The City of Amarillo has created the Public Recreational Pool Ordinance to protect our city’s public and semi-public swimming pools, spas, and public interactive water features (PIWF’s). The ordinance establishes a permitting and inspection program based on standards from the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code and the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 265, Subchapter L, and Subchapter M.
- CONTACT INFORMATION
- ehealth@amarillo.gov
-
Food Establishments, Mosquito Control, Swimming Pools, Complaints:
806-378-9472 -
In-Person:
Simms Municipal Building
Suite 275
808 S Buchanan St
Amarillo, TX 79101 -
Mailing Address:
Env. Health Dept.
P.O. Box 1971
Amarillo, TX 79101
Permits and inspections are required for all public and semi-public recreational pools, spas, and public interactive water features in the Amarillo Area Public Health District. This includes pools at hotels, motels, apartments, duplexes, trailer parks, homeowners associations, or any other pool open to the public. Single-family residential pools are exempt from permit and inspection requirements.
Recreational Water Laws Enforced by Environmental Health
Required Chemical Levels
What are the required chemical levels for Recreational Waters in the Amarillo Area?
| Disinfectant Level | Minimum | Ideal | Maximum |
| Pool Free Available Chlorine | 1.0 ppm | 2.0 – 3.0 ppm | 8.0 ppm |
| Spa Free Available Chlorine | 2.0 ppm | 3.0 ppm | 8.0 ppm |
| Pool Bromine | 3.0 ppm | 4.0 – 6.0 ppm | 10.0 ppm |
| Spa Bromine | 4.0 ppm | 5.0 ppm | 10.0 ppm |
| Combined Chlorine | None | None | 0.4 ppm |
| pH | Not less than 7.0 | 7.2 – 7.6 | 7.8 |
| Cyanuric Acid | None | 30 – 50 ppm | 100 ppm |
| ORP | 600 mV | 650 – 750 mV | 900 mV |
| Alkalinity | 60 ppm | 60 ppm – 180 ppm | > 180 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness in Pools | 150 ppm | >150 – 400 ppm | 1000 ppm |
| Calcium Hardness in Spas | 100 ppm | 150 – 400 ppm | 800 ppm |
(Figure: 25 TAC §265.193(c)
Recreational Water Quick Links
Recreational Water Contact
Contact the Environmental Health General Program Manager for questions about recreation water services.
Public Recreational Pool Ordinance
The City of Amarillo has created the Public Recreational Pool Ordinance to protect our city’s public and semi-public swimming pools, spas, and public interactive water features. Click to learn more.
Recreational Water Permit Application
Permits and inspections are required for all public and semi-public recreational pools, spas, and public interactive water features in the Amarillo Area Public Health District. Click here to download the Recreational Water Permit Application.
Recreational Water Documents
Recreational Water Plan Review Guide
Recreational Water Permit Application Checklist
Equipment Replacement Change Form for Recreational Water
Swimming Pool Violation Enforcement Guide
recreational water repair/modification document
Application for Voluntary Construction Compliance Inspection
Pool Checklist
Monthly Pool Log
Printable Guidance Documents for Recreational Water
recreational water faqs
What is a public recreational pool?
A public recreational pool is any swimming, spray, wading, or spa pool or public interactive water features used for public recreation, aquatic sports, or therapeutic purposes and open to the general public with or without a fee.
Why does Environmental Health inspect pools?
Environmental Health inspects pools to prevent the spread of dangerous waterborne illnesses and drowning occurrences, as mandated by the Public Recreational Pool Ordinance.
When should a recreational pool be self-closed?
Recreational water facilities must close if:
- Disinfectant levels are not within the proper range.
- pH levels of the water are not within the proper range.
- The barrier to the pool is not fully secure, e.g., gates/doors not self-closing/self-latching, holes in the fence.
- Safety equipment is unavailable, e.g., ring buoy, reaching pole.
- Drain covers are broken or missing, or any other suction entrapment hazards are present.
What is a semi-public recreational pool?
A semi-public recreational pool is any swimming, spray, wading, or spa pool or public interactive water features operated for and in conjunction with lodging (e.g., hotels, motels, apartments), property owner associations, private organizations, clubs, or educational institutions. It is open to occupants, members, students, and their guests but not to the general public.
What is a public or semi-public spa?
A spa is a permanent or portable structure two feet or more in depth, with a surface area of 250 square feet or less and a volume of 3,250 gallons or less, intended for bathing or recreational uses. It includes hydro-jet circulation, hot/cold water, mineral baths, air induction bubbles, or any combination thereof. It does not refer to business establishments such as day spas or health spas.
What is a Public Interactive Water Feature (PIWF)?
A public interactive water features or PIWF is any indoor or outdoor facility maintained for public recreation, featuring interactive water elements like sprays, jets, waterfalls, dumping buckets, or water cannons designed to wet those playing in the water streams.