install when a yard is level. However, new technology makes it possible to install a pool in virtually any yard. Conditions such as steeply sloping lots, rocky soil and limited access require special construction and installation considerations and typically add to the overall cost and duration of the project.
Chemicals: The cost of pool chemicals averages between $50 and $100 per month depending on your climate, pool size and frequency of use. This applies to both in-ground and above-ground pools.
Opening and closing a pool: Hiring a professional to open and close your pool each season will run approximately $150-$300. Cleaning and storing your pool cover can be an additional cost as well.
Interior finish: The largest maintenance expense is a pool's interior finish. Vinyl liners last approximately 5-7 years; painted concrete needs a new coat about every five years. A plaster finish may last 10-15 years.
Equipment: Equipment lifespan varies tremendously by brand and quality. Elements such as proper water chemistry and location of equipment can affect lifespan. Because pumps are made to push water rather than draw water, pumps placed at pool level often last longer than those that sit higher and have to pump harder.
Utilities: Utility bills increase during a pool's open season.
What To Do With Your Pool When Moving Out or Selling Your House
Every year, thousands of residents in the City vacate, sell or abandon their homes. Many of these homes have swimming pools that are consequently abandoned along with the home, resulting in a dangerous safety and health hazard. When moving, consider the potential danger that you are leaving behind in a home with a swimming pool. Continue to provide electricity to the residence so that the pool can continue to execute its regular maintenance. Ensure that all gates and fencing enclosures are sturdy and in optimal condition. All gates must self-close and self-latch. If electricity is not available, consider investing in a pool cover. Call our office for advice on how best to handle your particular situation.
*If a violation is reported to our office concerning a violation at a vacant or abandoned home, a citation will be immediately issued to the homeowner.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I obtain a residential pool permit?
Refer to the Minimum Standards for Residential Pool/Spa Plan Submission. You or your pool contractor must take the pool plans to Code Enforcement on 3300 Main St., Houston, TX 77002. Go to the One Stop area located on the first floor. Office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:30 pm - 4:00pm. Office phone: (713)-535-7844.
2. 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.
3. What happens during a pool inspection?
It will be necessary for the inspector to enter the yard of the property to conduct a visual inspection, even if no one is home. The inspector will observe the clarity of the pool water, and the visibility of the main drain is noted. The inspector will examine the fence for broken gates, slats, or any gaps greater than 4 inches wide. The height of the fence must be at least 4 feet in all sections, and all gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Digital pictures are taken of all conditions and a report is generated.
Swimming Pool Maintenance
If you follow the basics of proper chemical treatment and filtration, pool care will be simple and easy. This information will guide you through the steps you should take to properly maintain your pool.
FILTRATION SYSTEMS
There are three basic swimming pool filter types: sand, diatomaceous earth (DE), and cartridge. All filter systems will perform the same job. Swimming pool water is drawn through a skimmer and/or a bottom drain and pumped through the filter. You must operate your filtration system for eight to twelve hours per day in order to remove wastes effectively.
WATER BALANCE
It is important to properly maintain and monitor your pool water chemistry. You can easily prevent problems by paying attention tothe basics of swimming pool water balance: pH balance (acidity and alkalinity), total hardness (mineral composition), and chlorine level. Use your 3-in-1 or 6-in-1 test strips 2 to 3 times each week until you become familiar with your pool chemical balance. Then pool water should be tested 1 to 2 times each week.
pH: pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of swimming pool water on a scale of 0-14, with 7 being neutral. Extreme acid is 0, and extreme alkali is 14. pH readings lower than 7.2 can lead to corrosion of pool equipment and surfaces. To have pH in balance, it is necessary to adjust the water with additions of pH increasers (bases) or pH de-creasers (acids). Ideal pH range is 7.2 - 7.8. pH readings greater than 7.8 will lead to cloudy water and scaling of pool surfaces, as well as inefficient sanitizing and swimmer discomfort. If your water tests show a pH value below 7.2, the water is corrosive and you will need to add a base to bring the pH into a more basic range to prevent corrosion. Conversely, if the pH is above 7.8, it becomes necessary to add an acid to bring down the pH to prevent the formation of scale.
Hardness: Hardness is a measure of the levels of calcium and magnesium present in your swimming pool water. These minerals exist naturally in all water, but levels vary greatly from one part of the country to another. Proper water hardness range for plaster pools is 200-250 ppm, and 175-225 ppm for vinyl, painted or fiberglass. Insufficient water hardness can cause etching of plaster and/or corrosion of pool surfaces.
Water Hardness Scale
Grains Per Gallon
Miligrams Per Liter (mg/l)or Parts Per Million (ppm)
Classification
less than 1.0
less than 17.1
Soft
1.0 - 3.5
17.1 - 60
Slightly Hard
3.5 - 7.0
60 - 120
Moderately Hard
7.0 - 10.5
120 - 180
Hard
over 10.5
over 180
Very Hard
Mineral control is an important concern for swimming pool owners who use well water, or for swimming pools that contain copper plumbing. Water mineral imbalance can yield trace levels of dissolved iron, copper or even manganese that can cause water discoloration and staining. Such discoloration can appear green, blue, brown, or black in color.
Chlorine: You must maintain a level of 1.0 - 3.0 ppm of chlorine at all times to continuously kill bacteria, algae and other microorganisms as well as keep your pool water properly sanitized. There are many different types of swimming pool sanitizers. The most economical and convenient are stabilized chlorinating tablets or sticks. These should be applied weekly via a chlorinator or floating feeder.
A few important factors affect the amount of chlorine your swimming pool will consume. They are: temperature, usage, rainfall, and pH. Heavy usage and runoff from rainwater add to the contaminant load in the water and lead to increased chlorine consumption. Warm temperatures can also add to higher chlorine demand by speeding up chemical reactions taking place in the water. Finally, low pH can cause chlorine to be overactive and dissipate quickly.
*During pool start-up, extra doses of chlorine may be necessary in order to satisfy the initial chlorine demand of your swimming pool water. This demand includes contaminants that previously existed or built up before you started using chlorine. Use your test kit often to check your chlorine level and adjust your chlorination delivery system as needed.
“SHOCK” TREATMENT
Occasionally contaminants can resist normal chlorination and start to build up in pool water. This buildup usually occurs during hot weather and periods of heavy usage when your filter is already working overtime. A weekly shock treatment, when applied according to label directions, will raise the chlorine level to 10 ppm and oxidize (burn-up) these contaminants for a period of 12-24 hours after treatment. There are several different shock products that exist under various brand names, but all accomplish the same thing. It is best to shock in the early evening so that the treatment can work overnight and allow chlorine levels to return to normal the next day. Be sure to continue to run your filter during this time.
TIP: During the hot summer months, regular shock treatment will help reduce the overall operating costs of your pool. Remember to allow the chlorine level to drop to 3 ppm or less before re-entering the pool.
ALGAECIDES
Algaecides are treatments that prevent or kill algae growth when used with chlorine. Algae spores are constantly entering your pool via rain and wind and they multiply rapidly in sunlight and warm water. Routine chlorination cannot always cope with the rapid growth of algae. These algae can appear green, brown, mustard or even pink in color.
How and When To Report A Pool Violation
Every year, over 500 swimming pool violations are reported to our office. Many of these are repeat offenders. Accurate information is needed for our office to promptly initiate an inspection.
Report a pool violation as soon as possible if:
There is a house, occupied or unoccupied, with a pool or spa that has not been properly maintained. This can result in green or black water that may breed mosquitoes.
There are any slats broken or missing from a fence that surrounds a house with a pool or a spa. This also includes both vacant and occupied houses.
If a house or property has any type of outside above-ground pool or spa that is not enclosed by a secure fence.
If you believe that a violation exists, call our office at (713) 640-4399 and report the following:
Correct address of the property. We need an accurate address to initiate an investigation.
Brief description of the conditions. This includes the color and clarity of pool water, fence conditions and any information you believe to be pertinent to our investigation.
Occupancy status. Vacant properties are a high priority to our office, and further violations may exist that constitute a referral to additional agencies.
Your contact information. Frequently, additional information may be needed. Also in the event that your information is incorrect, we will need to contact you for further verification.
City of Houston
Health and Human Services Department
Water Resources Protection / Swimming Pools
7411 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77087
Phone: (713) 640-4399 Fax: (713) 640-4388
Minimum Standards for Residential Pool/Spa Plan Submission
Submit 2 complete sets of plans and an additional plot survey which the health department will retain.
On the plot survey include the address, highlight the fence line, and specify the plaster color.
Highlight the location of gates for primary pool yard enclosure. Chapter 43, Section 19 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances mandates that all gates must be “self-closing” and “self-latching,” meaning that all gates will automatically close and latch without human or electrical power after it has been opened.
Show pool construction company/contractor on each page of plans.
Provide name and address of pool owner on each page of plans.
Specify the color of the plaster of sides and bottom of pools and spas. Plaster color should be white or other light color.
Specify the filter type(s).
Specify backwash through p-trap to sanitary sewer for all diatomaceous earth (DE) and high-rate sand (HRS) filters.
All skimmers must be shown on plan.
All main drains must be ASME/ANSI A112.19.8M R95 rated. This rating must be shown on plans.
Specify pump horsepower and/or flow rates if known.
Specify that pool will overflow to storm sewer.
Specify the type of backflow prevention device on pool fill line (6-inch or greater air gap, check valve on water to cutoff valve, or siphon breaking valve downstream to cutoff valve).
Show the hose bib(s) in pool area. Specify backflow prevention for hoses in pool area.
Provide fence and gate details as to types of fencing to be used (wood, wrought iron, existing chain link etc.).
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.
The Residential Pools Section permits 
