Texas Administrative Code
Title 25 - HEALTH SERVICES
Part 1 - DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
Chapter 265 - GENERAL SANITATION
Subchapter L - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS
Section 265.194 - Operation and Management of Pools and Spas

(a) Operational standard for all pools and spas. Pools and spas must be required to meet the operational standard that is most applicable to their respective use. For example, a pool or spa that is being operated as a Class C pool or spa but is generally or for specific occasions made available to the public, with or without a fee, must meet Class B operational standards.

(b) Required operator certification. All Class A, Class B, and Class C pools and spas must be maintained under the supervision and direction of a properly trained and certified operator.

(c) Operator responsibilities. The trained operator must ensure that the staff is properly trained in day-to-day operations of the pool and spa circulation system, as defined in the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and that the circulation system is being maintained in good operating condition in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(d) Operator training and certification. Operator training and certification can be obtained by completion of one of the following courses or the equivalent:

(e) Documentation required for pools and spas.

(f) Proper use and protection from chemicals in pools and spas. Personnel in charge of maintaining a pool or spa, whether it is the trained and certified operator or someone assigned to maintain a pool or spa when the trained and certified operator is not on-site, must be properly trained in accordance with § 265.193 of this subchapter (relating to Water Quality at Pools and Spas).

(g) Pool and spa equipment access. Pool and spa circulation equipment, mechanical spaces, and chemical storage spaces, whether indoors or out-of-doors, must be inaccessible to pool and spa users or other unauthorized persons. A warning sign against unauthorized entry must be posted on the entry door or gate to the pool and spa equipment room, building, or area.

(h) Water clarity standards for pools and spas. When the pool or spa is open and available for use the water must be of sufficient clarity that the bottom of the pool or spa is clearly visible while the water is static. Visual occlusion by sediment or other matter must be checked before opening and periodically, as necessary, while the pool or spa is in use. The pool or spa must be open for use only if the bottom and the submerged suction outlets, when present, are clearly visible.

(i) Off-season water quality. When an outdoor pool or spa is not in use for an extended period of time, such as off-season, clarity must be maintained, and algae growth must be prevented; however, other water quality parameters as required in § 265.193 of this subchapter do not need to be maintained. Other methods may be used to maintain pools and spas during extended periods of non-use if approved by local regulatory officials in writing and water clarity is maintained.

(j) Pool and spa closure. When a pool or spa is not in use, such as after seasonal operation, while under construction, renovation, or for any reason, entry to the pool yard or spa yard by users or other unauthorized persons must not be allowed. A sign must be posted on the entry gates indicating the pool and spa are closed. The pool and spa and facility, when closed, must not give off objectionable odors, become a breeding site for insects, or create any other nuisance conditions or hazards.

(k) Domestic animals prohibited at pools and spas. Domestic animals and other pets must not be allowed within a pool or spa enclosure area or in the pool or spa except as required by 28 CFR § 36.302(c) and, if applicable, 24 CFR § 100.204. Animals permitted under 28 CFR § 36.302(c) and 24 CFR § 100.204 must be allowed on the deck and within the pool and spa yard, but not in the pool or spa.

(l) Wave pools constructed or renovated on or after the effective date of this subchapter. The wave pools must have a minimum of two emergency shutoff switches capable of immediately stopping wave generation, one on each side of the wave pool, clearly marked as emergency shutoffs and readily accessible to lifeguards.

(m) Surf pools constructed or renovated on or after the effective date of this subchapter. The surf pools must have a minimum of two emergency shutoff switches capable of immediately stopping wave generation, one on each side of the surf pool, clearly marked as emergency shutoffs and readily accessible to lifeguards.

(n) Actual water level at pools and spas. The actual water level in pools and spas must be maintained within the designed operating water level range of the rim, gutter, or skimmer system. When the water level is below the operating water level range of the pool or spa rim, gutter, or skimmer system, the pool or spa must be closed.

(o) Use of personal floatation devices (PFD). No person may be prohibited from the use of a USCG-approved PFD in a pool or spa.

(p) Food and beverages. Food and beverages may be consumed in the pool or spa only if it is privately owned and operated. Consumption of food and beverages in a pool or spa that is not privately owned and operated is prohibited.

(q) Glass containers prohibited. Food and beverages in the pool or spa or in the pool yard or spa yard must be in non-breakable containers. Glass containers and glass furniture must not be allowed on a deck, in the pool or spa, or anywhere within the pool yard or spa yard.

(r) Covered trash receptacles required. Covered trash receptacles must be provided where food and beverages are allowed or served.

(s) Standing water on decks. Decks must not have standing water and deck drains must be cleaned and maintained to prevent water accumulating on a pool or spa deck.

(t) Slime and biofilm. Slime and biofilm layers must be removed from all accessible pool and spa surfaces including steps and ladders, sidewall tile, depth markers, and from all aquatic features such as slides, climbing walls, and diving boards.