(a) Skimmer. For this section, a skimmer is not considered to be a suction outlet.
(b) Licensed Engineer. A suction outlet system, gravity flow system, or return system constructed on or after the effective date of this subchapter shall be planned and designed by a licensed engineer.
(c) Submerged suction outlets. Fully submerged suction outlets (main drains) are not required.
(d) Entrapment protection. A suction outlet system shall be designed to protect against suction entrapment, evisceration, and hair entanglement/entrapment hazards in accordance with ANSI/APSP-16, American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins.
(e) Suction outlets. Suction outlets shall comply with the following:
  (1) Covers, grates, and fittings shall be compliant with the VGBA.
  (2) At least two hydraulically balanced VGBA-compliant suction outlets shall be provided per pump suction line.
  (3) Suction outlets installed in water 4 feet deep or less shall be unblockable such that its perforated (open) area cannot be shadowed by the area of the 18-inch x 23-inch Body Blocking Element as described in ANSI/APSP-16, American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins.
  (4) The distance between hydraulically balanced VGBA-compliant suction outlets, as measured from center to center of the suction outlet cover or grate shall be no less than three feet.
  (5) The flow rating of balanced suction outlets, including the cover or grate, shall be in compliance with the ANSI/APSP/ICC-7 in effect at the time of construction or replacement of any component of a suction outlet.
  (6) No means of isolating hydraulically balanced suction outlets is permitted that could allow one suction outlet to serve as the sole source of water to a pump.
  (7) A single pipe to a pump suction inlet that serves two or more suction outlets may have a valve to shut off the flow to the pump.
(f) Flow rate through suction fittings. The flow rate through a fitting, cover, or grate shall not exceed the approved flow rate for that fitting, cover, or grate when one suction fitting in a suction outlet system is blocked.
(g) Closure when cover broken, missing, or loose. If the cover or grate on a suction outlet including a vacuum outlet is missing, broken, or loose, the swimming area of the lagoon shall be closed immediately and remain closed until a proper repair is made or replacement is installed.
(h) Return inlets. A return inlet shall be designed so as not to constitute a hazard to the user.
(i) Automatic cleaners. An automatic bottom or side cleaner that could provide a means of entanglement or entrapment shall not be operated in a swimming area of the lagoon when the swimming area is occupied by users.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.159 adopted to be effective March 1, 2020, 45 TexReg 1024