1. (a) Suction outlet covers for new and existing pools and spas. The circulation system of a new or existing pool or spa shall not be operated if the main drain grate, or anti-vortex suction outlet, or any suction outlet cover is missing, broken or loose. In such a case the pool or spa shall be closed immediately and remain closed until a proper repair or replacement has been accomplished.

2. (b) General circulation requirements for new pools and spas. A circulation system consisting of pumps, piping, return inlets and suction outlets, filters, and other necessary equipment shall provide complete and uniform circulation of water and be designed to accommodate 100% of the turnover flow rate and maintain the distribution of disinfectant residual through all parts of the pool or spa.

   1. (1) The system shall be designed to give the proper turnover rate based on the manufacturer's specified maximum pressure flow of the filter in clean media condition. The equipment shall be of adequate size to turn over the entire pool or spa water capacity at the following minimum rate: (also refer to §265.203(c) of this title (relating to Operation and Management (Water clarity standards for new and existing pools and spas));

      1. (A) a turnover rate of six hours is specified for pools with average depths of four feet or greater;
      2. (B) turnover rates in pools with shallower average depths shall be calculated based upon the formula: average depth times 1-1/2 shall be the required turnover rate; for example, a pool with an average depth of three feet will require a 4-1/2 hour turnover rate; or
      3. (C) a spa recirculation system shall turn over the entire spa water capacity at a minimum of once every 30 minutes based on the manufacturer's recommended rate of the filter, with a clean filter.
   2. (2) Circulation system components which require replacement or servicing shall be accessible for inspection, repair, or replacement, and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
   3. (3) Pool and spa equipment and related plumbing shall be supported to prevent damage from misalignment, settlement, etc. The equipment shall be mounted to minimize the potential for the accumulation of debris and moisture, following manufacturer's specifications.
   4. (4) The water velocity in the pool and spa piping shall not exceed ten feet per second for discharge piping (except for copper pipe where the velocity shall not exceed eight feet per second), and six feet per second for suction piping, and 1-1/2 feet per second flow rate through suction grates. Pool and spa piping shall be sized to permit the rated flows for filtering and cleaning without exceeding the maximum head of the pump.
   5. (5) Circulation system piping, other than that integrally included in the manufacture of the pool or spa, shall be subject to an induced static hydraulic pressure test for six hours at a pressure 50% greater than the maximum design operating pressure of the system or 25 pounds per square inch whichever is greater. This test shall be performed before the deck is poured, and the pressure shall be maintained throughout the deck pour.
   6. (6) The circulation system piping and fittings shall be nontoxic, and shall be of material(s) able to withstand operating pressures and operating conditions. Polyvinyl chloride pipe shall bear the NSFI seal for potable water and be schedule 40 or stronger.
   7. (7) Pool or spa piping subject to damage by freezing shall have a uniform slope in one direction and equipped with valves for adequate drainage or shall be capable of evacuating water to prevent freezing and possible damage. Pool or spa piping shall be adequately supported and designed to prevent entrapment of air, water or dirt. Provision shall be made for expansion or contraction of pipes.
   8. (8) Equipment shall be designed and fabricated to drain the pool or spa water from the equipment, by removal of drain plugs and manipulating valves, or by other methods.

   9. (9) All pools and spas shall be equipped with the following:

      1. (A) a pump suction (vacuum) gauge installed as close to the suction side of the pump as possible without sacrificing accuracy;
      2. (B) a filter inlet pressure gauge installed on the piping ahead of the filter in the area of greatest pressure;
      3. (C) a filter outlet gauge; and
      4. (D) a rate of flow meter located to accurately (plus or minus 10%) indicate the rate of flow through the filter (during filtering as well as backwashing) in gallons per minute.
3. (c) Exposed piping color-coding for new and existing pools and spas. Exposed piping in new pools and spas shall be color-coded according to the following color scheme. It is recommended that piping on existing pools and spas also be color-coded. If any two colors do not have sufficient contrast to easily distinguish between them, a six-inch band of contrasting color shall be painted on one or more of the pipes at approximately 30-inch intervals. The name of the liquid or gas and arrows indicating direction of flow, should be painted or otherwise permanently indicated on the pipe. As an alternative to color-coding for new exposed pipes, or as recommended for existing pipes, pipes can be labeled to easily and adequately identify the piping function and direction of flow to the operator.
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Source Note:The provisions of this §265.187 adopted to be effective June 17, 1999, 24 TexReg 4365.