Williamson County Health, TX

The Williamson County and Cities Health District has established a public and semi-public swimming pool permitting and inspection program in January 2020 to increase public health and safety, decrease the risk of illness, drownings, and injuries associated with recreational water facilities.

• 32% of injuries happen in public pools and spas. Even if your family frequents a public pool with a lifeguard, never assume that your child’s safety is guaranteed.

• Ensure all pools and spas - both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit - have compliant drain covers. All public pools and spas must have drain grates or covers that meet safety standards to avoid life-threatening incidents. Powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult. (Pool and Spa Safety Act)

• A third of treated recreational waterborne disease outbreaks during 2000 through 2014 occurred in hotel pools or hot tubs, according to the CDC.

Pool regulations and codes are developed to make sure that treated recreational water facilities (for example, pools, hot tubs, and water parks) provide a clean, healthy, and safe environment for the public. These regulations set minimum standards (such as the amount of chlorine that should be in the pool) to decrease the public’s risk of illness and injury. To ensure that these regulations are followed, WCCHD will regularly inspect treated recreational water venues.

The program will affect:

• Public and semi-public swimming pools and spas*
• Interactive water features (splash pads)
• Artificial swimming lagoons

*Public and semi-public pools and spas are those facilities operated by a City or County agency, a Home Owners Association, Apartments/Condos, Hotels and other forms of lodging, and commercial pools. The program does not include private residential (backyard) pools.
Useful linksDSHS - Public Swimming Pools and Spas
WCCHD - Control Order No. 2019-011 

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 341
Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 757
Texas Administrative Code Chapter 265