With the ongoing drought impacting Texas and other southwestern states, the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 2017 American National Standard for Water Conservation Efficiency in Pools, Spas, Portable Spas and Swim Spas is becoming more important. This standard covers methods and technologies to increase the efficient use and conservation of water for residential and public recreational pools, spas, portable spas and swim spas equipped with a filtration circulation system. This standard applies to both new and existing facilities. Access a free, read-only version of the ANSI/APSP/ICC-13 Standard here.
Find a full list of Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) industry standards here.
The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Environmental Health Program, Local Health Departments, Local Code Enforcement Offices and other governmental jurisdictions help to provide safety and sanitation of public swimming pools and spas in Texas. Recently, the DSHS issued NEW Public Pool & Spa Rules that went into effect on January 1, 2021:
In Texas, all service and maintenance of electrical equipment for swimming pools and spas require an electrical license. A Residential Appliance Installer License (RAIL) is required by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) to perform electrical work that is limited to residential appliance installation, including residential pool-related electrical installation and maintenance. The installer license took effect March 1, 2008 and for pool and spa service professionals, this is the license one must obtain in order to perform swimming pool and spa service work that includes replacing pumps, underwater lights, motors and heaters. TDLR enforces this licensure requirement and fines can and do occur for those who are not properly licensed.
On November 1, 2020, the 2020 edition of the National Electrical Code went into effect. This means: Any non-exempt electrical work started on or after November 1, 2020 must be installed in accordance with the 2020 NEC. Beginning November 1, 2020, all examinations for state electrical licenses are based on the 2020 NEC.
If you are already RAIL licensed, please remember that you are required to know the changes to the new edition of the NEC and how the changes affect your work. One Item that is in the 2020 NEC and the 2018 ISPSC is that all repairs should be brought up to the code that is in effect when the repair is made. Example: Whenever a pump or motor is replaced, it should be connected to a circuit that is protected by a GFCI. It is recommended that if you are doing a pump replacement, please include in your estimate and please install a GFCI for that pump, when it is replaced. With the RAIL license, one is able to replace a breaker with a GFCI breaker- as long as it is not in the main breaker panel. GFCIs are required for pumps, 120v underwater lights and heaters.
January 8, 2019 TDLR Guidance on Residential Appliance Installers Authorized Scope of Work and Service – Pool-Related Electrical Devices
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) hereby provides additional scope of work and service guidance to political subdivisions, residential appliance installer license (RAIL) holders, and related stakeholders regarding pool and spa work settings. Holders of a RAIL license may:
In addition, a residential appliance dealer or manufacturer, or a person authorized by a dealer or manufacturer, may perform maintenance and repair of a pool-related electrical device. However, maintenance and repair may be performed using only components of the same type and ampacity as the original components.[1]
The above services and work scope, if performed by a RAIL holder as outlined, would be in accordance with TDLR requirements and may be deemed eligible for applicable governmental, vendor, or manufacturer rebates sought by consumers.
[1] See Texas Occupations Code § 1305.003(a)(22).