New Mexico Register / Volume XXXVII, Issue 12 / June 23, 2026

 

 

TITLE 14            HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION

CHAPTER 8      PLUMBING CODES

PART 3                2024 NEW MEXICO SWIMMING POOL, SPA AND HOT TUB CODE

 

14.8.3.1                ISSUING AGENCY: Construction Industries Division (CID) of the Regulation and Licensing Department.

[14.8.3.1 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.1 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.2                SCOPE: This rule applies to all contracting work performed on swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in New Mexico on or after August 1, 2026, that is subject to the jurisdiction of CID, unless performed pursuant to a permit for which an application was received by CID before that date.

[14.8.3.2 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.2 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.3                STATUTORY AUTHORITY: Sections 60-13-9, 60-13-33 and 60-13-44 NMSA 1978.

[14.8.3.3 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.3 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.4                DURATION: Permanent.

[14.8.3.4 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.4 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.5                EFFECTIVE DATE: August 1, 2026, unless a later date is cited at the end of a section.

[14.8.3.5 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.5 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.6                OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this rule is to establish minimum standards for the installation of plumbing and mechanical systems for swimming pools, spas and hot tubs in New Mexico.

[14.8.3.6 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.6 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.7                DEFINITIONS: See 14.5.1 NMAC, General Provisions and Chapter 2 of the 2024 Uniform Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (USPSHTC) as amended in 14.8.3.10 NMAC.

[14.8.3.7 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.7 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.8                ADOPTION OF THE 2024 UNIFORM SWIMMING POOL, SPA, AND HOT TUB CODE:

               A.           This rule adopts by reference the 2024 USPSHTC, as amended by this rule.

               B.           In this rule, each provision is numbered to correspond with the numbering of the USPSHTC.

               C.           This rule shall apply in conjunction with the provisions of all applicable New Mexico construction codes, laws and standards.

[14.8.3.8 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.8 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.9                CHAPTER 1 ADMINISTRATION: See this chapter of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 101.0 General.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 101.1 Title.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: This code shall be known as 14.8.3 NMAC, the 2024 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Code (NMSPSHTC).

                              (2)          Section 101.2 Scope.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.8.3.2 NMAC.

                              (3)          Section 101.3 Purpose.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.8.3.6 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 101.4 Unconstitutional.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see the Construction Industries Licensing Act (CILA) and its rules.

                              (5)          Section 101.5 Validity.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see CILA and its rules.

               B.           Section 102.0 Applicability.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 102.1 Conflicts between codes.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 60-13-44 NMSA 1978 and 14.5.1 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 102.2 Existing installations.  See this section of USPSHTC and 60-13-44 NMSA 1978 and 14.7.7 NMAC.

                              (3)          Section 102.3 Maintenance.  See this section of the USPSHTC and 14.5.2 and 14.6.6 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 102.8 Appendices.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.8.3.19 NMAC.

               C.           Section 103.0 Duties and Powers of the Authority Having Jurisdiction.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 103.1 General.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see CILA and 14.8.3.10 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 103.2 Liability.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 60-13-26 NMSA 1978.

                              (3)          Section 103.3 Applications and permits.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 103.4 Right of entry.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 60-13-42 NMSA 1978.

               D.           Section 104.0 Permits.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 104.1 Permits required.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 104.2 Exempt work.  See this section of the USPSHTC and 60-13-45 NMSA 1978.

                              (3)          Section 104.3 Application for permit.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 104.4 Permit issuance.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                              (5)          Section 104.5 Fees.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.5 NMAC.

               E.           Section 105.0 Inspections and Testing.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.3 NMAC.

               F.            Section 106.0 Violations and Penalties.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 60-13-1 through 60-13-59 NMSA 1978 and 14.5.3 NMAC.

               G.           Section 107.0 Board of Appeals.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.1 NMAC.

               H.           Table 104.5 Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Permit Fees.  Delete this table from the USPSHTC and see 14.5.5 NMAC.

[14.8.3.9 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.9 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.10              CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS: See this chapter of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 203.0 Authority Having Jurisdiction.  Delete this definition from the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: The authority having jurisdiction is the CID and the mechanical-plumbing bureau chief for the adoption, enactment, interpretation and enforcement of the state adopted swimming pool, spa, and hot tub code as the minimum requirement for the state of New Mexico.

               B.           Section 214.0 Listing Agency.  See this definition from the USPSHTC and 60-13-44 NMSA 1978.

[14.8.3.10 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.10 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.11              CHAPTER 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: See this chapter of the USPSHTC except as provided below. 

               A.           Section 301.0 General.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 301.2.4 Fuel gas piping. Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: Fuel gas piping installations shall comply with 14.8.2 or 14.9.2 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 301.3 Alternative materials and methods of construction.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.1 NMAC.

                              (3)          Section 301.4 Alternative engineered design.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                                             (a)          Section 301.4.1 Permit application.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                                             (b)          Section 301.4.2 Technical data.  See this section of the USPSHTC and 14.5.2 NMAC.

                                             (c)          Section 301.4.3 Design documents.  See this section of the USPHTC and 14.5.2 NMAC.

                                             (d)          Section 301.4.4 Design approval.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                                             (e)          Section 301.4.5 Design review.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 NMAC.

                                             (f)           Section 301.4.6 Inspection and testing.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.5.2 and 14.5.3 NMAC.

               B.           Section 302.0 Swimming Pools in Flood Hazard Areas.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               C.           Section 303.0 Workmanship and Installation Practices.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.  Section 303.8 Construction Site Fencing.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               D.           Section 305.0 Protection of Piping, Materials, and Structures.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.  Section 305.1 Installation.  See this section of the USPSHTC except delete the sentence “No piping shall be directly embedded in concrete or masonry.”.

               E.           Section 307.0 Energy Consumption for Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.6 or 14.7.9 NMAC.

               F.            Section 312.1 Approval of Swimming Pool, Spa, and Hot Tub Piping.  See this section of the USPSHTC and add the following sentence to the end of the first paragraph: Air pressure tests shall be allowed only if permitted by the pipe and fitting manufacturer and must be provided in writing to the AHJ from the manufacturer.

               G.           Section 314.0 Accessibility.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               H.           Section 315.0 Slip-resistant Walkway Surfaces.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

[14.8.3.11 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.11 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.12              CHAPTER 4 DESIGN, MATERIALS, AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION: See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 401.0 General.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 401.1 Applicability.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: This chapter shall govern the general requirements for design and methods of plumbing and mechanical installations of swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

                              (2)          Section 401.2 Lightning protection systems.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

                              (3)          Section 401.3 Lighting.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 and 14.10.4 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 401.4 Islands.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

                              (5)          Section 401.5 Bridges.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

                              (6)          Section 401.6 Lazy rivers.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               B.           Section 402.0 Swimming Pools.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               C.           Section 403.0 Wading Pools.  Delete this section of the USPHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               D.           Section 404.0 Vanishing Edge Pools.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               E.           Section 405.0 Spas and Hot Tubs. Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               F.            Section 406.0 Public Aquatic Facilities.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               G.           Table 406.4 Minimum Number of Plumbing Fixtures.  Delete this table from the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               H.           Section 407.0 Access to Fixtures.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below. Section 407.1 Public and employee use.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               I.            Section 412.0 Female Hygiene Products.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC.

               J.            Section 416.0 Decks.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               K.           Section 417.0 Natatoriums.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 417.1 Building envelope.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 417.2 Interior finish.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                                             (a)          Section 417.2.1 Doors and glazing.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                                             (b)          Section 417.2.2 Ducts.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (3)          Section 417.3 Spectator areas.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (4)          Section 417.4 Ventilation.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: Ventilation shall be provided to an indoor aquatic facility through mechanical ventilation.  Aquatic facility ventilation system design, construction, and installation shall comply with this section, 14.7.9 and 14.9.2 NMAC.

                              (5)          Section 418.0 Underwater audio equipment.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

[14.8.3.12 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.12 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.13              CHAPTER 5 WATER QUALITY: See this section of the USPSHTC.

[14.8.3.13 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.13 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.14              CHAPTER 6 EQUIPMENT: See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 602.2 Equipment rooms or enclosures.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 602.2.1 General.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: Floors shall be constructed in accordance with 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.  Floors shall be provided with an approved means of drainage in accordance with 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.  Equipment rooms located in a flood hazard area shall comply with 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 602.2.2 Equipment room ventilation.  Delete this section and substitute with the following: Enclosed equipment rooms shall be ventilated in accordance with 14.9.2 NMAC.

                              (3)          Section 602.2.3 Storage of chemicals.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: Storage of chemicals shall comply with 14.7.3 and 10.25.2 NMAC.  Combustion, HVAC, and electrical equipment shall not be located in the same room used for chemical storage or exposed to chemical fumes or vapors.  Mechanical ventilation shall be provided for chemical storage rooms in accordance with 14.9.2 NMAC.  

               B.           Section 603.0 Electrical systems.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

[14.8.3.14 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.14 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.15              CHAPTER 7 HEATERS: See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 701.0 General.  See this section of the USPSHTC. 

               B.           Section 702.0 Heaters.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below. Section 702.3 Electric Heaters.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

[14.8.3.15 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.15 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.16              CHAPTER 8 SAFETY: See this chapter of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 801.0 General.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

               B.           Section 802.0 Means of Entry and Exit Including Steps, Ladders and Stairs.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               C.           Section 803.0 Barrier requirements.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               D.           Section 804.0 Electrical safety.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

               E.           Section 805.0 Signage.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               F.            Section 806.0 Safety covers.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NAMC.

               G.           Section 807.0 Chemicals.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 7.18.1 and 10.25.2 NMAC.

               H.           Section 808.0 Water clarity.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 7.18.1 NMAC.

               I.            Section 809.0 Life safety and rescue equipment.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               J.            Section 810.0 Entrapment prevention.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

[14.8.3.16 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.17 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.17              CHAPTER 9 AQUATIC RECREATION ATTRACTIONS: See this chapter of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

               A.           Section 901.1 Applicability.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and substitute with the following: This chapter shall govern the general requirements for plumbing and mechanical systems for diving facilities, wave pools, leisure rivers, and spray grounds.

               B.           Section 902.0 Diving equipment.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 and 14.7.3 NMAC.

               C.           Section 903.0 Swimming pool lane ropes.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               D.           Section 904.0 Starting platforms.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               E.           Section 905.0 Swimming pool slides.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

               F.            Section 906.0 Water slides and landing pools.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC. 

               G.           Section 907.0 Wave pools.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               H.           Section 908.0 Interactive water play venues.  See this section of the USPSHTC except as provided below.

                              (1)          Section 908.2 Slip-resistant surfaces.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (2)          Section 908.3 Drains.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (3)          Section 908.4 Landscape debris.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (4)          Section 908.5 Barriers. Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (5)          Section 908.6 Decks. Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (6)          Section 908.7 Lighting.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.10.4 NMAC.

                              (7)          Section 908.8 Water collection and treatment tank.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (8)          Section 908.9 Make up water system.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (9)          Section 908.10 Filtration pump.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (10)        Section 908.11 Spray nozzle and water feature water disinfection.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 7.18.1 NMAC.

                              (11)        Section 908.12 Secondary disinfection system.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 7.18.1 NMAC.

                              (12)        Section 908.13 Operating instructions.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (13)        Section 908.14 Interactive aquatic play equipment.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

                              (14)        Section 908.15 Artificial white water courses.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (15)        Section 908.16 Float tanks. See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (16)        Section 908.17 Surf pools.  See this section of the USPSHTC.

                              (17)        Section 908.18 Artificial lagoons.  See this section of the USPSHTC

                              (18)        Section 908.19 Elevated pools, spas, and other aquatic venues.  See this section of the USPSHTC and 14.7.2 or 14.7.3 NMAC.

                              (19)        Section 908.20 Lazy rivers.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

               I.            Section 909.0 Transportation conveyor systems.  Delete this section of the USPSHTC and see 14.7.2 NMAC.

[14.8.3.17 NMAC – Rp, 14.8.3.17 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.18              CHAPTER 10 REFERENCED STANDARDS: See this chapter of the USPSHTC.

[14.8.3.18 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.18 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

14.8.3.19              APPENDICES: See this section of the USPSHTC except delete appendix B and appendix C.

[14.8.3.19 NMAC - Rp, 14.8.3.19 NMAC, 08/01/2026]

 

HISTORY OF 14.8.3 NMAC: 

History of Repealed Material:

14.8.3 NMAC, 2006 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (filed 10/27/2008), repealed 11/1/2011.

14.8.3 NMAC, 2009 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (filed 09/27/2011), repealed 6/28/2013.

14.8.3 NMAC, 2009 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (filed 05/29/2013), repealed 5/1/2015.

 

Other History:

14.8.3 NMAC, 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code (filed 05/01/2015),was  repealed and replaced by 14.8.3 NMAC, 2012 New Mexico Swimming Pool, Spa and Hot Tub Code, effective 08/01/2026