SECTION 265.187. Pool or Spa Water Supply and Drinking Water for All Pools and Spas

(a) Water supply. For all pools and spas, the initial fill water and make-up water used to maintain the water level and water used as a vehicle for sanitizers or other chemicals for pump priming or for other additions must be from a public water system, as defined by 30 TAC §290.38 (relating to Definitions), or from a water well that complies with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.

(b) Water distribution system. All portions of the water distribution system must be protected against backflow and back siphonage using a high hazard preventer such as a reduced-pressure-principle backflow preventer meeting the requirements of the American Society of Sanitary Engineering Standard 1013, as amended, and approved for use in potable water systems possibly subjected to back siphonage or high back pressure or an air gap designed to ASME Standard A112.1.2.

(c) Private water supply. If the water supply providing water to the pool or spa does not meet the definition of a public water system, as defined in subsection (a) of this section, that water supply must comply with the following requirements.

(1) Water pressure system must be designed to:

(A) maintain a minimum pressure of 35 pounds per square inch (psi) at all points within the distribution network at flow rates of at least 1.5 gallons per minute per connection;

(B) maintain a minimum pressure of 20 psi under combined fire and drinking water flow conditions when the system is intended to provide firefighting capability; and

(C) maintain a minimum distribution pressure not less than 20 psi at any time.

(2) Coliform testing of the well water must be performed each month the pool or spa is open for use. Records of any bacteriological tests must be kept on-site for three years and made available during inspection.

(3) Chemical analysis must be for the secondary constituent levels set out by 30 TAC §290.118 (relating to Secondary Constituent Levels).

(A) Water samples for chemical analysis obtained from the entry point to the distribution system must be submitted once every three years to a laboratory certified by the TCEQ.

(B) Records of all chemical testing must be kept on-site for three years and made available during inspection.

(d) Drinking water provided. At least one drinking water fountain or other source of drinking water, such as bottled water, must be provided and available for pool and spa users at all pools and spas constructed on or after October 1, 1999, and must be available at all times the pool or spa is open for use. A faucet, spigot, or sink does not satisfy the requirements for providing drinking water. Glass containers must not be allowed on a deck, in the pool or spa, or anywhere within the pool yard or spa yard.

(1) The drinking water is not required to be chilled.

(2) The drinking water is not required to be in the pool or spa yard.

(3) When the drinking water is not located in the pool yard or spa yard, a sign with letters a minimum of 1 inch in height is required. The sign must be posted so that it is visible to users that informs the users of the location of the drinking water.

(e) Hose bibs. Hose bibs in the pool yard or spa yard must be protected with a vacuum breaker.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.187 adopted to be effective January 1, 2023, 47 TexReg 8668