- (a) Non-toxic and sound materials for new pools and spas. New pools and spas and all appurtenances shall be constructed of materials which are considered to be nontoxic to humans and the environment, are impervious and enduring, and will withstand design stresses; and will provide a water-tight structure with a smooth and easily cleanable surface without cracks or joints, excluding structural joints.
- (b) Accepted practice for new pools and spas. The structural design and materials used for new pools or spas shall be in accordance with generally accepted industry engineering practices and methods prevailing at the time of original construction. It is recommended that new pools and spas be constructed to meet the NSPI, June 1996, Workmanship Standards for Swimming Pools and Spas.
- (c) NSFI Standard-50 for new pools and spas. Where equipment for a new pool or spa such as pumps, filters, skimmers, chemical feeders, and other equipment, falls within the scope of ANSI and NSFI Standard-50-1996 (ANSI/NSFI-50-1996), the equipment shall meet the standard as confirmed by a testing laboratory. The testing laboratory for determining compliance with these standards shall be properly equipped and qualified for experimental testing, inspections of products at factories, and service/value determination through field inspections. It shall operate as a third-party testing/inspection body. Conformity with standards noted above shall be evidenced by the listing or labeling of such equipment by such a laboratory.
- (d) NSFI Standard-50 for existing pools and spas. When equipment is replaced on existing pools and spas such equipment that falls within the scope of ANSI and NSFI Standard-50-1996 (ANSI/NSFI-50-1996), such equipment shall meet the standard as confirmed by a testing laboratory. The testing laboratory for determining compliance with these standards shall be properly equipped and qualified for experimental testing, inspections of products at factories, and service/value determination through field inspections. It shall operate as a third-party testing/inspection body. Conformity with standards noted above shall be evidenced by the listing or labeling of such equipment by such a laboratory.
- (e) Prohibition of earth material for new and existing pools and spas. Earth shall not be permitted as an interior finish in a new or existing pool or spa. Clean sand or similar material, if used in a beach pool environment shall only be used over an impervious surface and designed to perform in such an environment, and controlled so as not to adversely affect the proper filtration, treatment system, maintenance, safety, sanitation and operation of the overall pool or spa. If sand or similar material is used, positive upflow circulation through the sand shall be provided as necessary to assure that sanitary conditions are maintained at all times.
(f) Interior color for new pools and spas. The colors, patterns, or finishes of a new pool or spa interior shall not obscure the existence or presence of objects or surfaces within the pool or spa. All new pool and spa interior surfaces shall be white or lightly tinted except for:
- (1) water lines that are tiled;
- (2) racing lane markings (painted or tile maximum 12 inches wide);
- (3) turn targets (painted or tiled); and
- (4) safety markers.
- (g) Materials to withstand freezing temperatures for new pools and spas. In climates subject to freezing temperatures, a new pool or spa shell and appurtenances, piping, filter system, pump and motor, and other components shall be designed and constructed to facilitate protection from damage due to freezing.
- (h) Hydrostatic relief valve for new pools and spas. A hydrostatic relief valve or a more extensive hydrostatic system shall be installed if necessary to prevent ground water pressure from displacing or otherwise damaging a new pool or spa.
- (i) Interior surface footing for new pools and spas. The surfaces within a new pool or spa intended to provide footing for users shall have a slip-resistant surface to help reduce the chance for a fall. The roughness or irregularity of such surfaces shall not cause injury to the feet during normal use.
Source Note:The provisions of this §265.184 adopted to be effective June 17, 1999, 24 TexReg 4365.