Everything You Need to Know About Texas Pool Permits
Building a pool on your property can be incredibly exciting. Whether it’s a place to relax in your backyard or an oasis of tranquillity for your business, swimming pools bring a whole host of benefits to a property.
During the summer months, swimming pools often become a hub of activity for both residential and commercial properties, with people using them to relax, socialize or enjoy the sun.
However, while you may want to dive straight into the construction process, there’s plenty that you need to think about first. One of these things is a pool permit. In Texas, having a permit for your pool is a legal requirement, and this applies to both commercial and residential properties.
Luckily for you, here at Swim Sense, we’re experts in all areas of swimming pool design and expediting permits. All of our technicians are incredibly knowledgeable in all the relevant regulations and permits required to build a pool in Texas. The team will be able to talk you through the entire process, helping you handle all the documentation and ensuring everything is in order.
With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide outlining everything you need to know about Texas pool permits.
Do I Need a Pool Permit?
When it comes to installing a swimming pool at your home or commercial property, there are a number of regulations that you must follow and a permit is imperative.
In short, a permit will always be required and within it, a variety of things need to be included. Information you’ll have to supply includes:
Detailed site plans
Size of the swimming pool
Depth of the pool
Swimming pool dimensions
Front, side and rear yard setbacks
A copy of a pool entrapment form (residential properties only)
A copy of a legally certified plat (residential properties only)
As well as a permit containing all of this information, your pool must also comply with the 2015 International Building Code, 2015 International Plumbing Code and 2017 National Electrical Code.
Additionally, when the plans for your swimming pool are submitted, you also need to inform the local water authorities who will confirm that the pool development is acceptable. Sometimes a public easement may be required, which is where land which is not yours might need to be accessed as part of the construction process. If this is the case, you could be advised to slightly change the location of the pool.
What If I Don’t Have a Permit?
Sometimes, people may be put off from getting a permit. After all, paperwork can be tedious and overwhelming. However, you must never begin work without one. If you do, you could find yourself facing a hefty fine.
Typically, a pool permit will last between six months to a year, so it’s also important to remember to renew it when it does expire.
With the help of Swim Sense, the process can be made quick and easy. While you will need a permit no matter what part of the state you’re in, the rules and regulations as well as the price can vary from state to state – so it’s important you liaise with an experienced pool builder to ensure you’re complying with all the relevant legislation.
Some of the areas that we cover include:
· Austin
· Driftwood
· Dripping Springs
· Georgetown
· Hutto
· Johnson City
· Lago Vista
· Lakeway
· Leander
· Liberty Hill
· Westlake Hills
Do Hot Tubs Need a Permit?
Sometimes, people opt to have a hot tub installed in their backyard, in addition to swimming pools. If this is something you’re considering, you may need a permit. However, if the hot tub is prefabricated and above the ground, you will not typically require a permit.
However, if it is a custom hot tub or below ground then it might need one. If this is the case, speak with your pool builder who’ll be able to advise you on what’s best.
Here at Swim Sense, we have over 30 years of experience providing customers throughout Central Texas with their dream pool. Whatever type of pool you’re looking to install, we’re here to help, so contact us today to make use of our expert services.