Pools & Spas

Water quality for a pool or spa must meet the following criteria when the pool or spa is open for use. Hot Texas sunlight kills chlorine, so pools and spas should be maintained more frequently during higher temperatures.

• Chlorine tablets are not allowed to be put in skimmer baskets.
• DPD (diethyl phenylene diamine) test kit is required when testing the water chemistry.
• All tests should be logged, readily available and onsite for inspector review.
• The water should be clear and the main drain at the deepest part of the pool should be clearly visible at all times.

Examine, repair, or replace:

• Filters
• Pressure Gages
• Flow Meters
• Pumps

Note that there must be an air gap between all equipment drainpipes and the sewer system. The air gap should measure twice the diameter of the drainpipe. This is to ensure that backflow does not enter into the equipment. "Exit valves" do not count as an air gap.

The SVRS must be tested and working for a pool or spa to pass inspection. All systems must be in good working condition.

Examine and test the SVRS and make necessary adjustments to the:

• Vac-Alert
• Stingl Switch
• Vacless Pump
• Emotron

Vac-Alert Testing Instructions

1. Before starting the test, turn on the pump and make sure it is fully primed with all the air bled from the filter and with the suction piping valves set to divert all flow from the main drain. Turn off the skimmers and all other ports of suction except the main drain line.
2. Quickly close the test valve to simulate a main drain blockage. A pole-mounted test mat can also be used to cover the main drain to simulate the same effect.
3. The Vac-Alert SVRS should respond instantly to the simulated blockage. The SVRS should lock in the open position, venting air into the system and dissipating the suction vacuum. A near zero reading on the SVRS vacuum gauge confirms the system is operating properly.
4. Open the test valve or remove the test mat from the main drain, and reset the SVRS unit by gently pressing down on the reset lever. With the pump turned on, fully primed and air bled from the filter system, simulate the main drain blockage as done in the previous test. The SVRS should respond as before. Repeat this test procedure at least 3 time to confirm proper operation of the Vac-Alert SVRS unit.

Ensure all safety equipment is accessible and in good condition:

• A shepherd's hook or reaching pole must be one continuous piece, at least 12-feet long, and can only be made of fiberglass or other material that does not conduct electricity. Metal poles are not allowed.
• Buoys must be U.S. Coast Guard approved. The throwing rope should be ¼-to-3/8-inch thick in diameter. The length of the rope must be at least 2/3 of the maximum pool's width.
• An operational hardwired emergency telephone that dials directly to 911 is required, and it must be available within an unimpeded distance of 200 feet. A gate that is unlocked or a pool fence or gate that is locked but is less than 4-feet-4-inches tall are not impediments.
• A spa emergency shut off must be easily accessible.
• All swimming pools must have rescue and safety equipment available within 20 feet of the pool. Safety equipment must always be in the pool enclosure and may not be put away at night or during the off season.

All pool signage must be reviewed for legibility, and it must not be fading, cracked, or chipped.

Required Signs

Signs with lettering that must be a minimum of 4 inches:

• "Warning - No Lifeguard On Duty"
• "No Diving" with International no diving symbol
• "In Case of Emergency, Dial 911"

Signs with lettering that must be a minimum of 2 inches:

• Directions to emergency phone if not visible from the pool yard.
• Maximum User Limit
• "Pets in the pool & spa are prohibited."
• "Do not swim if you have been ill with diarrhea within the past 2 weeks."
• "Changing diapers within 6 feet of the pool is prohibited"
• "Glass items not allowed in the pool yard"
• "Persons under the age of 14 must not be in the pool without adult supervision"
• "Extended breath holding activities are dangerous and prohibited"

Signs with lettering that must be a minimum of 1 inch:

• Address, GPS location, or directions on or with the emergency phone
• Hours of operation
• "Do not use the spa if the water temperature is above 104 degrees Fahrenheit"