Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS
Subject 511-3-5 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER PARKS
Rule 511-3-5-.04 - Structural Design

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 511-3-5-.04

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Pools shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or impervious and structurally sound materials, which provide a smooth, easily cleaned, watertight structure capable of withstanding the anticipated loads for full and empty conditions, taking into account climatic and hydrostatic considerations, and the integration of the pool with other structures. The structural design and materials used shall be in accordance with generally accepted structural engineering practices.

(2) Pool shell construction material may also include fiberglass, stainless steel and modular panel systems meeting the requirements of this section and any applicable American Society of Testing and Materials standards or state building code.

(3) Sand or earth shall not be permitted as an interior finish in a swimming pool or spa.

(4) The pool or spa shell, appurtenances, piping, filter system, pump and motor, and other components shall be constructed to facilitate protection from damage due to freezing.

(5) Surfaces within the pool or spa intended to provide footing for users shall be designed to provide a slip-resistant surface that is rigid and resistant to puncture and tear.

(6) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane systems may be used as an interior finish of a public pool if the supporting watertight pool shell to which the system is attached meets the structure requirements of the chapter. If the structure complies with the chapter, the contractor may permanently attach an approved PVC membrane or panel system to all surfaces within the pool. A PVC membrane shall be a minimum of 55 mils in thickness.

(7) The roughness or irregularity of such surfaces shall not be such as to cause injury or discomfort to the feet during normal use.

(8) The color of the interior shall be white or light pastel and shall not obscure the presence of a bather on the bottom of the pool, or of objects, debris, algae, or surface cracks within the pool.

(9) Swimming pools and spas and their appurtenances shall be constructed of materials which are nontoxic to man and the environment, impervious and enduring, able to withstand design stresses, and able to provide a watertight structure with a smooth and easily cleaned surface without cracks or joints, excluding structural joints, or to which a smooth, easily cleaned surface finish is applied or attached. Materials of manufacture for swimming pools and spas shall be capable of fulfilling the design, installation, and intended use requirements in these rules. The materials of manufacture, components and accessories used in public spas shall comply with the following:

(a) Plumbing. All plumbing shall be sized, installed, and maintained according to applicable State Regulations and local plumbing codes. Written evidence shall be provided from a licensed plumbing contractor or the plumbing inspector, as required by the local health authority, of compliance with the plumbing code.

(b) Electrical Systems. All electrical wiring, equipment, and installation, including the grounding of pool components, shall conform with national, state and local electrical codes. Written evidence shall be provided from a licensed electrical contractor or electrical inspector, as required by the local health authority, of compliance with all electrical codes.

(c) Recirculation and Treatment Systems and other Components. All recirculation and treatment system equipment and all other components such as filters, recessed automatic surface skimmers, ionizers, ozone generators, solar heaters, disinfection feeders, chlorine generators and sensory deprivation chambers or float pods must be tested and approved using the current NSF Standard 50, Circulation System Components and Related Materials for Swimming Pool, Spas/Hot Tubs." Written evidence shall be provided from the designing engineer that all recirculation and treatment systems and all components used in the installation meet these approved standards.

(d) Material Surfaces. All surfaces that come in contact with the user shall be finished so that they do not constitute a cutting, pinching, puncturing or abrasion hazard under casual contact and intended use. All materials shall be maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(e) Compatibility. Combinations of different materials shall be chemically and mechanically compatible for their intended use and environment. Any pool with a metal-based shell or utilizing dissimilar metals shall be provided with sacrificial anodes or other approved means to reduce galvanic action and electrolytic corrosion.

(f) Ventilation. Mechanical ventilation shall be provided for all indoor public swimming pools and pump rooms. All systems shall be sized, installed and maintained according to applicable state regulations and local codes. Written evidence shall be provided by a licensed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning contractor certifying compliance with all applicable codes and with the latest ANSI/ASHRAE standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. A written statement of commissioning shall be provided to the owner stating that the amount of outdoor air meets the performance requirements of the applicable codes.

(10) Roofs or canopies over pools or spas shall be constructed so that water run-off does not drain into the pool or spa water.

O.C.G.A. §§ 31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.

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