ANNOUNCING
Posted on July 15, 2022
PROPOSED PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND SPAS RULES AVAILABLE FOR STAKEHOLDER COMMENT
The Texas Department of State Health Services is accepting formal comments from stakeholders on the proposed Public Swimming Pools and Spas rules from July 15, 2022 through August 15, 2022. Comments may be submitted by mail or email.
Visit the Draft and Proposed Rules – Public Swimming Pools and Spas Program website for more information. Questions can be emailed to the EHG Rules Coordinator.
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.
House Bill 2205
From the 87th
Legislature: House Bill 2205, effective Sept. 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 Jan. 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 the Environmental Hazards Group Rules Coordinator at: EHGRulesCoordinator@dshs.texas.gov.
New Pool Rules
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
Contact Information
Email: PHSCPS@dshs.texas.gov
Phone: 512-834-6788
Fax: 512-483-3414
DSHS Regional Offices
Mailing addresses are available on the contact page.