Public & Semi-Public Pools, Spas, & Public Interactive Water Features

Permitting 

Public and semi-public pools, spas and PIWFs are required to obtain a permit to operate and renew their operational permit annually. Permits are non-transferable and must be re-applied for in the event of a change of ownership at the property.

For new construction or extensive remodeling, plan review and construction permits are required.  See Plan Review tab for more information.

For existing public and semi-public pools, spas and PIWFs, a passing inspection is required annually for permit renewal PRIOR to opening the pool to the public.  To request an inspection, email Pools@ArlingtonTx.gov. Please allow us 2 business days to accommodate your inspection request.

Inspections

Public pools, spas, and PIWFs are subject to inspection during all operational days and hours. 

View the most recent inspection information for a public pool, spa, or PIWF

Pool Inspections

Additional Inspections Required Annually

• Backflow prevention device inspection (if applicable)
• Electrical inspection

Have a question about backflow prevention testing? Contact the City of Arlington Water Resources Department at 817-459-5902.

Regulations

The City of Arlington requires compliance with all Federal, State and local regulations pertaining to the construction and operation of public and semi public pools, spas and PIWFs.

• Chapter 757. Pool Yard Enclosures(PDF, 109KB)
• Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Health Services -Standards for Public Pools and Spas
• Texas Department of State Health Services - Public Swimming Pools and Spas
• Texas Department of State Health Services - Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act Information
• City Ordinance -Article VII Pools, Spas, and PIWFs(PDF, 246KB)

Well-trained pool operators are critical for maintaining safe and healthy pools. Certified Pool Operator (CPO) credentials are required at all public, semi-public pools, spas, or PIWFs.

• CPO Requirements(PDF, 40MB)
• Approved CPO Course, In-Person, City of Fort Worth
• Approved CPO Course, Pool and Hot Tub Alliance

Guidance

Operators are required to test and document water chemistry and safety equipment functionality on-site. For reference, review an example of the Daily Safety Log(PDF, 125KB). Tip: Pool water chemistry test kits should be stored in a temperature-controlled environment to ensure accurate results.

It is also highly recommended that operators conduct self-inspections of the pool, pump room equipment, safety equipment, and fencing. You can review an example of the Self Inspection Form(PDF, 91KB).

Additional Resources for Operators

• CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code
• Guide to Hyperchlorination
• CDC's Tips for Operating Aquatic Facilities
• City of Arlington Stormwater Pollution Prevention Guidance.

New or remodeled public, semi-public pools, spas, or PIWFs and pool fences must submit professionally designed commercial building plans for review to ensure compliance with building and health code regulations.

Apply for a pool, spa, PIWF or pool yard enclosure/fence permit

 ArlingtonPermits.com

Regulations

All pools, spas and PIWFs must meet the requirements of the Texas Department of Health “Standards for Public Swimming Pool/Spa” and all applicable ordinances and building code standards.

• City of Arlington Article VII Public Pools, Spas and Interactive Water Features and Fountains(PDF, 246KB)
• Texas Administrative Code Standards for Public Pools and Spas(PDF, 212KB)
• Texas Administrative Code Interactive Water Features and Fountains(PDF, 704KB)  

To request a Health Division public pool, spa or PIWF construction inspection, email Pools@ArlingtonTX.gov. Please allow us 2 business days to accommodate your inspection request.

Construction Inspections for Public Pools, Spas, and PIWFs

The following Health Division inspections are required on all public pools, spas, and PIWFs during construction:

• Pre-gunite
• Pre-plaster
• Pre-operational
• Permitting/opening

Failure to obtain the required inspections may result in delays to the project or mandatory disassembly/removal of work performed prior to obtaining a passing inspection.

Pool Barriers/Enclosures Requirements

Pool barriers and enclosures are required safety features for all public pools and spas to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the risk of accidental drowning. A separate permit application for pool yard enclosures/fencing. Pool yard enclosures must comply with Chapter 757 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.

• Texas Health and Safety Code Pool Yard Enclosures  

Encouraging good swimmer hygiene, operating safe facilities, and maintaining good water chemistry are the best tools to keep swimmers healthy however, sometimes special interventions are needed to reduce the risk of recreational water-borne disease transmission. Review the following emergency response procedures and guidance documents for instructions on how to handle hazardous incidents.

• CDC's Formed Fecal and Diarrhea Clean Up Guide
• CDC's Vomit and Blood in the Pool Clean Up Guide
• CDC's Vomit and Blood on the Deck Clean Up Guide

The following conditions or circumstances require immediate closure of the pool or spa pending repair/remediation:

• Gates fail to self close/self latch
• Cloudy/murky water preventing visibility of the bottom of the pool surface
• Main drain cover is damaged or broken
• 911 emergency phone is non-functional
• Safety equipment is absent or broken
• Water chemistry is outside the legal boundaries
• Pump fails
• SVRS fails
• GFCI fails or underwater pool lights are damaged
• Structural components of the pool are damaged or missing
• Recreational Water-borne Illness is reported to the operator
• A drowning or near drowning incident has occurred

Swimmers can experience diarrheal illnesses after swimming in water that has been contaminated and inadequately chlorinated. The most common diarrheal illnesses associated with fecal-oral transmission in recreational water exposure are:

• Cryptosporidium
• Giardia
• Shigella
• Norovirus
• E. Coli

The best ways to prevent the spread of germs that cause diarrheal illness in recreational water bodies are:

• Maintaining adequate chlorination and scrubbing biofilm from tile lines
• Encouraging good swimmer hygiene including showering before entering the water and staying out of recreational water for 2 weeks after experiencing diarrhea
• Encouraging bathroom breaks and providing sanitary bathroom and diaper changing areas away from the pool deck
• Educating swimmers on not swallowing water

High levels of bacteria, imbalanced chemicals, and poor swimmer hygiene can result in the following common recreational water-borne illnesses:

• Skin Rashes
• Ear Infections
• Eye Infections

The best way to prevent irritation and infection to the skin, eyes, and ears of swimmers is to maintain proper water chemistry balance, ensure sufficient air exchange in indoor pool settings, provide safe storage of pool chemicals, encourage good swimmer hygiene, and routinely scrub tile lines and other pool and spa components to eliminate biofilm scum build up.

Legionella is a bacteria found in the natural environment that can cause illness when droplets or mist containing the bacteria are breathed in. Recreational water exposure such as hot tubs and steam rooms can lead to Legionella Infections when not properly maintained. More information on Legionella can be found at CDC's Legionella Infections. Guidelines on reducing the risk of Legionella when operating public spas/hot tubs can be found at CDC's Operating Public Hot Tubs.

Naegleria fowleri is an ameba commonly found in fresh water lakes and hot springs however, in rare occasions, it can also be present in improperly maintained man-made recreational water features such as splash pads.

More information on Naegleria fowleri can be found through the following links:

• CDC Naegleria fowleri
• Texas Department of Health and Human Services Public Swimming Pools and Spas

The best way to prevent incident of Naegleria fowleri or other amebic infections associated with recreational water is proper chlorination and maintenance of the splash pad and other water jet type features and educating swimmers on avoiding water jetting directly into the nasal passage.