Texas Pool Code Now References NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 and 60

The Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), on behalf of the Department of State Health Services, adopted changes to the Texas Pool Code under Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 265, Subchapter that went into effect on January 1, 2021.

The code helps to ensure safety and sanitation for public swimming pools and spas in Texas. Several changes specific to NSF or NSF public health standards include:

• References to NSF were changed from “NSF-National Sanitation Foundation International” to “NSF (formerly National Sanitation Foundation)” throughout the code to accurately reflect our name.
• The updates to the pool code with requirements specifying certification and/or listing and labeling to NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 or 60 include the following:
  • Section 265.192 requires pump and components to be certified, listed and labeled to NSF/ANSI/CAN 50.
  • Section 265.194 specifies that skimmers that are an integral part of a spa and that have been listed and labeled with NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 are not required to be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 1563 or UL-IEC 50335-2-60.
  • Section 265.200 requires treatment chemicals to be certified, listed and labeled to either NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 or 60 or to have an EPA FIFRA registration
  • Section 265.200 also requires treatment chemicals to be used only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The adoption of these changes in the Texas Pool Code demonstrate the Department of State Health Services’ commitment to recognizing the important role certification and certified products play in protecting human health.

The two main public health standards for pools are NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 and 60.

NSF/ANSI/CAN 50: Equipment for Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Other Recreational Water Facilities defines performance validation, operational safety and testing criteria for pool and spa products. Product certification to this standard is required by the Model Aquatic Health Code and most U.S. state and local pool codes.

Water treatment chemical products used in pools in North America are required to comply with NSF/ANSI/CAN 60: Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals - Health Effects.

Have a question? Email Theresa Bellish.