An unannounced periodic inspection conducted as a part of an ongoing regulatory scheme based on the establishment’s risk category.

This is an inspection for the specific purpose of re-inspecting items that were not in compliance at the time of the routine inspection. These may occur either 5 days or 1 day after the initial findings.

This is an inspection conducted as a result of a complaint received by the health department. The specifics of the complaint will be evaluated and discussed with the person in charge.

Training inspections and joint inspections with other agencies such as FDA and USDA.

This is an inspection where it is determined whether the critical limits of critical control points are being met. This inspection focuses on those portions of the regulations where violations could directly cause foodborne illness.

This type of inspection ensures that a facility is “up to code” with respect to the placement of sinks, refrigeration and heating elements and other items found in a facility. The inspection is conducted prior to the facility opening for business. An extensive menu and plan review are also conducted prior to receiving approval to open.

Critical violation — an imminent health hazard requiring immediate correction or closure. 

Repeat violation — a violation of the same code provision as documented in the previous routine and/or follow-up inspection. A repeat violation constitutes the initial point deduction as specified on the MAHC inspection form, plus a double point deduction for one or more repeat violation(s) from the overall score (maximum 100 points). 

Item= critical violation 

Enclosure (Fencing/Walls/Doors): Failure to provide and maintain an enclosure or barrier to inhibit unauthorized access to the aquatic facility or aquatic venue when required. 

Gates/Doors: Failure of gates and doors that are self-closing and self-latching. Failure of exit doors or gates that swing away from the pool enclosure (except where emergency egress codes require them to swing into the pool enclosure). 

Protected overhead electrical wires/GFCI electrical receptacles: Unprotected overhead electrical wires within 20 feet horizontally of the aquatic venue. Non-GFCI-protected electrical receptacles within 20 feet of the inside wall of the aquatic venue. Failure to maintain or repair electrical circuits or devices to preserve grounding compliance with the NEC. 

Markers/stair stripes: Failure to have “depth” & “no diving” markers present; stair stripes not present. 

Broken, unsecured, or missing main drain gate or any unprotected submerged suction outlet in the aquatic venue. 

The water is clear, and the main drain is visible: The aquatic venue bottom is not clearly visible. 

Safety Equipment: Absence of all safety equipment required at aquatic facilities with or without lifeguards; Includes spinal injury board, throw device, rescue tube (with presence of lifeguard), and Shepherd’s crook. 

Supervision: Failure to provide adequate lifeguard supervision of the aquatic facility. 

Failure to maintain proper disinfectant level. 

Free available chlorine (FAC) must be ≥ 1.0 ppm for venues not using cyanuric acid; FAC ≥ 2.0 ppm for venues using cyanuric acid; FAC ≥ 3.0 ppm for spas; FAC shall not exceed 10.0 ppm at any time the aquatic venue is open to bathers. 

Bromine ≥ 3.0 ppm for pools ( ≥ 4.0 for spas); failure to provide the minimum disinfectant residual levels listed results in immediate closure. 

Proper pH level: Closure: pH less than 6.5 or pH greater than 8.0 

Pump: Failure to have all components of the recirculation system kept in operation (24 hours per day). 

Filter: Failure to have all components of the filtration system kept in operation (24 hours per day). 

Disinfection for a Floatation Tank must be provided by either an Ozone treatment system or a UV treatment system in proper working order, operated and maintained to achieve a 3-log bacterial inactivation. Where an ozone treatment system is used, ozone levels in the floatation tank solution do not exceed 0.1 ppm (mg/L). Where a UV treatment system is used, the UV sensors are calibrated at a frequency in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. 

Recirculated Floatation Tank solution passes through the filtration and disinfection systems before being returned to the Floatation Tank. Floatation tank filtration and disinfection systems are operated for one volumetric turnover before first use during the day, a minimum of three volumetric turnovers between users, and four volumetric turnovers after the last patron at the end of the day. Where floatation tank systems with external holding reservoirs are used to hold the floatation tank solution between patron use, all of the floatation tank solutions must pass through the filtration and disinfection systems before being returned to the floatation tank. 

Substantial unauthorized alterations/equipment replacement: The alteration, modification, or renovation of an aquatic venue where the total cost of the work exceeds 50% of the replacement cost of the aquatic venue (for outdoor aquatic facilities) or indoor aquatic facility (for indoor aquatic facilities). 

Approved water supply source: Use of an unapproved or contaminated water supply source for potable water use; 

Plumbing cross-connections: Plumbing cross-connections between the drinking water supply and aquatic venue water or between the sewerage system and the aquatic venue filter backwash facilities; 

Inadequate pH level: pH level less than 6.5 or greater than 8.0. Below 6.5 (dental enamel removed) or above 8.0 (chlorine less efficient); 

Underwater lighting: Underwater lights shall be operational and maintained as designed; 

Emergency light source: Failure to maintain an emergency lighting source; 

Glass objects: Glass or sharp objects in the aquatic venue or on the deck area; 

Chemicals: Use of unapproved chemicals or application of chemicals by unapproved methods; 

Overcrowding: Overcrowding of the aquatic venue that results in poor supervision of bathers; 

Floatation Tanks: Failure to maintain NEC requirements for floatation tank electrical systems and wiring;

Swimming pool, spa, wading pool, therapy pool, competition pools, splash pads, water parks, 

How often are public pools inspected and what is the criterion determining the inspection frequency? 

Risk Category Assignments. 

Low Risk 

• Operates only in the summer and has had multiple excellent inspection reports in a row 

• Would otherwise be grouped in Category 2 but has documentation of active operational control of illness and injury risk factors 

Medium Risk 

• Has a limited history of non-compliance with provisions related to illness/injury risk factors or critical items 

• Would otherwise be grouped in Category 3 but has documentation of active operational control of illness and injury risk factors 

• Operates only in the summer or year-round 

High Risk 

• Serves populations at increased risk of illness such as diaper-aged children (children
• Serves large numbers of people
• Has a history of waterborne illness, injuries, or complaints
• Has a history of non-compliance with provisions related to illness/injury risk factors or critical items
• Operates year-round
• They're a type of venue shown in national studies to have more violations, such as wading pools (kiddie pools), splash pads, and therapy pools 

• Pool Enclosure not in compliance

• Gates/Doors not self-closing/self-latching

• Drain plugs are not compliant, not secured, or in poor repair

• Water clarity: main drains or bottom of pool not visible

• Emergency phone not working or accessible

• Disinfectant levels not proper

• pH not within the proper range

• The chemical feeder is not operational or approved

• Filter: not approved, maintained, or operating

• Pump: not approved, not maintained, or not operating

• Appropriate lifesaving equipment missing or broken

• Fecal incidents or waterborne pathogens present

Imminent hazards or critical violations that lead to closure are required to be addressed immediately and the pool must be reinspected and approved by the inspector before being allowed to be opened to the public.  

Other violations must be corrected within 30 days or another timeframe in the plan of correction approved by the local health authority

Measured as a free available sanitizer by DPD method. Log book must have pH and Cl/Br levels measured at least 2x per day (Ix per day if automatic system is used). Operational records must be kept onsite for 2 years. 

GATES & FENCING 

Gates:

• Self-closing and self-latching
• No magnetic gates allowed
• The release mechanism shall be located on the poolside of the gate at least 3" below the top of the gate 
• The gate or barrier shall have no opening greater than ½” within 18" of the release mechanism 
• The latch may be located on the outside of the pool gate if the latch is not less than 60" from the bottom of the gate. 

Fence: 

• 48" height, 4" diameter sphere spacing 
• No climbable structures within 36" of the fence 
• Where the barrier is composed of horizontal and vertical members, the distance between the horizontal members shall not be less than 45" 
• Doors, openable windows, or gates of living quarters or associated private premises shall not be permitted as part of the pool enclosure. 
• Other codes may still apply. 

SAFETY EQUIPMENT 

• Dividing line at the shallow-deep breakpoint (>5 ft)
• 15-24" USCG ring buoy with attached rope; rope length must be 2/3 max. width of pool; rope diameter ¼ " - 3/8"
• Life pole - 12 ft., non-conducting material with crook permanently attached; non-telescopic.
• Backboard if lifeguard present; 3 tie-down straps with head immobilizer
• First Aid Kit (Required for all pools with lifeguards)
• Phone Accessible (within 200 unimpeded feet) 

POOL/SPA S1GNAGE 

 "In Case of Emergency, Call 911" (1" letter)

Maximum Bather Load (spa only)

• "Do Not Use Spa If Temperature is Above 104°F (1" letters, spa only)
• If no lifeguard on duty: "Warning No Lifeguard On Duty" (4" letters) "Children Should Not Use Pool/Spa Without Adult Supervision" (2" letters) "No Diving" with international symbol (4" letters, pool only) 

"NO DIVING" WARNING FOR POOLS 

• 4" height of wording and international symbol 
• Warning and symbol placed every 25' where the pool is 6' or less 
• At least one warning and symbol per poolside 
• Words and symbols of contrasting color, permanent nature, and slip-resistant

 POOL DEPTH MARKERS  

• 4" numbers and 4” units of measurement on decks and sidewalls

• Markers at maximum and minimum depths of the pool

• Markers at breakpoints between deep and shallow parts of the pool

• Markers not more than 25' increments around the perimeter of the pool and increments of water depth not to exceed 2'

• Markers of contrasting color, permanent nature, and slip-resistant

• Markers must be within 24" of the pool edge and positioned to be read when facing the water

• Actual spa depth measured 3’ from spa edge

• Markers visible from all obvious points of entry

• Minimum 2 depth markers per spa

Active Managerial Control (AMC) in an aquatic setting is a proactive management approach that involves consistently overseeing, monitoring, and implementing safety and health practices to prevent risks and ensure regulatory compliance. In an aquatic facility, AMC focuses on controlling factors that can lead to waterborne illnesses, chemical hazards, injuries, and other public health issues. 

Key Components of Active Managerial Control in an Aquatic Setting:

Risk-Based Oversight: Managers consistently assess and address risks specific to the aquatic environment, such as water quality, equipment safety, and patron behavior. This involves regular inspections, quick response to hazards, and a focus on areas with higher risks (e.g., areas around slides, diving boards, and shallow sections). 

Water Quality Monitoring: Daily checks for pH levels, chlorine concentration, and overall water quality ensure the facility maintains safe chemical levels and prevents the growth of harmful microorganisms. AMC requires timely adjustments to maintain proper water balance, prevent cloudy water, and avoid contamination. 

Personnel Training and Supervision: Ensuring that all staff, including lifeguards and maintenance workers, are properly trained and supervised in safety protocols, emergency response, and maintenance routines is critical. AMC also includes regular re-training and updates to ensure that all personnel understand their roles in maintaining a safe environment. 

Documentation and Record-Keeping: Maintaining logs for water quality testing, equipment inspections, incidents, and corrective actions allows for accountability and quick identification of areas needing improvement. Accurate record-keeping is also essential for regulatory compliance and supports consistent operations. 

Emergency Preparedness: Proactively preparing for emergencies, such as water contamination, chemical spills, or drowning incidents, is a key part of AMC. This includes clear emergency plans, readily available emergency equipment, and staff trained in emergency response procedures. 

Compliance with Regulations: Ensuring that the facility adheres to local, state, and federal regulations, such as those outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and other standards like the ISPSC, is part of AMC. Managers must stay updated on code changes, maintain compliant facilities, and address any issues found in inspections. 

Public Health Benefits of Active Managerial Control: 

By implementing AMC, aquatic facilities reduce risks associated with waterborne illnesses, injuries, and chemical hazards. This management approach promotes a safe, healthy environment, minimizes the risk of regulatory violations, and builds public trust in the facility’s commitment to safety and quality.