All public and semi-public aquatic facilities must meet safety guidelines before use. Here, you'll find out what needs to be done to pass a safety inspection and get a permit to operate.

Do I need a permit?

A permit is required if you plan to operate an aquatic facility in the Austin area.

This may include a:

  • Public pool
  • Semi-public pool
  • Therapy pool
  • Spa
  • Public interactive water feature or fountain (splash pad) 

A permit is not required for private pools or spas.

How do I get my facility/feature inspected?

The inspection process has three reviews:

  • site plan review
  • pre-opening inspection
  • permit to operate

Each has their own application (see below).

For each step, permit seekers must submit an application along with payment. An inspector will contact you within three business days to schedule an inspection once all fees and paperwork are submitted.

Initiate a plan review

Prior to construction, all plans must be approved to ensure compliance with state and local health and safety codes.

Austin Public Health provides a checklist of what you must include (234 KB) as part of a plan to pass inspection.

Complete a pre-opening inspection

For aquatic facilities requiring a Certificate of Occupancy or a Change of Ownership this inspection is a requirement to ensure the facilities and equipment meet the current health and safety standards.

This is required before a facility may be used.

For facilities within the City of Austin, this inspection is required to complete the inspection process of your City of Austin building permit.

For those under Travis County jurisdiction, this inspection is required for any newly constructed or remodeled aquatic facility.

Get a permit to operate

Once passing inspection, this permit must be issued before the facility may begin operations.

Permits are good for one year. Before expiration, Austin Public Health will mail a renewal notice to the mailing address listed on the application.

The renewal form must be completed and returned to the department along with a payment for the permit renewal fee.

More information

How much do permits cost?

To check the cost of your permit, see the fee schedule for Austin and Travis County effective May 8, 2024, for all permits and services (113 KB)

Related laws and policies
Frequently asked questions

See our general FAQs (139 KB) about the inspection and permitting process.

Contact us

Phone: Call 3-1-1; or visit 3-1-1 online
Physical Address: 1520 Rutherford Lane, Austin, TX 78754
Mailing Address: PO Box 142529, Austin, TX 78714
Email: EHSD.Service@austintexas.gov 
Open Hours:
Lobby Hours: 7:45am - 3:30pm Monday - Friday
Office Hours: 7:45am - 4:45pm Monday - Friday

To address a concern or request a second opinion regarding an inspection result or complaint, please contact us at 512-978-0300 from 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday - Friday.

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