1. (a) General shape for new pools and spas. This standard is not intended to regulate the perimeter shape of new pools or spas. It is the designer's responsibility to take into account the effect a given shape will have on the health and safety of the occupants.
2. (b) Dimensional variation for new pools and spas. Dimensions for new pools and spas may vary in limited areas where access for persons with disabilities has been provided, as long as general safety of all users is maintained. The design shall take into account requirements of the American Disability Act and any other applicable local, state and federal laws relating to such access.
3. (c) Entanglement or entrapment avoidance for new pools and spas. There shall be no protrusions, extensions, means of entanglement, or other obstructions in a new pool or spa which will cause the entrapment or injury of the user. For specific requirements regarding entrapment issues, see the CPSC, Handbook for Public Playground Safety, Publication Number 325-1997, or the ASTM, Standard Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public Use, F1487-1995.
4. (d) Construction tolerances for new pools and spas. For new pools and spas, construction tolerances allowed on all dimensional designs for overall length, width, and depth in the deep end may vary plus or minus three inches. All other dimensions may vary plus or minus two inches, unless otherwise specified (such as in a Class A pool). The design water level shall have a maximum construction tolerance at the time of completion of the work of plus or minus 1/4 inch for new pools or spas with adjustable weir surface skimming systems, and of plus or minus 1/8 inch for new pools or spas with non-adjustable surface skimming systems. Step treads and risers may vary plus or minus 1/2 inch.

5. (e) Maximum user loading for new and existing pools and spas. The maximum number of users to be allowed in a new or existing pool or spa at one time will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of pool or spa; indoor or outdoor location; surface area; operating characteristics of the water; purification system; quality and clarity of the pool or spa water, etc., the most significant factors being the pool or spa area and the sanitary and physical condition of the pool or spa water. Based on these factors, pool or spa owners of a new or existing pool or spa shall reduce the user load if existing conditions indicate the need. The user load shall be based on the following.

   1. (1) Maximum load limit for new pools shall be in accordance with the following table:
      Attached Graphic
      
   2. (2) In both new and existing spas, the maximum user load shall not exceed one person per nine square feet of surface area.
6. (f) Interior walls for new pools and spas. New Class B and C pools and spas shall have walls not greater than 11 degrees from plumb. Maximum allowable wall slope:
   Attached Graphic
   
7. (g) Walls joining floors for new pools. Walls for new Class B and C pools shall be joined to the floor with a radius tangent to the wall at a depth not less than four feet six inches in water depths eight feet and greater and not less than two feet six inches in water depths of three feet. The tangent radius point at the wall shall progressively move between these points as the water depth progressively changes. Wall to floor radiuses shall not encroach on the minimum specified floor width, prescribed in §265.186(c)(7) of this title (relating to Deck Entry/Exit, and Diving Facilities, and Other Deck Equipment Diving Facilities). Class A pools, where racing lanes terminate, shall have walls that are not greater than one degree from vertical.

8. (h) Floor slopes for new pools. Floor slopes for new pools shall, as a minimum meet the following requirements:

   1. (1) all slopes shall be uniform and shall drain;
   2. (2) the slope of the floor from the shallow end wall toward the deep end shall not exceed one foot in ten feet to the point of the first slope change;
   3. (3) the point of the first slope change shall be defined as the point at which the floor slope exceeds one foot in ten;
   4. (4) the slope of the floor from the point of the first slope change to the deep end shall not exceed one foot in three feet; and
   5. (5) the slope of the floor may vary in limited areas where access for persons with disabilities has been provided.
9. (i) Visual separation for new pools. Any area of a new pool that is less than three feet in depth shall be visually set apart from deeper areas of the pool by a minimum four inch wide tile band, painted line, or similar means of contrasting color across the floor at this point, see also §265.199(b)(2) and (3) of this title (relating to Specific Safety Features (Float lines and floor markings for new pools)).
10. (j) Zero depth design for new pools. Zero depth designs for new pools shall be allowed where the bottom of the pool in the beginner's area is designed and constructed to meet the pool deck surface at a slope not to exceed one in 12 to a water depth of 1-1/2 feet. In such pools where the water depth is less than 1-1/2 feet, floor inlets shall be provided and spaced uniformly with at least one inlet per 200 square feet or portion thereof.

11. (k) Offset ledges for new pools. When provided in a new pool, offset ledges shall:

    1. (1) fall within 11 degrees from plumb starting at the junction of the pool wall and the design water level;
    2. (2) shall have a slip-resistant surface; and
    3. (3) shall have a maximum width of eight inches and shall be in accordance with the following drawing of Offset Ledges:
       Attached Graphic
       

12. (l) Underwater seat benches for new pools and spas. Underwater seat benches for new pools and spas shall:

    1. (1) have a maximum seating width of 18 inches projecting from the wall at a depth not to exceed 24 inches below the design water level;
    2. (2) be located fully outside of the required minimum diving water envelope if the pool is intended for use with diving equipment;
    3. (3) be visually set apart and shall be provided with a solid or broken stripe two inches wide on the top surface along the front leading edge of the bench. The stripe shall be plainly visible to persons on the pool deck. The stripe shall be a contrasting color to the background on which it is applied, and the color shall be permanent in nature;
    4. (4) have a slip-resistant surface; and
    5. (5) shall not be used as the required entry/exit access unless they are in conjunction with pool stairs.

13. (m) Special requirements for new Class D wading pool.

    1. (1) New Class D wading pools at a facility having Class A, B, or C pools shall be separate and physically set apart from beginner or shallow water areas by at least 15 feet of deck or a pool yard enclosure meeting the requirements of §265.200 of this title (relating to Pool Yard Enclosures). If a pool yard enclosure is provided, clear visibility through the barrier shall be maintained.
    2. (2) Where a wading pool at a Class A, B, or C pool is within 35 feet of any deep water area, a pool yard enclosure meeting the requirements of §265.200 of this title shall be provided to physically separate the wading pool from the deep water area. Clear visibility through the barrier shall also be maintained.
    3. (3) The maximum water depth shall be no greater than 24 inches. At the perimeter of the pool the vertical distance from the deck or walk to the bottom of the pool or to perimeter seating bench underwater shall not be greater than 18 inches. The vertical distance from the bottom of the pool to the deck or walk may be reduced and brought to zero at the most shallow point. The slope of zero level deck entries shall not exceed one foot in 12 feet.
    4. (4) Floors of wading pools shall be uniform, sloped to drain with a maximum slope of one foot in 12 feet, and shall be slip-resistant.

Source Note:The provisions of this §265.185 adopted to be effective June 17, 1999, 24 TexReg 4365.