Federal requirements (VGB)
The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act covers all public pools.
- All drain covers must be VGB-compliant (replaced every 5–7 years per cover spec)
- Single main drain pools require SVRS (Safety Vacuum Release System) or secondary safety mechanism
- Records must be retained 5 years
- Annual third-party inspection recommended
State of Texas (TDH)
Texas Department of State Health Services regulates public pools.
- Operator must hold CPO certification or equivalent
- Water testing logs maintained daily during operation
- pH 7.2–7.8, chlorine 1.0–5.0 ppm
- Combined chlorine kept below 0.4 ppm
- Lifeguard or warning signage requirements per pool size
- Annual permit renewal
What inspectors check
A typical HOA pool inspection examines:
- VGB drain cover compliance
- Chemistry logs
- Equipment safety (electrical bonding, GFCIs)
- Fencing height and self-closing gate hardware
- Lifesaving equipment (ring buoys, shepherd's crook)
- Pool deck slip resistance
- Signage (depth markers, no-diving warnings)
- Restroom and shower facilities
Board liability
HOA boards can be personally liable for non-compliance incidents. Annual third-party audits are cheap insurance.
- Document every inspection
- Maintain chemistry logs for 5 years
- Maintain incident/accident logs separately
- Verify pool company insurance + bonding before contracts renew
- Schedule annual safety audit (Paradise charges $295 — call (945) 300-4080)
Published by Paradise Pool & Spa: Texas Pool Services
2100 Riverplace Dr. Flower Mound TX 75028 · (945) 300-4080 · paradisetexaspoolservices.com