Start with the city's pool rules
Inside Georgetown city limits, a permit is required for in-ground pools, prefabricated pools deeper than 24 inches, spas and hot tubs. The city has adopted the 2021 Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and since August 1, 2024 all pools must be engineered. Pools in the ETJ or unincorporated county don't need a city pool permit, though a plumbing permit is required in the ETJ if the pool has an autofill device.
The city's submittal includes an application, a signed Pool/Spa Barriers Agreement, an impervious cover worksheet, an official site survey showing property lines, impervious cover, the proposed pool, existing fence and equipment, pool drawings noting autofill or no autofill, and a copy of the subdivision plat. The city lists fifteen to twenty business days for review, followed by layout, steel and plumbing, deck and final inspections.
A builder who already knows this process, and handles the survey, engineering and submittal for you, will save you weeks.
Pool types compared
Each builder tends to specialize. Ask why they recommend one type for your lot.
| Strengths | Things to ask about in Georgetown | |
|---|---|---|
| Gunite / shotcrete (concrete) | Fully custom shapes, sizes, depths and features | Engineering for limestone and expansive clay; interior finish options |
| Fiberglass | Smooth, non-porous shell; installs faster | Shell delivery access; how the shell is set on rocky or clay soil |
| Vinyl liner | Flexible shapes; smooth surface | Liner replacement over time; wall system and base |
We never post one-size-fits-all prices. Your free quote will list the pool type, size, equipment and decking for your yard.
Georgetown site rules that shape your design
Setbacks and easements: the city says a residential pool can sit in the side or rear yard but must be at least three feet from side and rear property lines, and cannot be placed in a public utility easement or other easement.
Impervious cover: limits are set on your recorded subdivision plat or by the Unified Development Code. For residential pools, the city counts 50 percent of the water surface as pervious, but the pool apron, patio and decking all count toward impervious cover. On a tight lot, this can limit deck size, so ask builders to run the numbers early.
Barrier and alarms: under the adopted code, a fence, wall or barrier must completely surround the pool, tract or lot, and doors with direct access to the pool need an audible alarm.
Edwards Aquifer: parts of the Georgetown area lie over the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones, where TCEQ rules apply to construction at private residences. TCEQ says an individual plan may not be needed if your home is in a master community with an approved plan, sits alone on more than five acres, stays at or under 20 percent impervious cover, or gets there with rainwater harvesting. Ask your builder to check your lot.
Digging: Texas law requires you or your contractor to notify 811 at least two business days before digging, not counting weekends and holidays. Confirm your builder opens the ticket.
Questions to ask every pool builder
- Is my address inside Georgetown city limits, and which permits will my pool need?
- Who prepares the engineering, the survey markup and the impervious cover worksheet?
- How much decking can my lot's impervious cover limit allow?
- Is my lot in the Edwards Aquifer recharge or contributing zone, and what does that change?
- What happens if you hit rock during excavation, and how is that handled in the contract?
- How will the shell and deck be designed for expansive clay?
- Which pump, filter, heater and sanitizer equipment is included, by brand and model?
- What is the payment schedule, and is each payment tied to a completed stage?
- What warranties cover the structure, the finish and the equipment?
Red flags
- A builder who says Georgetown pools don't need engineering or a permit when your home is inside city limits.
- A design that puts the pool or deck inside an easement or closer than three feet to side or rear lines.
- No discussion of impervious cover on a typical subdivision lot.
- No plan for rock excavation, which is common around Georgetown.
- A large deposit demanded long before permits are approved.
- A contract with no equipment list, no plan drawing or no timeline.
Get your free, exact quote
We don't post prices because every project is different. Tell us about yours and a local pro will give you an exact number, free and with no obligation.
Get my free, exact quote Or call (737) 345-4236
Sources checked 2026-10-30: City of Georgetown: swimming pool and spa permit; TCEQ: Edwards Aquifer, private residences; One-Call Board of Texas: how it works.