Public Swimming Pools and Spas

This site provides information about the new safety and sanitation standards for pools, and link to other useful sites and information.

The Department of State Health Services Environmental Health Program, Local Health Departments, Local Code Enforcement Offices and other governmental jurisdictions help to provide safety and sanitation of public swimming pools and spas in the state of Texas. 

As the result of two separate incidents of individuals contracting Naegleria fowleri from aquatic venues that spray water,  the CDC has issued recommendations for the operation and maintenance of these aquatic venues. One of the incidents involved a decorative fountain that was not intended to be used as a public interactive water feature or fountain (PIWF). The Texas Department of State Health Services does not regulate decorative fountains. However, the department does recommend that if a decorative fountain is being used by the public as a PIWF the CDC operation and management recommendations should be followed. 

• CDC GUIDANCE for Naegleria fowleri (PDF)
  

House Bill 2205

From the 87^th Legislature:  House Bill 2205, effective September 1, 2021, amends Health and Safety Code (HSC) 341.0645 (Swimming Pools and Spas).   The bill requires DSHS to adopt by reference the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), except for Chapter 1 related to permitting and inspection, Chapter 7, Onground Storable Residential Swimming Pools, Chapter 8, Permanent Inground Residential Swimming Pools, Permanent Residential Spas and Permanent Residential Exercise Spas, and Chapter 10, Portable Residential Spas and Portable Residential Exercise Spas.  The bill will require major amendment of the current Swimming Pool and Spa rules that are located at 25 TAC 265, Subchapter L.  There will be a significant effect on safety requirements and enclosure requirements.

The Public Sanitation and Retail Food Safety Branch will begin the rule amendment process with the tentative aim of an effective date of January 1, 2023 for the new rules.  Rule-writing activities will include:

• Posting of draft rules for informal comments and
• Posting of proposed rules in the Texas Register to allow for formal comments.

Dates for these and other opportunities for stakeholder engagement will be posted on this website.  For questions, please contact Katie Moore at: katie.moore@dshs.texas.gov.

New Pool Rules

• New Pool Rules (PDF)

  • These rules do not go into effect until January 1, 2021. 

  • **There is an error in the 2021 Public Swimming Pool and Spa rules in the table referring to User Load in public pools and spas. Please use the Guidance Document link to view the correction. (PDF)** 

Pool Inspection Training

Pool Inspection Training is being offered by the CDC and NEHA. The training is in modules and there is no charge for the training. You can get CEUs from NEHA upon completing the lessons and final evaluation. Please see the NEHA EHS Website: Pool Inspection Training   

Coronavirus Information can be found at the following link and guidance document: 

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Link

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Guidance Document (PDF)

• Per Governor Abbott's Executive Order GA 26 issued June 3, 2020, public swimming pools may be opened with certain protective measures in place:
  Starting June 3, 2020: 
  • Governor Abbott Announces Phase III To Open Texas
    • Executive Order GA 26 (PDF)
    • CHECKLIST FOR WATERPARK OPERATORS (PDF)
    • CHECKLIST FOR PARKS/BEACHES/BODIES OF WATER (PDF)
      

Additional Resources: 

• CDC Guidance for the Operation of public Pools, Hot Tubs, and Water Playground During COVID-19
  
• CDC - Water Transmission and COVID-19 - Link
• CDC guidance on closing hot tubs/spas for extended periods of time has been updated to address aquatics sector feedback related to hot tubs/spas with a plastered finish, which could end up cracking if drained for a prolonged period of time. 
• CDC recommendations on reopening hot tubs/spas and other water systems have been updated to clarify that not every public hot tub/spa needs to be tested for Legionella before reopening.

Contact Information

Email: Katie Moore
Phone: (512) 834-6788
Fax: (512) 834-6707
DSHS Regional Offices

Mailing addresses are available on the contact page.