(a) Licensed electrician required. The electrical system of a pool or spa and structures in the pool yard or spa yard must be installed, maintained, repaired, or replaced by a licensed electrician in accordance with the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act, Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1305 and related rules.
(b) Extension cords. Temporary extension cords and power connectors must not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring.
  (1) All parts of an extension cord must be restrained at a minimum of 6 feet as measured along the shortest possible path from a pool or spa during times when the pool or spa is open for use.
  (2) An extension cord may be used within 6 feet of the nearest edge of a pool or spa if a permanent wall exists between the pool or spa and the extension cord.
  (3) The circuit supplying power to an extension cord must be protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter, commonly referred to as GFCI, when the extension cord is to be used within 6 feet of a pool or spa.

Source Note: The provisions of this §265.186 adopted to be effective January 1, 2023, 47 TexReg 8668