Texas pool chemical log requirements

Legal ranges

Testing frequency

Once a day (25 TAC §265.193(o)). Class C without on-site operations staff: at least once a day. If a controller records and transmits the free chlorine (or mV) and pH to the certified operator once a day, a test-kit check once a week is enough, with the controller reading recorded.

• Cyanuric acid once a week (25 TAC §265.193(o))
• Total alkalinity and calcium hardness at least every 10 days (25 TAC §265.193(k), (o)(4))
• Retest 30 minutes after adding chemicals by hand; nobody back in until in range (25 TAC §265.189(g)(2))

What the log must show

• Pool or spa identification, when there are several
• Date and time of each test
• Chemical levels (disinfectant, pH, CYA, alkalinity, hardness)
• ORP in mV, where a meter is used
• Every action taken to correct a reading, the retest, any closure, and fecal incidents with the remedial action

Keep it 3 years (25 TAC §265.193(l)). Paper or electronic. If the log is not kept on site, it must reach DSHS or the local health authority within five business days of their request.

What the inspector checks

• Tests at least once a day (unstaffed Class C)
• Testing records on site, or provided within 5 business days
• A DPD test kit for every parameter
• Free chlorine 1.0–8.0 ppm (pools), pH 7.0–7.8, CYA 100 ppm or less, none indoors
• Combined chlorine not above 0.4 ppm; no algae; clear water
• The certified operator's certificate (type, expiry date) and contact details
• Flow meter and gauges working; no chemicals fed through skimmers; no hand dosing while swimmers are in

When the pool must close

• Bottom and suction outlets not clearly visible (the pool may not be open)
• A drain cover missing, broken or loose
• Water level below the skimmers or gutters
• Any violation, by order of the county or city (Health & Safety Code §341.064(o))

Who may operate the pool

Every Class A, B and C pool and spa must be supervised by a trained and certified operator (Certified Pool Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician or an equivalent). The operator does not need to be on site and may look after several pools, but on-site staff must have their name and contact.

A Class C pool that is made available to the public must meet Class B standards.

If cyanuric acid goes above 100 ppm: raise free chlorine to 2.0 ppm and test disinfectant, pH and CYA daily until it is back under 100.

Interactive water features follow Subchapter M (records kept 2 years).

Sources

• 25 TAC Chapter 265, Subchapter L — Public Swimming Pools and Spas (official PDF) — Texas Department of State Health Services
• 25 TAC § 265.193 — Water quality at pools and spas (Cornell LII copy) — Texas Department of State Health Services (text via Cornell LII)
• 25 TAC § 265.194 — Operation and certification (Cornell LII copy) — Texas Department of State Health Services (text via Cornell LII)
• Form EH-12, Public Swimming Pools and Spas Check List (rev. 05/19/2023) — Texas Department of State Health Services
• Health and Safety Code § 341.064 — Swimming pools and bathhouses — Texas Legislature

This page summarizes the state code; your county or city health department may add requirements. It is not legal advice.