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. 

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.