Pool Permit in Arlington, Texas
It depends
Sometimes, depending on the project
Before constructing or erecting any swimming pool, spa or splashpad, in-ground or above-ground. A separate Fence Permit of type Pool Barrier is required if any part of the pool barrier has to be constructed.
By Mario Bailey, verified against official sources
Quick answer
Arlington requires separate permits for the construction of swimming pools, spas and splashpads, and the only permit exemption the city publishes is for prefabricated inflatable swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep. In-ground pool submittals must include a site plan stamped by ONCOR Electric Delivery showing all easements and dimensioning the pool and deck from property lines, lot grading plans with surface drains and discharge locations, suction entrapment avoidance details, and pool barrier details. Above-ground pools more than 4 feet in height also need an Oncor-stamped site plan. Electrical and plumbing work on the pool must be performed by licensed contractors registered with the city, who may only take out no-charge "Work with a building permit" trade permits after the pool contractor's building permit has been issued.
Typical threshold: depth of a prefabricated inflatable swimming pool.
Who is pulling this permit?
Apply yourself
Hire it out
Before you sign, ask the contractor:
- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
- Is your contractor license active in this locality, and under which business name?
When a permit is usually needed
Before constructing or erecting any swimming pool, spa or splashpad, in-ground or above-ground. A separate Fence Permit of type Pool Barrier is required if any part of the pool barrier has to be constructed.
What a pool permit costs in Arlington
How Arlington compares in Texas
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Arlingtonthis page | It depends | depth of a prefabricated inflatable swimming pool |
| Austin | It depends | prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt; all other residential pools require a permit |
| Corpus Christi | It depends | Every in-ground pool needs a permit; an above-ground pool needs one once it holds more than 5,000 gallons or is more than 24 inches deep, and prefabricated pools under both figures are on the city's published exemption list. |
| Dallas | It depends | prefabricated pools with walls completely above grade capacity under 5000 gallons and depth less than 24 inches are exempt; all other pools require a permit |
| El Paso | It depends | Pools and ponds over 24 inches of depth require a permit, as do above ground pools containing 5,000 gallons of water or more. |
| Lubbock | It depends | The permit threshold for a pool or spa is 24 inches of depth; a circulation system, or not being drained on a daily basis, are two separate alternative triggers. |
| Plano | It depends | depth of a prefabricated swimming pool |
Closest pool permit thresholds outside Texas
Jurisdictions we cover whose limit sits nearest Arlington's 24 inches of water depth.
- Alameda County, California, Depth of a prefabricated pool at which the building permit exemption stops; the exemption also requires the pool to hold no more than 5,000 gallons and to be installed entirely above ground
- Buffalo, New York, pool designed for that water depth or more, or installed other than entirely above ground, at a one- or two-family dwelling or townhouse
- Contra Costa County, California, depth of a prefabricated pool accessory to a one or two family dwelling that is installed entirely above ground and holds no more than 5,000 gallons
- Cook County, Illinois, prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to detached single-family dwellings
How to apply in Arlington
A residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect.
What most pool permit applications include:
- Pool and spa design and construction fall under the residential code chapter that folds in the swimming pool and spa code, and permit review checks plans against that chapter (IRC R326).
- The site plan must show pool equipment such as pumps, filters, and heaters set back at least 36 inches from the outside of the required barrier (ISPSC 305.2.9).
- For an in-ground pool, engineered structural plans covering the shell and reinforcing steel, with the responsible structural engineer's license information, are a standard part of the submittal (per official pool submittal checklists).
- A barrier plan identifying the fence, pool structure, or dwelling wall that will enclose the pool must be submitted and must comply with the code's barrier chapter (ISPSC 305).
- Electrical plans must show the pool's equipotential bonding design, since the shell, perimeter surfaces, and metal fittings within 5 feet of the water must all tie into a common bonding grid (NEC 680.26).
- The electrical plan must also show a disconnecting means for the pool equipment that is readily accessible and within sight of the equipment (NEC 680.13).
General submittal guidance from 2021 IRC R326 (adopting the ISPSC), ISPSC 2021 Section 305, and NEC 2020 Article 680. Source. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division sets the exact checklist for Arlington.
Where to apply in Arlington:
City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division
- City Hall, 101 W. Abram St., 2nd Floor, Arlington, TX 76010
- Phone: 817-459-6502
- Email: planningdevelopment@arlingtontx.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
Pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
- Before gunite or shotcrete is sprayed, the inspector checks the rebar against the engineered plans and confirms the equipotential bonding wire is stubbed out and tied into the steel, since it will be buried in concrete afterward (NEC 680.26).
- A bonding inspection separately confirms coping, decking, ladders, handrail cups, and any other metal within 5 feet of the water are tied to the bonding grid, and it must pass before coping is installed (NEC 680.26).
- A temporary barrier at least 4 feet high must enclose the site from the moment excavation starts until the permanent barrier is finished, and inspectors check for it throughout construction (ISPSC 305.1.1).
- A pre-plaster inspection confirms the circulation equipment's electrical work is installed and all bonding is complete before the pool's interior finish goes on (NEC 680.26).
- At final inspection the permanent barrier is checked against the code's requirements and the equipment and cover-mechanism bonding must be complete before the pool can be filled and used (ISPSC 305, NEC 680.26).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Arlington permit portal or by phone at 817-459-6502.
Inspection sequence from NEC 2020 Article 680.26 (equipotential bonding) and ISPSC 2021 Section 305 (barriers). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Pool Permit checklist for Arlington
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: depth of a prefabricated inflatable swimming pool. Usually needed: Before constructing or erecting any swimming pool, spa or splashpad, in-ground or above-ground. A separate Fence Permit of type Pool Barrier is required if any part of the pool barrier has to be constructed.
- Budget the fee. Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective June 1, 2026, Resolution No. 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Swimming Pool - In-ground (1 & 2 Family) (Spa included)* $325.00 each"; "Swimming Pool - Above-ground (1 & 2 Family)* $200.00"; "Spa Gunite In-ground (1 & 2 Family) $65.00"; "Spa Storable (1 & 2 Family) $50.00"; "Fence, Swimming Pool Barrier $50.00". The Electrical section adds "Hot-tubs, Spas, and Swimming Pools (above and below ground)- No Charge $0.00". Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential pool permit application covers both construction and safety: a scaled site plan, structural plans for the pool, a barrier plan showing how the pool will be enclosed, and an electrical plan covering bonding and the equipment disconnect. Start at the Arlington permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division. Phone: 817-459-6502. Address: City Hall, 101 W. Abram St., 2nd Floor, Arlington, TX 76010.
- Plan for inspections. Pool inspections track the concrete pour: the steel and bonding grid are checked before gunite or shotcrete goes in, bonding is checked again before decking is poured, and the permanent barrier and remaining electrical work are checked at final before the pool can be filled and used.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked .
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a pool permit in Arlington?
- Arlington requires separate permits for the construction of swimming pools, spas and splashpads, and the only permit exemption the city publishes is for prefabricated inflatable swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep. In-ground pool submittals must include a site plan stamped by ONCOR Electric Delivery showing all easements and dimensioning the pool and deck from property lines, lot grading plans with surface drains and discharge locations, suction entrapment avoidance details, and pool barrier details. Above-ground pools more than 4 feet in height also need an Oncor-stamped site plan. Electrical and plumbing work on the pool must be performed by licensed contractors registered with the city, who may only take out no-charge "Work with a building permit" trade permits after the pool contractor's building permit has been issued. Depth of a prefabricated inflatable swimming pool. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a pool permit cost in Arlington?
- Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective June 1, 2026, Resolution No. 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Swimming Pool - In-ground (1 & 2 Family) (Spa included)* $325.00 each"; "Swimming Pool - Above-ground (1 & 2 Family)* $200.00"; "Spa Gunite In-ground (1 & 2 Family) $65.00"; "Spa Storable (1 & 2 Family) $50.00"; "Fence, Swimming Pool Barrier $50.00". The Electrical section adds "Hot-tubs, Spas, and Swimming Pools (above and below ground)- No Charge $0.00". See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- How long does a pool permit take in Arlington?
- Development Services aims to review submitted plans and provide a response within five (5) working days from the date your application has been accepted. Times can vary by workload and project scope, so confirm with the office.
- Where do you apply for a pool permit in Arlington?
- You can apply through the Arlington permit portal or contact the City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division directly. The links are listed on this page.
- Can a homeowner pull a pool permit themselves in Arlington?
- Under Texas law (Tex. Occupations Code 1305.003(a)(6), 1301.051; Tex. Local Government Code 233.157(c)): Texas licenses individual construction trades rather than general contractors, so no state statute requires a license to act as your own general contractor on your own house. For electrical work, the state licensing law does not apply to work performed in or on a dwelling by a person who owns and resides in it, but only where no municipal ordinance specifically regulates that work, so city electrical licensing and permit rules still control inside city limits (Occupations Code 1305.003(a)(6)). For plumbing, a property owner does not need a state license to perform plumbing in the owner's homestead (Occupations Code 1301.051). In opt-in counties' unincorporated areas, an individual who builds their own house or acts as their own contractor is exempt from the Class C misdemeanor penalty for inspection notice failures if they intend to use the home as their primary residence (Local Government Code 233.157(c)). None of these exemptions waive local permit or inspection requirements where they apply. Confirm how Arlington applies this before you apply.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Arlington
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule that applies here.
Planning and Development Services Fee Schedule, Effective June 1, 2026, Resolution No, for every permit type below. The fee column shows what differs by project.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | height of an uncovered deck above grade at any point | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Patio Cover, Screened Porch, Gazebo & Decks*... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 26 - 151, Building Permit for Electrical: "Per Trade - Commercial and Residential New... |
| Fence Permit | It depends | share of one side of an existing fence being repaired or replaced | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Fence, Residential Lot $50.00 each" |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 26 - 151, Mechanical: "Per Trade - Commercial and Residential New Construction Permits... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | height of an uncovered patio above grade at any point | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Patio Cover, Screened Porch, Gazebo & Decks*... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 26 - 151, Plumbing Permits: "Per Trade - Commercial and Residential New Construction... |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | area of roof covering material being replaced | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Reroof* $325.00". |
| Shed Permit | It depends | floor area of a one-story detached tool or storage shed | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Portable Storage/Accessory Building 320 sq.ft. |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | 26 - 151, Residential Construction: "Solar Panel* $325.00" and "Home Backup Power... |
Pool Permit in other Texas localities
Everything above, sourced
Code references
National and state model-code sections the general guidance on this page is drawn from. They are not Arlington documents; the office above sets the local rules.
Verified by a person against the sources above on , not confirmed with City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: Report an error on this page
Permit office
City of Arlington Planning and Development Services Department, Building Inspections Division
817-459-6502Permit portalCompare
Pool Permit across Texas