Texas Adopts the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) for Residential Pools and Spas
June 14, 2019 Governor Abbott signed HB 2858 into law in Texas. This bill states-
Sec. 214.103. INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING POOL AND SPA CODE. (a) In this section, "International Swimming Pool and Spa Code" means the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code promulgated by the International Code Council.
(b) To protect the public health, safety, and welfare, the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, as it existed on May 1, 2019, is adopted as the municipal swimming pool and spa code in this state.
(c) The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code applies to all construction, alteration, remodeling, enlargement, and repair of swimming pools and spas in a municipality that elects to regulate pools or spas, including under Section 214.101.
HB 2858 applies to Residential and Commercial Pools in Texas
This is a huge change for pool construction and repair in the state of Texas.
The bill specifically identifies cities that decide to regulate the construction of residential pools. Commercial pools were already supposed to be built to Texas codes- that are very close to the ISPSC codes.
If you are building (or repairing or remodeling) pools & spas anywhere in the state, I suggest that the ISPSC should be considered to be the minimum standard. I am not a lawyer, I cannot give legal advice, but check with your lawyer. I suggest that if you end up in court for a project that was not built to the minimum standards required by the ISPSC, then I believe that your legal defense will be very weak. I believe that you are likely to lose.
For pumps installed- new or repairs, the calculations for the maximum and optimal flowrates should be done. Calculations for the TDH of the system should be done for each installation. Equipment manufacturers have templates to help you with the calculations.
There will be many changes. Please come to a class or get a copy of the ISPSC Code with Commentary to get started.
Technically, this does not go into effect until September 1, 2020. But I suggest that if you become involved in a legal issue between now and then- you will have to have a really strong argument for the judge to avoid losing your case. I'm not a lawyer, but that seems to be the prudent way to look at this issue.
