Public Swimming Pools and Spas

Guidelines for Draining your Pool or Spa
Healthy Swimming/Recreational Water
Troubleshooting Pool Problems
Chlorine
pH
Pool Contamination Guidance
Pseudomonas & Spas

General Questions

  1. What is the definition of the deep area of a swimming pool?
  2. When does a swimming pool need to have a 4 x 4 line on the bottom of the pool floor?
  3. Where should the 4 x 4 line be located?
  4. Are some pools not required to have the line?
  5. Where does the emergency phone have to be located?
  6. What signs are needed for a public swimming or wade pool?
  7. What signs are needed for a public spa?
  8. When are lifeguards required?
  9. How does a swim diaper protect other swimmers?
  10. What needs to be done if “poop” or diarrhea is found in a public swimming pool or spa?
  11. Do depth markers in pre-10/01/99 public pools and spas have to be changed to meet post-10/01/99 depth marker requirements?
  12. What chemicals can be used to sanitize a swimming pool or spa?
  13. Is a salt swimming pool or spa chlorine free?
  14. Is there an inclement weather rule in the Standards for Public Swimming Pools and Spas?

Virginia Graeme Baker Act / Entrapment Protection

  1. What is the Virginia Graeme Baker Act (VGBA)?
  2. What types of pools and spas must comply with VGBA?
  3. What is a SVRS?
  4. Does a pool with a single main drain that is connected to a skimmer(s) need a SVRD?
  5. Do pre-10/01/99 swimming pools and spas with single suction outlets have to replace them with dual outlets?
  6. What is a VGBA approved suction outlet?
  7. Does VGBA just require changing the suction outlet cover(s)?
  8. What should I do to document VGBA compliant outlets in my public pool or spa?
  9. What is the recall of some suction outlet covers and which ones were recalled?
  10. Where can I get more information about the Virginia Graeme Baker Act?

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

  1. What is the Americans with Disabilities Act?
  2. How does ADA impact public swimming pools, wading pools, water play components, and spas?
  3. What public pools and spas must comply with ADA?
  4. Will the Department of State Health Services enforce the ADA requirements?
  5. Where can I get more information about compliance with ADA?

Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)

  1. What are the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS)?
  2. How does TAS impact public swimming pools, wading pools, water play components and spas?
  3. What public pools and spas must comply with TAS?
  4. Is the Department of State Health Services enforcing TAS?
  5. Where can I get more information about compliance with TAS?