Triple-digit afternoons, mild winters, and long shoulder seasons make Westlake perfect for pool living. If you already have a pool or plan to buy a home with one in Rollingwood or West Lake Hills, you want the fun without the hassle. In this guide, you’ll learn the local rules that matter, how drought stages affect filling and landscaping, what seasonal care really costs, and the simple upgrades that stretch your swim season. Let’s dive in.
When pool season really starts and ends
Most Westlake homeowners swim comfortably from late April through October without heat. With a heater, heat pump, or cover, you can extend use into March and November. Winter is short and generally mild, but occasional freezes happen, so keep freeze protection on your equipment and watch the forecast. Year-round use is possible if you are comfortable with higher heating and energy costs.
Local rules to know first
Permits and who to call
If your home is inside West Lake Hills, start with the city’s Building and Development page for permits, plan reviews, and pool checklists. You can find current steps and contacts on the city website. See the West Lake Hills Building & Development page for guidance and forms.
If your home is inside Rollingwood, residential pools require permits and must meet setback and fence rules. Check the Rollingwood Residential Construction page for submittal checklists and timelines.
If your property lies outside city limits, Travis County handles pool permits. Review the Travis County residential pool permit checklist for site plans, drainage, and floodplain requirements.
- West Lake Hills permits: Building & Development
- Rollingwood permits: Residential Construction
- Outside city limits: Travis County Residential Pool Permit
Fences and barriers
Local rules require an enclosure around private pools. In West Lake Hills, the enclosure must be at least 48 inches high and built so a 4‑inch sphere cannot pass through openings. Chain-link is not allowed, and gates should self-close and self-latch. These safety standards often mirror the International Residential Code. Always confirm current requirements with your city before you build or renovate.
HOA and site design notes
Many Westlake neighborhoods have HOA or deed restrictions that govern pool type, fencing materials, setbacks, and screening. Some streets also have tree protection or landscape considerations. City permits do not replace HOA approval, so review covenants and consult your Architectural Review Committee before you break ground.
Drought and water use in Westlake
The Highland Lakes region cycles through drought, and restrictions can affect your pool plans. When lake levels drop, the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) may tighten outdoor watering to once weekly for many customers. Check the latest LCRA drought updates before scheduling large fills or landscaping.
If you are an Austin Water customer, use the watering day finder to see your assigned day and current restrictions. This helps you plan new fills, top-offs, and irrigation for poolside landscaping.
- Regional updates: LCRA drought restrictions
- City schedules: Austin Water watering day finder
Smart water habits:
- Use a cover to cut evaporation and chemical loss, especially in summer and shoulder months.
- Fix leaks promptly and minimize splash-out from water features.
- Coordinate with your contractor to time major fills when restrictions allow.
- Keep gutters clear and direct runoff away from the pool to reduce debris.
Costs, energy, and equipment that pay off
Plan for routine maintenance, cleaning, and chemicals in the range of about 1,000 to 3,000 dollars per year, depending on pool size, use, and service level. For national ranges and what affects them, see this maintenance overview.
One of the best energy upgrades is a variable-speed pump. Federal efficiency standards show that running at lower speeds for longer periods can significantly reduce electricity use compared with older single-speed pumps. Pair that with timers and off-peak run times for added savings.
Heaters come in three main types. Gas heaters warm water quickly but cost more to run. Heat pumps work well in our mild climate and often cost less to operate over the season. Solar adds the most in sunny months after higher upfront costs. A well-fitted cover helps all three by reducing heat loss and evaporation.
- Cost ranges: Annual pool maintenance overview
- Pump efficiency: Federal standards for dedicated pool pumps
Safety you should layer
Drowning prevention works best with several barriers, not just one. The CDC recommends a four-sided fence with self-closing, self-latching gates, close supervision, and CPR readiness. Door and pool alarms add another layer, as do safety covers and rescue equipment kept within reach.
Entrapment protection also matters. Ask your service provider to confirm that main-drain covers and anti-entrapment devices meet the standards defined by the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
- Layered safety: CDC guidance on drowning prevention
- Entrapment basics: VGBA overview
Value, taxes, and insurance considerations
Homes with pools in warm-climate metros often list at a premium. Recent analysis shows the “pool premium” has held beyond the pandemic in markets like Austin. That said, the value depends on condition, fit for the lot, and neighborhood norms, so maintain your pool and keep service records.
Pools are typically treated as improvements for appraisal purposes, which can increase assessed value after installation. Save your permits and invoices in case you need to review or protest an assessment. Because pools increase liability, many owners review coverage limits or consider an umbrella policy. Your insurer may also require proof of compliant fencing.
- Market data: Realtor.com on the pool premium
Seasonal checklists for Westlake pools
Spring: open and prep
- Inspect pumps, heaters, and lighting. Clean and test the filter.
- Remove the cover, shock the water, and balance chemicals.
- Check for leaks and verify fence, gate, and latch function.
- Set irrigation with your current watering day in mind.
Summer: peak use and conservation
- Run your pump on efficient settings and during off-peak hours.
- Test chemical levels more frequently in extreme heat.
- Use a cover at night to reduce evaporation and heat loss.
- Skim, brush, and empty baskets often to keep water clear.
Fall: shoulder season and leaves
- Increase cover use as trees drop leaves.
- Clean gutters and trim branches near the pool area.
- Test the heater if you plan to swim into November.
- Check drought status before any major refills.
Winter: freeze protection or light use
- If pausing use, winterize lines and protect equipment from freezes.
- If swimming year-round, maintain chemistry and verify freeze-protect settings.
- Keep the enclosure secure and inspections up to date.
Buying or selling a Westlake home with a pool
A well-maintained pool can be a standout feature when marketed to the right buyers. Before listing, service equipment, refresh decking and coping where needed, and gather permits, manuals, and service records. As a buyer, budget for annual upkeep, confirm barrier compliance, and ask about equipment age and recent repairs. If you want a thoughtful plan tailored to Rollingwood and West Lake Hills, reach out to Jenny Walker for local guidance.
FAQs
When does Westlake’s pool season typically run?
- Most owners swim comfortably from late April through October without heat, and extend into March or November with a heater or cover.
How do Austin-area drought rules affect filling a pool?
- LCRA and Austin Water may limit outdoor watering and discourage large fills during higher stages, so check current restrictions and watering days before scheduling work.
What fence height is required in West Lake Hills?
- Local code requires an enclosure at least 48 inches high with openings too small for a 4‑inch sphere to pass, plus self-closing, self-latching gates.
Do pools usually raise property taxes in Travis County?
- Yes, pools are generally treated as improvements that can increase appraised value, so keep permits and invoices for assessment questions or protests.
Which pump type saves the most electricity?
- Variable-speed pumps running at lower speeds for longer periods usually reduce energy use compared with single-speed models.
Is a heater worth it for Westlake’s climate?
- If you want spring and fall swimming, a heat pump or solar can extend your season efficiently, while gas heats faster but typically costs more to run.
