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-.05 - Dimensional Design

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 511-3-5-.05

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Swimming pools, spas, and recreational water park attractions may be constructed in any shape that is safe and which allows for adequate circulation of the water.

(a) There shall be no protrusions, extensions, or other means of entanglement or obstructions in the swimming area which can cause the entrapment or injury of the bather.

(b) There shall be construction tolerances allowed on all dimensional designs. Overall length, width and depth in the deep end of a swimming pool may vary plus or minus three inches. All other overall dimensions in a swimming pool and in a spa may vary plus or minus two inches, unless otherwise specified. The designed waterline shall have a maximum construction tolerance at the time of completion of the work of plus or minus one-fourth inch for pools and spas with adjustable weir surface skimming systems and of plus or minus one-eighth inch for pools and spas with nonadjustable surface skimming systems.

(c) The pool size shall be governed by the requirements of the activities for which the installation is intended.

(2) Walls. Walls shall not be more than eleven degrees from plumb for a minimum depth of two feet nine inches from the waterline in deep areas or two feet three inches in the shallow areas. Below these depths the wall may be radiused to join the floor. The finished construction tolerance for the wall slope shall be ±3 percent.

(3) Floor Slopes. Floor slopes shall comply with the following minimum standards:

(a) All slopes shall be uniform.

(b) The slope of the floor from the shallow end wall towards the deep end shall not exceed one foot in twelve feet to the point of the first slope change.

(c) The point of the first slope change shall be defined as the point at which the floor slope exceeds one foot in twelve feet and shall not occur at a depth of more than five feet.

(d) The slope of the floor from the point of the first slope change to the deep end shall not exceed one foot in three feet. Such slopes may not provide any less water depth than those specified if the pool is intended for diving.

(e) Transitional radius from wall to floor where floor slopes join the wall shall comply with the following:
1. The radius shall have its center no less than two feet nine inches below the waterline in deep areas or two feet six inches in the shallow area.

2. The radius shall be tangent at the point where the radius either meets the wall or the floor.

3. The radius (R) shall be at least equal to or greater than the depth of the pool minus the vertical wall depth measured from the waterline or tolerance allowed in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(2) minus three inches to allow draining to the main drain. (R minimum = Pool depth - Vertical wall depth - 3")

4. Walls shall intersect with the floor at an angle or a transition profile. Where a transitional profile is provided at water depths of three feet or less, a transitional radius shall not exceed six inches and shall be tangent to the wall and is permitted to be tangent to or intersect the floor.

(4) Water depths. Water depths at the shallow end of the swimming area shall be a maximum of three feet six inches except for competitive racing pools.

(a) The active area of a pool shall be visually set apart from, but may be adjoined to, the shallow area and shall not adjoin the deep area.

(b) The transition point or point of slope change of the pool from the active area to the shallow area and from the shallow area to the deep area and at the points of separation of diving, slide and amusement areas shall be visually set apart with a rope and float line, depth markers and a four inch minimum width row of floor tile, or similar means of a color contrasting with the bottom. In diving pools with a constant slope, the shallow area shall be visually set apart from the deep area with a rope and float line, depth markers and a four inch minimum width row of floor tile, or similar means of a color contrasting with the bottom. The health authority may waive the need for a rope and float line in swim-out areas or similar construction where deemed necessary.

(c) Starting platforms built after the adoption of this chapter shall be installed according to manufacturer's instructions and this section.
1. Starting platforms shall be installed in a minimum water depth of five feet.

2. The leading edge of starting platforms shall have a maximum height of 30 inches above the water surface.

3. Platforms shall have slip resistant tread surfaces.

(d) Starting platforms shall be used by swimmers certified for racing starts and under the direct supervision of a qualified coach or instructor.

(e) Starting platforms shall be removed, if possible, or prohibited from use during all recreational or non-competitive swimming activity by covering platforms with a manufacturer-supplied platform cover or with another means or device that is readily visible and clearly prohibits use.

(5) Diving areas in non-competitive pools shall conform to the minimum water depths, areas, slopes and other dimensions shown in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(7). If a wall exists, then it shall conform to the 5:1 slope in the Point D dimension and the L1-2-3-4 dimensions and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

(6) Installation and use instructions for manufactured diving equipment shall be provided by the manufacturer and shall specify the minimum water dimensions required for each diving board and diving stand combination. The manufacturer's instructions shall refer to the water envelope type by dimensionally relating their products to Point A on the water envelopes referenced in subsection (b) below. The board manufacturer shall specify which boards fit on the design pool geometry types.

(a) When diving equipment is installed, it shall conform to the specifications set forth in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.06(7) and shall be located in the diving area of the pool so as to provide the minimum dimensions as shown in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(7).

(b) The tip of the diving equipment shall be located at Point A shown in the diagram in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(7)(a), which is the reference point of all other dimensions.

(c) There shall be a completely unobstructed clear vertical distance of thirteen feet above any diving board measured from the center of the front end of the board. This area shall extend horizontally at least eight feet behind, eight feet to each side and sixteen feet ahead of Point A shown in the diagram in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.05(7)(a).

(d) Public non-competitive pools with diving facilities in excess of three meters in height, or pools designed for platform diving, shall comply with the dimensional design requirements of the Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA), U.S. Diving, National Federation of State High School Associations (NFSHSA), or similar authority.

(7) Minimum Dimensions for Diving Portion of Pools.

(a) Diagram showing points where dimensions are measured. Note that the shallow portion of the pool is not shown.

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Note: L4 is a minimum dimension to allow sufficient length opposite the board. This may of course be lengthened to form the shallow portion of the pool.

(b) Minimum dimensions for points given in diagram (a).

RELATED DIVING EQUIPMENT

MINIMUM DIMENSIONS

MINIMUM WIDTH OF POOL AT:

MAX DIVING

BOARD

LENGHT

MAX BOARD HEIGHT OVER WATER

D1

D2

R

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

PT.A

PT.B

PT.C

10'

26"(2/3meter)

7'-0"

8'-6"

5'-6"

2'-6"

8'-0"

10'-6"

7'-0"

28'-0"

16'-0"

18'-0"

18'-0"

12'

30"(3/4 meter)

7'-6"

9'-0"

6'-0"

3'-0"

9'-0"

12'-0"

4'-0"

28'-0"

18'-0"

20'-0"

20'-0"

16'

1 Meter

8'-6"

10'-0"

7'-0"

4'-0"

10'-0"

15'-0"

2'-0"

31'-0"

20'-0"

22'-0"

22'-0"

16'

3 Meter

11'-0"

12'-0"

8'-6"

6'-0"

10'-6"

21'-0"

0

37'-6"

22'-0"

24'-0"

24'-0"
1. L2, L3, and L4 combined, represent the minimum distance from the tip of the board to pool wall opposite diving equipment.

2. Placement of boards shall observe the following minimum dimensions. With multiple board installations minimum pool widths must be increased accordingly.

- Deck Level Board to Pool Side

8'

- 1 Meter Board to Pool Side

10'

- 3 Meter Board to Pool Side

11'

- 1 Meter or Deck Level Board to 3 Meter Board

10'

- 1 Meter or Deck Level Board to another

1 Meter or Deck Level Board

8'

- 3 Meter to another 3 Meter Board

10'

(8) Offset Ledges. When provided, offset ledges shall fall within eleven degrees from plumb starting at the junction of the pool wall and waterline and shall have a slip-resistant surface. The outer two inch edge shall be lined with slip resistant tile in a contrasting color. The maximum width shall be eight inches. The typical allowable dimensions are based on the depths shown below.

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(9) Underwater Seat Benches. Underwater seat benches in pools, if provided, shall have a maximum horizontal seat bench depth of twenty inches below the waterline, be visually set apart by having the outer two inches of each seat lined with a slip-resistant tile in a contrasting color, and shall be located fully outside of the required minimum diving water envelope if the pool is intended for use with diving equipment..

(10) Swimouts. Swimouts shall be located in the shallow area of a pool outside of the perimeter and comply with all the following:

(a) The horizontal surface shall be not be more than twenty inches below waterline.

(b) An unobstructed surface shall be provided that is equal to or greater than that required for the top tread of the pool stairs in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.06(3).

(c) Where used as an entry and exit access, swimouts shall be provided with steps that comply with the pool stair requirement in DPH Rule 511-3-5-.06(3).

(d) The leading two inches of the outer edge shall be visually set apart with slip resistant tiles in a contrasting color.

(11) Underwater/Tanning Shelf. An underwater shelf used as the required entry or exit access shall be located not more than twelve inches below the waterline.

The leading two inches of the outer edge shall be visually set apart with contrasting tiles. The shelf surface area is excluded when determining the occupancy load.

(12) Theoretical Peak Occupancy Load. The theoretical peak occupancy for a public swimming pool shall be used for designing systems that serve bathers, and shall incorporate non-water related areas such as decking. This peak occupancy shall be the total number of bathers that are permissible on the deck and in the water at any given point in time.

(a) The theoretical peak occupancy shall be calculated by dividing the pool area in square feet by the density factor (D) representing the specific water types or devices and pool deck area.

(b) Use Table 1. Density Factors (D) in square feet to determine the theoretical peak occupancy.

Table 1. Density Factors (D) in square feet

Agitated Water in Shallow area or Shallow water or Wading area

Flat Water in Deep area or Deep water (not including the Diving Area)

Diving Area (per each diving board)

Entry Area for all other devices including slides

Pools with minimal deck area

15 square feet per user

20 square feet per user

300 square feet per diving board

150 square feet per device

Pools with deck area at least equal to the water surface area

12 square feet per user

15 square feet per user

300 square feet per diving board

150 square feet per device

Pool with deck area at least twice the water surface area

10 square feet per user

12 square feet per user

300 square feet per diving board

150 square feet per device

(c) The theoretical peak occupancy calculations shall be calculated by adding the sums of the applicable figures from Table 1.

(d) A spa or hot water venue density factor shall not exceed one bather per ten square feet of surface area.

(e) A waterslide landing pool may use the manufacturer established capacity if given.

(13) Wading Pool Water Depth. Wading pools constructed after adoption of this chapter shall be separate and physically set apart from beginning or shallow water areas of swimming pools by at least fifteen feet of deck. Where a wading pool is adjacent to any deep water area, a minimum four foot high barrier shall be installed to separate the two pools.

(a) Wading pools shall have a maximum water depth of eighteen inches. Water depths may be reduced from the above maximums and brought to zero at the most shallow point. The areas where the water depth at the edge of the pool exceeds nine inches shall be considered as non-entry areas.

(b) Walls in wading pools shall be vertical or within 11° of vertical except for the lower six inches which shall be radiused to the floor. Walls shall not extend more than six inches above the waterline at any point.

(c) Floors of wading pools shall be uniform and sloped to drain with a maximum slope of one foot in twelve feet vertical to horizontal.

(14) Spa Water Depth. The maximum water depth in a spa shall be four feet measured from the waterline. Exceptions may be made for spas designed for a special purpose.

(a) Multi-level seating in a spa may be provided, but the maximum water depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be twenty-eight inches measured from the waterline.

(b) The spa shall be provided with a suitable handhold around its perimeter in areas where water depths exceed three feet six inches. Handholds shall be provided no more than four feet apart and may consist of any one or a combination of the following options:
1. Coping, ledges, radiused flanges or decks along the immediate top edge of the spa shall provide a suitable slip-resistant handhold located not more than twelve inches above the waterline; or

2. Ladders, steps or seat ledges; or

3. A secured rope or railing at or not more than twelve inches above the waterline.

(c) The slope of the floor in a spa shall not exceed one foot in twelve feet vertical to horizontal.

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

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Georgia may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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