AI-assisted research summary: Pool owners/operators must follow adopted safety standards, while the executive commissioner must adopt those standards and may authorize certain minor pool or spa work.
Sec. 341.0645. POOL SAFETY. (a) An owner, manager, operator, or other attendant in charge of a public swimming pool, wading pool, baby pool, hot tub, in-ground spa, water park, spray fountain, or other artificial body of water typically used for recreational swimming, bathing, or play shall comply with relevant pool safety standards adopted under this section. (b) The executive commissioner shall adopt by rule pool safety standards necessary to prevent drowning. The standards must: (1) be at least as stringent as those imposed under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (15 U.S.C. Section 8001 et seq.); and (2) comply with and adopt by reference a version of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as defined by Section 214.103, Local Government Code, that is not older than the version in effect on May 1, 2019, regarding all construction, alteration, renovation, enlargement, and repair of commercial swimming pools and spas. (c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), the department is not required to adopt Chapter 1 of the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. (d) Subsection (b) does not affect requirements for pool yard enclosure imposed under Chapter 757. (e) The executive commissioner by rule shall authorize a minor addition, alteration, renovation, or repair to an existing pool or spa and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in the same manner and arrangement as the executive commissioner authorized the construction of the pool or spa and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. (f) A person may use, maintain, and repair a pool or spa that was in compliance with the laws of this state on August 31, 2021, and related mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in accordance with the laws applicable to the pool or system on that date. (g) Notwithstanding Subsection (b)(2), this section does not affect the authority of the executive commissioner to adopt rules regarding pool operation and management, water quality, safety standards unrelated to design and construction, signage, and enclosures. Added by Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 828 (S.B. 1732), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2009. Amended by: Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 3.0864, eff. April 2, 2015. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 821 (H.B. 1468), Sec. 4, eff. June 15, 2017. Acts 2021, 87th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1013 (H.B. 2205), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2021.