Swimming Pool Information
NEW POOL REGULATIONS
On January 1, 2021, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) adopted the repeal of sections of Chapter 265, Subchapter L, Public Swimming Pools and Spas, and adopted new sections of the same chapter. These changes will not be enforced until the 2024 pool season, but a list of requirements will be given during the 2023 inspection.
The goal of the City of Garland public swimming pool inspection program is to ensure that all public and semi-public swimming pools maintain sanitary chemical balance and adhere to the pool safety ordinance to minimize the likelihood of waterborne disease outbreaks and submersion injuries.
SWIMMING POOL & SPA PERMITS
Each public and semi-public swimming pool and spa must obtain a valid permit to operate in the City of Garland. The permit fee for each swimming pool or spa is $300. If the swimming pool or spa is operated by a governmental agency, independent school district, non-profit agency, church, or homeowner association (HOA), the permit fee is waived.
All pool and spa permits expire March of each year. No swimming pool or spa can open until a complete inspection has been conducted, the pool or spa is 100% in compliance, and the health permit has been issued by the Environmental Health Specialist (EHS). To contact an EHS concerning your swimming pool, please contact the Health Department at 972-205-3460.
MANAGER OF POOL OPERATIONS (MPO) INFORMATION
All pools/spas must be maintained under the supervision and direction of a properly trained and certified operator that has completed one of the following courses:
- National Recreation & Parks Association, “Aquatic Facility Operator;” https://www.nrpa.org/certification/AFO/become-an-afo/
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (Formerly National Swimming Pool Foundation or Association of Pool & Spa Professionals), “Certified Pool Operator;” https://www.phta.org/certification/certification-opportunities/cpo-for-operators/find-a-cpo-class/
- American Swimming Pool & Spa Association, “Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician;” http://www.swimmingpooloperator.com/
- an equivalent course which requires testing and provides certification that is approved by the local regulatory authority
This person may be over multiple pools and does not need to be on-site, but must be available to on-site staff. The CPO courses are often two-day, extensive courses that are valid for five years. Again, each pool/spa facility will need to have access to a CPO, but if that person is not on-site, an on-site person must have attended at least an approved basic pool training course.
INSPECTION RECHECK FEE / INSPECTION CREDIT
Each pool inspection performed will result in a recheck inspection, if any violations of this article remain uncorrected at the conclusion of the initial evaluation. The first follow-up inspection will be performed at no cost to the swimming pool operator. Any subsequent follow-up inspections will result in the assessment of a $25 fee.
The follow-up inspection fee must be paid prior to recheck inspection being conducted. When an initial evaluation reveals that no violations of this article exist, the person who operates the swimming pool or spa shall be credited $25 toward the next annual permit fee.