Austin communities rely on safe, well marked pools and spas. If you manage an apartment community, HOA, hotel, or short term rental property in Central Texas, the right words on the right panels in the right places will make or break your next inspection. This 2025 guide covers the exact Texas messages and minimum letter sizes inspectors look for, where each item must be mounted, durable material choices that stand up to Austin sun and chlorinated water, and practical sign bundles that help you pass with confidence. You will also find quick tips on depth markers, CPR posters, emergency phone notices, and Austin permit reminders, plus links to the Texas Administrative Code and local resources.
Who this guide helps
This article is written for property managers, maintenance leads, regional operators, and renovation teams that need Austin pool compliance signage and Texas spa safety sign requirements in one place. Whether you are building new, re opening for the season, or updating a dated rules board, everything below ties directly to 25 TAC 265.190. You will see the required wording, the minimum letter sizes, and where to place each sign so it passes an Austin inspection. When you are ready to order, Austin Sign Co can produce permit ready panels, depth markers, CPR posters, and gate notices with fast local service.
Texas required pool signs
Texas rules list specific messages, minimum letter sizes, and where they must be posted. Inspectors use these as a checklist. You can combine several required messages on a single panel as long as each message meets the minimum letter size and the panel is easy to read. In areas with many non English speakers, post required messages in the predominant language as well.
Reference: Texas Administrative Code 25 TAC 265.190 Safety Features for Pools and Spas. Rule text and the pool sign figure are available at this TAC rule page and the Required Pool Signs PDF.
| Required message | Minimum letter size | Typical placement |
|---|---|---|
| “WARNING NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” where no lifeguard is provided | 4 in letters | Inside the pool yard and at main entrance points |
| “NO DIVING” with the international no diving symbol where applicable | 4 in letters and symbol | Inside the pool yard and on deck where required |
| “IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911” | 4 in letters for the pool yard posting. If the emergency device is not visible, a separate “In case of emergency call 911” inside the yard can use 1 in letters, see rule details | Inside the pool yard, near the emergency phone if present inside the yard |
| Pool address or precise location posted at the emergency phone | 1 in letters minimum | At or above the emergency phone or device |
| Hours of operation | 1 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard at a visible location |
| Directions to the emergency phone location if the phone is not visible from inside the pool yard | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard and on the exterior of locked gates when required |
| Maximum user load | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard on a rules panel |
| “Persons under the age of 14 must not be in the pool without adult supervision” where no lifeguard is provided | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard near the main rules panel |
| Health warnings including “Do not swim if ill with diarrhea in the past 2 weeks” | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard on a rules panel |
| Diaper changing and hygiene guidance stating that diaper changing must occur away from the water | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard on a rules panel |
| Pets prohibited and glass prohibited messages | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard and at entrances |
| “Extended breath holding activities are dangerous and prohibited” | 2 in letters minimum | Inside the pool yard on a rules panel |
The wording above is drawn from the TAC pool sign figure. Use it verbatim or submit equivalent language for approval through your local health department. When combining messages on one panel, keep contrast high, avoid small print, and leave clear spacing around each item so it reads fast.
Texas required spa signs
Spas have their own sign figure with specific health warnings, temperature guidance, and supervision language. You may place these on a dedicated spa rules panel inside the spa enclosure. Reference: Required Spa Signs PDF.
| Required message | Minimum letter size | Typical placement |
|---|---|---|
| “WARNING NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” where no lifeguard is provided | 4 in letters | Inside the spa yard and at the entrance to the spa area |
| “DO NOT USE THE SPA IF THE WATER TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 104 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT 40 C” | 1 in letters minimum | On the spa rules panel within the enclosure |
| Maximum user load for the spa | 1 in letters minimum | On the spa rules panel within the enclosure |
| Emergency spa shutoff switch location and label | See TAC sizes, most items 2 in or larger | At or near the shutoff and on the spa rules panel |
| Health warnings for pregnant persons, persons with heart disease, or other conditions sensitive to heat | See TAC sizes, most items 2 in | On the spa rules panel |
| “Persons under the age of 14 must not be in the spa without adult supervision” where no lifeguard is provided | 2 in letters minimum | On the spa rules panel within the enclosure |
As with pools, bilingual panels are encouraged where a large share of guests or residents read a language other than English. Austin Sign Co can produce dual language rules boards without crowding, while keeping the required sizes intact.
Depth markers and no diving markers
Depth markers and no diving markers are treated as safety features, not decoration. The rule calls for permanent, high contrast markings that are easy to see from both the deck and the water. For pools, place deck depth markers within about two feet of the water edge and place sidewall markers in the top four and one half inches under the coping for new or renovated facilities. For spas, at least two deck markers are required with digits at least four inches high. Deck markers must be slip resistant. Spacing, size, and symbol requirements for pools and spas appear in 25 TAC 265.190, which you can read on the rule page.
The no diving message must use both words and the international symbol wherever no diving applies. The marker size should match the visibility of the depth markers and meet the four inch symbol and letter size requirement noted in the sign figures. Use colors that stand out against the deck and sidewall materials. For replacement work, many facilities choose ceramic or polymer deck tiles with a gritty top coat to keep traction under wet feet.
Emergency phone and gate notices
Every public or semi public pool or spa must have a way to reach 911 that functions whenever the facility is open. The device must be within two hundred feet of the water. If an emergency phone is inside the pool yard, post the address above the phone in letters at least one inch high. If the phone or device is outside the yard or not visible, post a directional sign inside the yard with letters at least two inches high that clearly points to the phone location. Post a sign inside the yard that states “In case of emergency call 911” with letters at least one inch high. If the gate is locked when the pool or spa is closed, also post the emergency phone location on the outside of the gate so responders and bystanders can find it without entering.
Keep vegetation, decor, and furniture from obstructing these signs. Mount them at eye level. Use tamper resistant fasteners so they stay in place between inspections.
Placement and mounting tips inspectors like
Inspectors want to see required messages inside the pool or spa yard, easy to read, and well mounted. Combining multiple messages on one rules panel is common. The key is legibility. Use high contrast colors such as black or dark blue text on a white background. Avoid glossy glare where sunlight hits the panel. Place panels where guests will naturally look while entering, such as on the latch side of the main gate and near the most common seating area.
For long service life, mount rigid panels on metal or treated wood posts with stainless or marine grade fasteners and gasketed washers to keep moisture from wicking into the substrate. If you are attaching to a masonry wall, use anchors and space the panel slightly off the surface for airflow. For chain link or wrought iron, back the panel with a narrow frame so the hardware does not deform the face.
If your community has many Spanish speaking residents, present English and Spanish on the same panel. Organize by message rather than by language, with the Spanish line directly under the English line for each required item. That layout reduces eye scanning distance and keeps the panel tidy while still meeting the minimum letter sizes.
CPR posters and first aid information
Texas rules require emergency information and a working way to summon help. Many local plan approval checklists also expect a CPR or artificial respiration poster with basic first aid steps near the emergency phone or first aid kit. Post a durable, laminated poster in a weather resistant acrylic or polycarbonate holder using tamper screws. Mount this near the phone or in a shaded alcove to prevent glare. Keep the diagram large and uncluttered so anyone can follow it quickly. Replace posters when they fade or warp.
If your property provides a first aid kit, label the storage location with a small rigid sign and keep access clear. Nearby, stage rescue equipment such as a reaching pole and ring buoy so they are visible and in good repair.
Materials that last in Austin
Austin sun is strong and pool water is unforgiving. Faded ink, warped plastics, and rust streaks can lead to citations. The right substrates and coatings pay for themselves with years of service.
For regulatory panels, aluminum composite material, also known as ACM, and solid aluminum are top choices. Both accept direct UV print and vinyl overlays and resist warping in the heat. Powder coated aluminum edges add durability at the corners. Acrylic faces work well for spa enclosures and in areas that need a sleek look. For short term needs such as construction or seasonal notices, coroplast or PVC can be an option, although they are not meant for long exposure to sun and chemicals.
Use UV stable inks and a UV laminate to cut fading. For hardware, choose stainless or marine grade fasteners with washers and thread lock. Where moisture intrusion is a risk, use gasketed mounts and seal penetrations. On decks, pick slip resistant ceramic or polymer inserts for depth markers as required by the rule.
See material options and local fabrication at Austin Sign Co Request a Quote and Custom Signs. Our team regularly builds ACM and aluminum regulatory panels with UV laminate, plus acrylic CPR holders with tamper screws for pool yards and spa rooms.
Practical sign sizes and panels
The TAC figures list minimum letter sizes but do not dictate panel dimensions. The goal is easy reading from typical viewing distances. The examples below work well for most apartment, HOA, and hotel pools in Austin.
| Panel | Suggested size | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Lifeguard on Duty | 12 x 18 in | Aluminum or ACM with UV print and laminate | Letters at least 4 in tall. Place at each main entrance and inside the yard |
| Pool rules board with 2 in and 1 in items | 18 x 24 in or 24 x 36 in | ACM or aluminum, high contrast print | Combine maximum user load, supervision, health messages, hours |
| Emergency phone address label | 6 x 9 in | Aluminum or acrylic | Letters at least 1 in tall, directly above the phone |
| Directional sign to phone when not visible | 8 x 12 in | Aluminum with arrow | Letters at least 2 in tall, inside the yard and on gate exteriors if gates lock |
| Spa rules board | 12 x 18 in or 18 x 24 in | Aluminum or acrylic | Include temperature, user load, health warnings, supervision line |
| Deck depth markers | Standard tile sizes | Slip resistant tile inserts or recessed metal or epoxy numerals | Digits at least 4 in high for spa decks, high contrast, placed near edge |
| CPR poster | 11 x 17 in or 12 x 18 in | Laminated print in acrylic holder | Mount near emergency phone or first aid kit |
Placement checklist for inspections
Use this short walkthrough before your next inspection in Austin.
- At the main pool entrance, post a No Lifeguard panel if applicable, a clear rules board with maximum user load and health messages in the required sizes, and the hours of operation.
- Inside the pool yard, add an In Case of Emergency panel with the 911 instruction and place any additional supervision or health messages where guests gather.
- At or above the emergency phone, post the full address in letters at least one inch tall. If the phone is outside the yard or cannot be seen from inside, post a directional sign inside the yard in letters at least two inches tall and add the phone location to the outside face of any locked gate.
- Place depth markers on the sidewalls and on the deck near the water, with spa decks showing at least two markers with four inch numerals. Keep deck markers slip resistant and high contrast.
- Add a CPR poster near the phone or first aid kit and keep rescue gear visible and in good condition.
- Mount all panels at eye level, using weather ready substrates with UV stable inks.
Bundles for apartments, HOAs, and hotels
Standard bundles speed ordering and keep costs predictable while meeting Austin pool compliance signage requirements.
For apartments and HOAs, choose a combined pool rules panel, multiple No Lifeguard panels for gates and the pool yard, a separate emergency phone address placard, directional phone notice if needed, spa rules board if a spa is on site, and deck depth markers. Materials that work year after year include ACM or aluminum panels with UV laminate and stainless hardware. This bundle covers required messages, letter sizes, and the most common inspection questions.
For hotels, pair a branded rules board with required letter sizes, a No Lifeguard panel if applicable, guest room spa reminder placards, a spa rules panel inside the spa room, durable deck depth markers, and an acrylic CPR poster holder near the phone. If you offer extended hours, confirm that lighting and contrast keep all messages readable at night.
For small community pools, a compact rules panel with all two inch and one inch items, a No Lifeguard panel, a directional phone notice if the phone is at a clubhouse or office, and slip resistant depth markers cover the essentials. All three bundles can be produced bilingual on request without shrinking the required text.
Ready to build your pack with local proofing and fast turnaround. Visit Custom Signs or send details through our Request a Quote form. Share your pool or spa type, pool dimensions, gate lock habits, whether a phone is inside the yard, and if you need bilingual panels.
Bilingual and readability tips
In properties with a large Spanish speaking population, inspectors want messaging that residents can use quickly. Consider a dual language layout for every required item. Keep English on the first line and Spanish on the next line with equal prominence. Do not cram extra text by shrinking letters below the required size. If space is tight, increase panel dimensions rather than reducing legibility.
Pick high contrast color pairings. Black or dark navy on white is the standard choice. Avoid light colors over textured stone or stucco unless you add a backer panel. Matte or low gloss finishes reduce glare at midday.
Permit reminders for Austin
The City of Austin requires a pool or spa permit for public and semi public facilities. Plan your signage as part of your permit and inspection package. City health inspectors apply the 25 TAC rules and look for the TAC sign figures during routine checks. Coordinating early helps you avoid reinspection fees and rushed reprints. For permit guidance, visit the City of Austin permit page.
New builds and renovations often need plan review. During that process, include scaled locations for the rules board, No Lifeguard panels, emergency phone placards, and depth markers. If you are proposing bilingual panels or combined boards, submit a sample layout that shows letter heights and contrast. Austin Sign Co can prepare permit ready proofs with sizes and materials called out so your reviewer can check the boxes quickly.
How Austin Sign Co helps
We build regulatory panels every week for apartments, HOAs, hotels, and short term rental pools across Central Texas. You get local code knowledge, fast proofing, and durable materials that hold up in our sun and under chlorinated water.
What we recommend for long service life
- ACM or aluminum panels with direct UV print and a UV laminate for rules and No Lifeguard messages
- Powder coated edges and stainless or marine grade fasteners with gasketed mounts
- Slip resistant depth markers in ceramic or polymer, set at the correct distance from the edge
- Acrylic or polycarbonate CPR poster holders with tamper screws
- Bilingual layouts that keep the TAC letter sizes intact
Request a free proof and quote today. Send your pool or spa type, gate and phone details, and whether you want Spanish added. Start at Request a Quote or review material options at Custom Signs. For more on materials that stand up to Austin weather, read our posts on powder coat and UV inks and high contrast wayfinding.
FAQ
Do I need a No Lifeguard panel if we sometimes hire a lifeguard?
If a lifeguard is not on duty during all operating hours, post the No Lifeguard message. If you schedule a lifeguard only for peak times, keep the panel in place and let the guard supplement with a temporary notice during the staffed window.
Can I put all required pool messages on one big sign?
Yes, combining is allowed as long as each message meets the TAC minimum letter size and the panel is easy to read. Many properties use a large rules board plus separate No Lifeguard and emergency phone placards for clarity.
What if my emergency phone is at the leasing office?
That can work when the phone is within two hundred feet of the water and available whenever the pool is open. You must post a directional sign inside the pool yard with letters at least two inches tall and label the phone with the property address in one inch letters or larger.
Can my deck depth markers be paint?
Texas requires permanent, high contrast, slip resistant deck markers. Painted stencils rarely meet the slip resistance and longevity expected by inspectors. Use ceramic or polymer inserts or recessed numerals designed for wet decks.
Are bilingual signs required in Austin?
The rule allows and encourages posting in the predominant language or languages of your users. In many Austin communities, adding Spanish is a smart move and often requested by inspectors.
What are common citation triggers?
Missing No Lifeguard panels at entrances, letters printed smaller than the TAC minimums, no address above the emergency phone, lack of directional signs when the phone is outside the yard, faded or illegible rules boards, and slippery or missing deck depth markers are all common issues.
Useful links and citations
Texas Administrative Code 25 TAC 265.190 Safety Features for Pools and Spas. Read the rule text and sign details on the TAC rule page.
Required Pool Signs. Download the official pool sign figure with exact wording and minimum letter sizes: Pool sign PDF.
Required Spa Signs. Download the spa sign figure with wording and sizes: Spa sign PDF.
City of Austin permits. Plan signage with your operating permit: Austin permit types.
Order or request proofs. Austin Sign Co Custom Signs and Request a Quote.
Austin pool compliance signage and Texas spa safety sign requirements do not have to be complicated. Use the TAC figures for the exact messages and sizes, mount panels where guests can see them, pick durable materials, and keep your emergency notices straightforward. With a permit ready sign pack in place, inspections go faster and guests stay safer.