In the City of College Station, the pool ordinance became effective on May 18, 2025. Property owners must submit an application and payment for a permit  for each individual pool/spa or interactive water feature on their property within 30 days of the effective date. Permits will need to be renewed annually.

Applicants must submit an operating permit application along with the required payment. Once all documentation and fees have been received, an inspector will contact you to schedule an inspection.

A permit is not required for a private pool or spa (single family or duplex residence, backyard pool/spa).

No, the BCHD has adopted only existing state law regarding the operation and safety of public pools and spas.

As we launch the pool inspection program, our focus will be on education and collaboration. We understand that compliance may take time, so we will work closely with permit holders to provide guidance and support in meeting all necessary requirements. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is fully informed and prepared for a successful and compliant operation. Inspections cover a range of criteria. Key focus areas include verifying that enclosures and gates are properly secured, ensuring required safety equipment and components are present and functioning correctly, and assessing overall water quality.

Inspection Reference Guide

View the comprehensive text below, or download the guide as a PDF here.

1. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Minimum free chlorine residual for a pool 1.0 ppm, maximum 8.0 ppm; minimum bromine level for a pool 3.0 ppm, maximum 10 ppm.
2. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-pH in a pool shall be maintained at not less than 7.0, and no more than 7.8, at all times the pool is open for use.
3. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Cyanuric acid shall not exceed 100 ppm in an outdoor pool.
   Cyanuric acid not allowed in an indoor pool.
4. 25 TAC §265.193(d)-Cyanuric acid shall not be used in an indoor pool.
5. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Combined chlorine or total chlorine shall not exceed 0.4 ppm anytime the pool is open for use.
6. 25 TAC §265.193(b)-Algae shall not be present in a pool.
7. 25 TAC §265.193(e)-Water clarity insuƯicient such that bottom at deepest point of pool is not clearly seen.
8. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(1)(A)-Class A & B pools and shall test for disinfectant and pH every 2 hours when the pool is open for use.
9. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(2)-Class C pools with onsite staƯ shall test for disinfectant and pH 3x per day.
10. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(3)-Class C pools a with no onsite staƯ shall be tested for
    disinfectant and pH 1x per day.
11. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Minimum free chlorine residual for a spa 2.0 ppm, maximum 8.0 ppm; minimum bromine level for a pool 3.0 ppm, maximum 10 ppm.
12. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-pH in a spa shall be maintained, at not less than 7.0 and no more than 7.8, at all times the spa is open for use.
13. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Cyanuric acid shall not exceed 100 ppm in an outdoor spa.
14. 25 TAC §265.193(d)-Cyanuric acid shall not be used in an indoor spa.
15. 25 TAC §265.193(c)-Combined chlorine or total chlorine shall not exceed 0.4 ppm anytime the spa is open for use.
16. 25 TAC §265.193(b)-Algae shall not be present in a spa.
17. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(1)(A)-Class A & B spas shall test for disinfectant and pH every 2 hours when the spa is open for use.
18. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(2)-Class C spas with onsite staƯ shall test for disinfectant and pH 3x per day.
19. 25 TAC §265.193(o)(3)-Class C spas a with no onsite staƯ shall be tested for
    disinfectant and pH 1x per day.
20. 25 TAC §265.193(o)-Class A, B and C pools and spas shall have water tested for
    Cyanuric Acid a minimum of 1x per week.
21. 25 TAC §265.193(g)-Free available chlorine and bromine levels determined by using the DPD testing method.
22. 25 TAC §265. 193(l)-Testing records on site and available to inspector, or if oƯ site, made available within 5 business days.
23. 25 TAC §265.193(f)-Reliable means of testing for pH, free and total chlorine, bromine, CYA, alkalinity & calcium hardness in a pool or spa is required.
24. 25 TAC §265.187(a)-Water supply to pool or spa or PIWF is from a public water supply or private water supply.
25. 25 TAC §265.187(c)(2)-Private water supply, coliform tested every month the pool or spa is open for use.
26. 25 TAC §265.187(c)(3)-Private water supply, chemical analysis for secondary
    constituent levels as per TAC §290.118, tested every 3 years and records on site.
27. 25 TAC §265.187(b)-Hose bibs in the pool/spa yard must be protected with a vacuum breaker.
28. 25 TAC §265.187(d) Drinking water provided. At least one drinking water fountain or other source of drinking water, such as bottled water, must be provided and available for pool and spa users at all pools and spas constructed on or after October 1, 1999, and must be available at all times the pool or spa is open for use. A faucet, spigot, or sink does not satisfy the requirements for providing drinking water. Glass containers must not be allowed on a deck, in the pool or spa, or anywhere within the pool yard or spa yard.
29. 25 TAC $265.185-Fully submerged suction outlet fitting assemblies including the cover and grate shall not be missing, broken, or loose, and shall be in compliance with ANSI/APSP-16.
30. ISPSC 310.1 – Suction entrapment avoidance shall be in compliance with
    ANSI/PHTA/ICC-7.
31. Recommendations per Model Aquatic Health Code 5.0 Facility Operations and
    Maintenance– Sanitary facilities, if provided: Toilets clean, good repair, bathroom provided with soap/ toilet paper. Cleansing shower provided with warm water, soap, and in good repair.
32. 25 TAC §265.190(f)(5)-Safety signs for pools constructed on or after 1/1/2021 or
    replaced shall comply with the sign requirements in Figure: 25 TAC §265.190(f)(5) Old signs are not required to be replaced unless damaged or illegible.
33. 25 TAC §265.190(h)(4)-Safety signs for spas constructed on or after 1/1/2021 or
    replaced shall comply with the sign requirements in Figure: 25 TAC §265.190(h)(4) Old signs are not required to be replaced unless damaged or illegible.
34. 25 TAC §265.190(g)-The pool shall have at least one USCG ring buoy with throwing rope, 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch in diameter, with a length at least two-thirds the maximum width of the pool and a reaching pole for every 2000 square feet of pool surface area. The reaching pole shall be non-telescoping and constructed of non-conductive material such as fiberglass and at least 12 feet long.
35. 25 TAC §265.190(i)-A pool or spa shall have a minimum of one emergency telephone, emergency monitoring contact device or alternative communication system that is accessible, within 200 ft. of the water and functioning at all times the pool/spa is open for use.
36. ISPSC 324.6- Directional flow marked on piping; ISPSC 311.6 – Pressure / vacuum gauge present and operating; ISPSC 311.7 –Flowmeter present and operating.
37. 25 TAC §265.190(a) Pool depth 5 feet or more a 4 inch transition line or rope float line, as required; 25 TAC §265.190(c ) spa depth markers as required; ISPSC 409.2 Depth markers spaced at 25 foot maximum interval and installed at water depth increments of 2 feet. ISPSC 409.3 No diving symbol required where pool depth 5 feet or less and placed at intervals of no greater than 25 feet, and directly adjacent to a depth marker.
38. ISPSC 313.7 Electrical disconnect 5 feet or more away from pool or spa. ISPSC 324.4 Electrical wiring must comply with National Fire Protection Association NFPA codes: 680.6– all electrical equipment associated with pool recirculating system, and equipment less than 5 feet from pool wall must be bonded and grounded as required, 680.22(A) Receptacles; GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters) required on receptacles 6-20 feet from pool wall, and all receptacles inside pool equipment room.
39. 25 TAC §265.191(a)-Lifeguards are required at Class A pools during competitive events, at all Class B pools when open for use, any pool where a user enters the water from any height above the deck or wall (diving boards, drop slides, starting platforms, zip lines), any wave or surf pool or any pool while used for recreation of youth groups including youth camps, visiting childcare groups, or visiting school groups.
40. 25 TAC§265.191(f)-Lifeguards conducting surveillance of users shall not be assigned duties that would distract the lifeguard’s attention from surveillance.
41. 25 TAC§265.191(h)-Lifeguards shall be provided with a pre-season training period, continual in-service training (60 min. for every 40 hours employment), trained on the CDC response standards to fecal or diarrheal contamination, and vomit or blood contamination.
42. 25 TAC§265.191(k)-Lifeguards shall have access to a 24-unit OSHA compliant first aid kit, BVM, one backboard with head immobilizer and straps, and an AED; unless available at on-site first aid station.
43. 25 TAC §265.192(b)(3)(A & C)-Class A, B & resident youth camp pool/spa fences shall be a minimum of 6 ft. in height, have no horizontal mid-rail and be designed and constructed so it is not easy to climb.
44. 25 TAC §265.192(b)(3)(B)-Class A, B & resident youth camp pool/spa fence shall have no openings allowing passage of 4” sphere.
45. 25 TAC §265.192(b)(3)(D)-All doors, gates and windows in the enclosure shall be directly and continuously supervised by pool staƯ or closed and locked.
46. 25 TAC §265.192(d)(1)(A & B)-Class C and day camp pool/spa enclosures not under HSC 757 shall have a minimum height of 48” from the ground as measured from outside the fence and have no mid-rail less than 45” from the ground, and designed so it is not easily climbed.
47. 25 TAC §265.192(d)(1)(C)-Class C and day camp pool/spa enclosures shall no openings in, under, or through that allow the passage of 4” sphere.
48. 25 TAC §265.192(d)(1)(D)-Chain link fencing is not allowed for any Class C/day camp fence constructed on or after 10/1/1999.
49. 25 TAC §265.192(d)(2)(A&C) and (d)(3)(B)-Enclosure gates and doors shall be selfclosing and self-latching, open outward away from the pool or spa, have hand activated opening hardware at least 3.5’ above the deck or walkway and be capable of being locked.
50. 25 TAC §265.192(a)(1)– Planters, light poles and site furnishing shall not be permitted within 36” measured horizontally from outside the enclosure.
51. 25 TAC §265.192(f)-Propping gates or doors open is prohibited.
52. 25 TAC §265.192 (g)-Service gates or doors are allowed, but shall be used only by service personnel such as lawn maintenance personnel or chemical delivery services, are not required to be self-closing and self-latching and must be locked when not being used to enter or exit the pool or spa yard.
53. 25 TAC §265.192(h)-Indoor pools and spas or those located within a building, the interior or exterior building walls may be the enclosure as long as all gates and doors are compliant with 265.192 (b), (c), and (d) as applicable of this section, and are not elevator doors. Where separate indoor and outdoor pools and spas are located at the same site a door or gate may be provided between them as long as the doors and gates are compliant with 265.192 (b), (c), and (d) as applicable of this section. If the gate or door between the indoor and outdoor pool or spa does not provide an exit from the pool or spa yard, that gate or door may open inward into the outdoor pool or spa yard.
54. 25 TAC §265.192(c)- Enclosures for pools and spas subject to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 757. A pool or spa that is in a multiunit rental complex or owned, controlled, or maintained by a property owners association and subject to Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 757, must have an enclosure as required in Chapter 757. • HSC 757.003(b)-
    Enclosure shall be a minimum height of 48 inches from the ground on the side away from the pool or spa.
    • HSC 757.004(a)-All gates of a pool or spa enclosure at pools and spas
    must have a self-closing and self-latching device. • HSC 757.005(a)(1)-Chain link fencing may not allow passage of 2-1/4″ sphere through fabric.
    • HSC 757.004(b)-Latch must be at
    least 60″ above the ground; or • HSC 757.004(b)(1)-Latch may be installed lower if latch is on the pool side & is min. 3″ below the top of gate; and
    • HSC 757.004(b)(2)-has no opening greater than 1/2 inch in any direction within 18 inches from the latch.
    • HSC 757.004(c)-Latch may be located 42″ or higher if the gate cannot be opened except by key, card, or combination on both sides of the gate.
    • HSC 757.005(a)(2)-Distance between the tops of the horizontal members is at least 36″ openings may not allow passage of 4″ diameter sphere.
    • HSC 757.003(e)-Distance between the tops of the horizontal members < 45″ no gaps allow passage of 1-3/4″ sphere.
    • HSC 757.003(d)-Distance between the tops of the
    horizontal members min. 45 inches, no openings allow passage of 4″ sphere.
    • HSC 757.003(f)-Enclosure shall not be constructed of chain link fencing materials.
    • HSC 757.007-A wall of a building may not be used as part of an enclosure unless all ground floor windows in the wall is permanently closed/unable to open.
    • HSC 757.004(a)-Gates of pool or spa enclosure and must have a self-closing and self-latching device and open outward away from the pool or spa.
    • HSC 757.003(g)-There can be no decorative cutouts with openings greater than 1-3/4 inches in any direction in the enclosure.
55. 25 TAC §265.194(c)-The trained operator must ensure that the staƯ is properly trained in day-to-day operations of the pool and spa circulation system.
56. 25 TAC §265.194(d)- Proof of operator training and certification provided.
57. 25 TAC §265.194(b)(3)-Trained and certified pool operator contact information
    available, if not on-site, provided upon request or within five business days.
58. 25 TAC §265.194(h)- Water in pool/spa shall be clear such that bottom of deepest area is clearly visible when water is static.
59. 25 TAC §265.194(k)-Domestic animals and pets, that are not service animals as defined in 28 CFR § 36.302(c), or where applicable 24 CFR §100.204 are prohibited in pool and spa yard and in the pool/spa.
60. 25 TAC §265194(k)-Domestic animals, that are service animals as defined in 28 CFR §36.302(c), or where applicable 24 CFR §100.204 are allowed the pool yard, but not in the pool/spa
61. 25 TAC §265.194(p)-Food and beverages may not be consumed in a pool or spa unless it is privately owned and operated.
62. 25 TAC §265.194(q)-Glass containers are prohibited in the pool and spa yard or in the pool or spa.
63. 25 TAC §265.194(r)-Covered trash receptacles are required where food and beverages are allowed or served.
64. 25 TAC §265.189(g)(1)(D)-Skimmer baskets or floating dispensers may not be used to dispense disinfectant, chemicals that adjust pH, or algaecides.
65. 25 TAC §265.189(g)(1)(A)-Disinfectant feed system controllers used to automatically dispense sanitizer and can adjust either manually or electronically.
66. 25 TAC §265.189(g)(2)-Hand distribution of disinfectant, chemicals to adjust pH or algaecides is prohibited when users are in the pool or spa or PIWF.
67. 25 TAC §265.194(g)-Pool chemicals and chemical feed equipment stored so that pool/spa users do not have access.

Yes, water quality testing records must be maintained on-site for a minimum of two years and made available during inspections. Additionally, documentation for all VGBA-compliant drain covers—including certificates of compliance, installation dates, and expiration dates—must be kept on-site.

State regulations and the Brazos County Health District (BCHD) Pool Order require that all public pools, spas, and interactive water features be managed under the supervision of a Certified Pool Operator (CPO).

In accordance with 25 TAC §265.199(g)(9), a lifeguard and a second responder are required at Class A pools during competitive events and at all Class B pools. Class C pools must also have a lifeguard and second responder if a diving board or slide is present and not secured to prevent use.