Aquatic Facility

Inspection Report

Houston Health Department Facility Name DoubleTree by Hilton Acct # 264424

Environmental Health Division/Consumer Health Services
Phone: 832.393.5100 Fax: 832.393.5208 Address 12801 NORTHWEST FRWY Zip 77040
www.houstontx.gov

Owner NORTHWEST HOSPITALITY SERVICES Type Insp

LLC Pre-opening (06)
Date 03/26/2024 Facility Type Hotel/Motel Location Leisure
River (Lazy River)
Arrival Departure Telephone Email District
09:30 AM 03:15 PM (703) 363-4924 15

Water Quality
pH nt Free Chlorine nt Bromine
Temperature Combined Chlorine Cyanuric Acid
Citation(s)
OBSERVATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Code Items in violation to be corrected by the date indicated Correct By
265.187 Pools and Spas Entry/Exits One ladder is missing a step and rubber slip-resistant treads. ------------ Ladder 04/09/2024
treads shall have a uniform horizontal depth of not less than 2 inches and shall be a uniform distance between
ladder treads not less than 7 inches and not greater than 12 inches, and ladder treads shall be slip-resistant.
265.193 Suction Outlet Systems (Suction Outlets) and Return Inlets for Pools and Spas. The leisure river flow return 04/09/2024
piping is a wide circular inlet into the pool and it does not have a return cover over the opening. -----------
Return inlets shall be designed to not constitute a hazard to the user.
265.193 Suction Outlet Systems (Suction Outlets) and Return Inlets for Pools and Spas. One suction outlet cover is 04/26/2024
partially missing from the suction pipe where search and recovery occurred. ------------ Pools or Spas shall be
closed immediately and remain closed until repair is made or a replacement is installed if the cover or grate on
a suction outlet including a vacuum outlet is missing, broken, or loose.
265.195 Electrical Requirements for Pools and Spas Observed string lights above the pool but inspector was unable to 04/09/2024
get an accurate measurement due to height. Provide the height of the string lights or remove. Operator stated
they were placed for an event. Electrical wires shall be at least 22.5 feet above the highest point of the deck. ---
--------- Electrical equipment and lines at Pools and Spas constructed or renovated after the effective date of
this subchapter shall comply with the NEC, adopted by TDLR.
265.185 Deck and Deck Equipment for Pools and Spas Observed 2 edges on the leisure river deck on the water side to 04/09/2024
be sharp. --------- Edges of decks shall be radiused, tapered, not have sharp corners.
265.199 Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas No air gap was provided on the backwash line. ------------- Backwash 04/09/2024
and draining water shall be discharged through an air gap formed by positioning the discharge pipe opening at
least two pipe diameters above the overflow level of any barriers that may cause flooding and submergence of
the discharge.
43-04 Operation - No testing kit was provided on-site. ---------- The operator of a facility shall maintain on-site a 04/09/2024
water quality testing device or kit capable of accurately testing for and measuring pH and disinfectant levels.
43-04 Operation - Failure to make available upon request the drain cover VGBA proof of compliance documentation. 04/26/2024
This documentation must be kept on site and made available to the investigator. The proof of compliance
documentation/information must include the make, model, dates of installation, expiration dates, and life span
of each cover. Please email drain cover information to curtis.cagle@houstontx.gov within 14 days. (Provide
documentation for (2) channel drains on wall and the (8) wall grates for lazy river flow.) ---------------
Operational records of testing results and maintenance activities, including documentation of approved drain
covers, shall be retained on-site at a facility for not less than two years. However, to the extent that state or
federal law requires a more lengthy record retention period, the records shall be retained for the entirety of the
state or federally-mandated period.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The height of the glass gate near the lobby measured 47.75 inches and 04/16/2024
the metal posts next to glass enclosure measured less than 48 inches. (Blue indicator tape placed. Do not
remove.) ------------ The Pools or Spas yard enclosure shall have a minimum perpendicular height of at least 48
inches as measured from the ground surface on the outside of the enclosure.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The doors have a flat maglock and no mechanical latching device. ------ 04/26/2024
Gates and doors of the Pools or Spas enclosure shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices
that are designed to close and keep the gate or door securely closed and latched at all times the gate or door is
not in use. "A device or mechanism that causes a gate to automatically close without human or electrical
power after it has been opened, and to automatically latch without human or electrical power when the gate
closes."
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The glass fencing has been removed in the area of the deck where 04/26/2024
search and recovery occurred. Door before fencing is being kept locked. ------------ The Pools or Spas yard
enclosure shall consist of one or a combination of a fence, portion of a building, wall, or other durable
enclosure that meets the requirements.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures Observed 2 doors from the hotel hallways that are entrances into the 04/26/2024
pool yard. ------------- Doors or gates of a building that are capable of being opened are not allowed as part of
an enclosure unless the room does not have any door or gate openings to the outside of the Pools yard or Spas
yard enclosure.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures A gap between the metal post and window near the lobby gate entrance 04/16/2024
exceeded 4-inches. The gap between the glass enclosure and window above short metal post exceeded 4-
inches. (Blue indicator tape placed. Do not remove.) ------------- The Pools or Spas yard enclosure shall not
have openings in or under the enclosure and shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
265.205 Operation and Management of Pools and Spas Observed fecal matter on the deck assumed to be from a dog. -- 04/09/2024
--------- Domestic animals and other pets shall not be allowed within a Pools or Spas enclosure area or in the
Pools or Spas except as required and service animals shall be allowed on the deck and within the Pools and
Spas yard, but not in the Pools or Spas.
265.205 Operation and Management of Pools and Spas The leisure river is partially drained at the time of inspection. -- 04/16/2024
---------- Actual water level in Pools and Spas shall be maintained within the design operating water level
range of the rim, gutter, or skimmer system and when the water level is below the operating water level range
the Pools or Spas shall be closed.
43-31 Permitting Requirement - No person shall operate a facility without a permit issued by the health officer. 04/05/2024
43-09 Approval of Plans - The on-site approved plans do not show the lazy river flow suction, return piping, and 04/26/2024
feature pump info. The depth on plans show 3' and on-site depth markers indicate 3'6". Plans show 20x25
suction outlets for circulation on opposite side of small pool and on-site the leisure river has 2 channel drains
near the small pool side. Provide plans that match on-site construction. ---------------- No aquatic structure shall
be constructed, remodeled, or altered except in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the
health officer.
43-35 Enforcement and Closure - Upon closure of a facility pursuant to this section, the person in charge of the 03/26/2024
facility shall immediately properly post and maintain signs at all entrances to the facility that state: "CLOSED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE".
VGBA 1404 Federal Swimming Pool and Spa Drain Covers - The suction outlet cover for the leisure river flow function 04/26/2024
pump is broken for the pipe where search and recovery occurred. ----------- Each public pool and spa in the
United States shall be equipped with anti-entrapment devices or systems that comply with the ASME/ANSI
A112.19.8 performance standard or any successor standard.
265.192 Pumps and Motors for Pools and Spas. One suction outlet cover is partially missing from the suction pipe 04/09/2024
where search and recovery occurred. Pool pump was off at time of inspection and shall remain off until the
suction outlet cover is replaced. ----------- A pump for a Pools or Spas shall not be operated if the owner or
operator knows in the excercise of ordinary care that the drain grate, suction outlet, or any suction outlet cover
is missing, broken or loose and shall be closed immediately and remain closed until a proper repair or
replacement.
265.201 Safety Features for Pools and Spas None of the required pool safety signs were posted in the pool yard. See 04/09/2024
attached handout and come up to code. ---------- Safety signs for Pools constructed on or after the effective
 date of this subchapter or replaced at Pools constructed prior to the effective date of this subchapter shall be in
compliance.
COMMENTS
Closed Until Further Notice
Re-Inspection Required
The pool is officially closed. Lock all gates/doors, post closed signs (red tagged), and do not allow any use of the pool until a passing re-inspection.

The re-inspection may take place on or before 04/26/2024. All violation(s) shall be corrected before the re-inspection date, as compliance will be
assessed. If the pool is ready before the re-inspection date, contact the investigator. If more time is needed, an extension request must be made via
email to the investigator.

All gates and doors shall open outward from the pool yard.

*** Operator failed to obtain a pre-opening inspection prior to placing the pool into operation after a remodel. Per Ch 43-9(g) of the City of Houston
Ordinance: The health officer shall inspect an aquatic structure that has been constructed, remodeled or altered prior to its operation to determine
compliance with the approved plans and specifications and with all other applicable requirements. A preoperational inspection fee will be assessed in
conjunction with the inspection of an aquatic structure. An aquatic structure that fails to pass this inspection may not be operated or used. ***

Provide documentation showing the lazy river feature pumps to show they do not exceed the flow rate listed on the wall suction outlet grates.

Provide a copy of the building permit, ownership verification form, pre-opening document request, and W-9.

Submit corrected the plans that match what is on-site through the permitting center for review.

Chemicals not tested due to water level. Chemicals will be checked at reinspection.

Per the Consumer Product Safety Commission inspector the submersion occurred in the open return pipe while the feature pump was off.

Investigator Curtis Cagle

346-548-4342

Inspection conducted in conjunction with Investigator Rassem Sankari.

Date 03/26/2024

Sam Rehman
Date 03/26/2024

Environmental Investigator: Curtis Cagle

Aquatic Facility
Inspection Report
Houston Health Department Facility Name DoubleTree by Hilton Acct # 264427
Environmental Health Division/Consumer Health Services
Phone: 832.393.5100 Fax: 832.393.5208 Address 12801 NORTHWEST FRWY Zip 77040
www.houstontx.gov

Owner NORTHWEST HOSPITALITY SERVICES Type Insp

LLC Pre-opening (06)
Date 03/26/2024 Facility Type Hotel/Motel Location Small Pool
(in middle of lazy
river)
Arrival Departure Telephone Email District
09:30 AM 03:15 PM (703) 363-4924 15

Water Quality
pH nt Free Chlorine nt Bromine
Temperature Combined Chlorine Cyanuric Acid
Citation(s)
OBSERVATIONS AND CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
Code Items in violation to be corrected by the date indicated Correct By
265.193 Suction Outlet Systems (Suction Outlets) and Return Inlets for Pools and Spas. One floor return on the 04/09/2024
sunshelf was missing a cover. ----------- Return inlets shall be designed to not constitute a hazard to the user.
265.185 Deck and Deck Equipment for Pools and Spas Observed a sharp deck edge at the corner of the deck in the 04/09/2024
waterfall overflow area. --------- Edges of decks shall be radiused, tapered, not have sharp corners.
265.199 Wastewater Disposal for Pools and Spas No air gap was provided on the backwash line. ------------- Backwash 04/09/2024
and draining water shall be discharged through an air gap formed by positioning the discharge pipe opening at
least two pipe diameters above the overflow level of any barriers that may cause flooding and submergence of
the discharge.
43-04 Operation - Failure to make available upon request the drain cover VGBA proof of compliance documentation 04/26/2024
for the channel drain in the waterfall troft. This documentation must be kept on site and made available to the
investigator. The proof of compliance documentation/information must include the make, model, dates of
installation, expiration dates, and life span of each cover. Please email drain cover information to
curtis.cagle@houstontx.gov within 14 days. ------------- Operational records of testing results and maintenance
activities, including documentation of approved drain covers, shall be retained on-site at a facility for not less
than two years. However, to the extent that state or federal law requires a more lengthy record retention period,
the records shall be retained for the entirety of the state or federally-mandated period.
43-04 Operation - No testing kit was provided on-site. ---------- The operator of a facility shall maintain on-site a 04/09/2024
water quality testing device or kit capable of accurately testing for and measuring pH and disinfectant levels.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures Observed 2 doors from the hotel hallways that are entrances into the 04/26/2024
pool yard. ------------- Doors or gates of a building that are capable of being opened are not allowed as part of
an enclosure unless the room does not have any door or gate openings to the outside of the Pools yard or Spas
yard enclosure.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures A gap between the metal post and window near the lobby gate entrance 04/16/2024
exceeded 4-inches. The gap between the glass enclosure and window above short metal post exceeded 4-
inches. (Blue indicator tape placed. Do not remove.) ------------- The Pools or Spas yard enclosure shall not
have openings in or under the enclosure and shall not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The glass fencing has been removed in the area of the deck where 04/26/2024
search and recovery occurred. Door before fencing is being kept locked. ------------ The Pools or Spas yard
enclosure shall consist of one or a combination of a fence, portion of a building, wall, or other durable
enclosure that meets the requirements.
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The doors have a flat maglock and no mechanical latching device. ------ 04/26/2024
Gates and doors of the Pools or Spas enclosure shall be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices
that are designed to close and keep the gate or door securely closed and latched at all times the gate or door is
not in use. "A device or mechanism that causes a gate to automatically close without human or electrical
power after it has been opened, and to automatically latch without human or electrical power when the gate
closes."
265.203 Pools Yard and Spas Yard Enclosures The height of the glass gate near the lobby measured 47.75 inches and 04/16/2024
the metal posts next to glass enclosure measured less than 48 inches. (Blue indicator tape placed. Do not
remove.) ------------ The Pools or Spas yard enclosure shall have a minimum perpendicular height of at least 48
inches as measured from the ground surface on the outside of the enclosure.
265.205 Operation and Management of Pools and Spas Observed fecal matter on the deck assumed to be from a dog. -- 04/09/2024
--------- Domestic animals and other pets shall not be allowed within a Pools or Spas enclosure area or in the
Pools or Spas except as required and service animals shall be allowed on the deck and within the Pools and
Spas yard, but not in the Pools or Spas.
265.205 Operation and Management of Pools and Spas The pool was partially drained at the time of inspection. --------- 04/16/2024
--- Actual water level in Pools and Spas shall be maintained within the design operating water level range of
the rim, gutter, or skimmer system and when the water level is below the operating water level range the Pools
or Spas shall be closed.
43-31 Permitting Requirement - No person shall operate a facility without a permit issued by the health officer. 04/04/2024
43-35 Enforcement and Closure - Upon closure of a facility pursuant to this section, the person in charge of the 03/26/2024
facility shall immediately properly post and maintain signs at all entrances to the facility that state: "CLOSED
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE".
265.201 Safety Features for Pools and Spas None of the required pool safety signs were posted in the pool yard. See 04/09/2024
attached handout and come up to code. ---------- Safety signs for Pools constructed on or after the effective
date of this subchapter or replaced at Pools constructed prior to the effective date of this subchapter shall be in
compliance.
COMMENTS
Closed Until Further Notice
Re-Inspection Required
The pool is officially closed. Lock all gates/doors, post closed signs (red tagged), and do not allow any use of the pool until a passing re-inspection.

The re-inspection may take place on or before 04/26/2024. All violation(s) shall be corrected before the re-inspection date, as compliance will be
assessed. If the pool is ready before the re-inspection date, contact the investigator. If more time is needed, an extension request must be made via
email to the investigator.

All gates and doors shall open outward from the pool yard.

*** Operator failed to obtain a pre-opening inspection prior to placing the pool into operation after a remodel. Per Ch 43-9(g) of the City of Houston
Ordinance: The health officer shall inspect an aquatic structure that has been constructed, remodeled or altered prior to its operation to determine
compliance with the approved plans and specifications and with all other applicable requirements. A preoperational inspection fee will be assessed in
conjunction with the inspection of an aquatic structure. An aquatic structure that fails to pass this inspection may not be operated or used. ***

Provide a copy of the building permit, ownership verification form, pre-opening document request, and W-9.

Chemicals not tested due to water level. Pump is off due to water level. Chemicals will be checked at reinspection.

Investigator Curtis Cagle

346-548-4342

Inspection conducted in conjunction with Investigator Rassem Sankari.

Date 03/26/2024

Sam Rehman
Date 03/26/2024

Environmental Investigator: Curtis Cagle