Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024
(1)
A circulation system consisting of pumps, piping, return inlets and suction
outlets, filters and other necessary equipment shall be provided for complete
circulation of water through all parts of the pool.
(a) The equipment for a swimming pool shall
be of adequate size to turn over the entire pool water capacity. The turnover
rate for pools constructed after the adoption of this chapter shall not exceed
the sum of one and one-half times the average water depth in feet; where the
number of hours is equal to the number feet calculated, or exceed once every
six hours whichever is less. Unless the rate is otherwise specified in
subsection (b) below. This system shall be designed to give the proper turnover
rate based on the manufacturer's recommended maximum pressure flow of the
filter in dirty media condition of the filter, immediately prior to cleaning
the filter.
(b) Turnover rates for
pools by type listed below:
|
Type
|
Turnover Rate
|
|
1. Activity Pools
|
2 hours
|
|
2. Continuous Water Channels
|
1 hours
|
|
3. Dual Use Swimming Pools (swimming pools with a
water slide and/or one other feature with an average depth exceeding 24 inches)
|
4 hours
|
|
4. Diving Pools
|
8 hours
|
|
5. Interactive Water Play Pools/Spray Pads
|
30 minutes
|
|
6. Landing Pools, Flumes, Slides and All Other
Plunge Pools
|
60 minutes
|
|
7. Leisure Rivers
|
2 hours
|
|
8. Spas/Exercise Spas
|
30 minutes
|
|
9. Wading Interactive Pools
(maximum depth, 18 inches)
|
60 minutes
|
|
10. Wading Pools (without any interactive
equipment)
|
60 minutes
|
|
11. Water Attraction/Equipment Pump Reservoir
Tanks
|
30 minutes
|
|
12. Wave Pools
|
2 hours
|
(c)
Timing devices will be allowed for the purpose of turning down the circulation
system during times when a pool is not being used. Timing devices must be set
to provide at least one complete turnover immediately prior to the pool
reopening.
1. The system flowrate shall not
be reduced more than 25% lower than the minimum design flowrate requirement and
only reduced when the pool is unoccupied.
2. The system flowrate shall ensure the
minimum water clarity required under the chapter is met before opening to the
public.
3. The system shall be
required to maintain required disinfectant and pH levels at all times.
(d) For spas, a minute
timer that does not exceed 15 minutes shall be connected to the agitation
system. The timer shall be located out of reach of a bather in the
spa.
(e) Water clarity shall be
maintained. When standing at the pool's edge at the deep end, the main drain
suction outlet covers or a four inch by four inch square marker tile in
contrasting color shall be clearly visible. When standing at a spa's edge, the
deepest portion of the spa floor shall be visible when the water is still.
1. For pools over ten feet deep an eight inch
by eight inch square marker tile in a contrasting color to the pool floor shall
be visible at the deepest part of the pool.
2. This reference point shall be visible at
all times from the edge of the deck.
(f) Circulation system components which
require replacement or servicing shall be accessible for inspection, repair or
replacement and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
(g) Where equipment
sizing falls within the scope of NSF testing, materials and equipment used in
the circulation system shall comply with the appropriate requirements of NSF
Standard 50.
(h) Equipment used for
a public pool shall be properly supported to prevent damage from misalignment
or settlement. The equipment shall be mounted so as to minimize the potential
for the accumulation of debris and moisture, following manufacturer's
instructions.
(2)
Water Velocity. The water velocity in the pool or spa piping for
discharge piping shall not exceed eight feet per second and for suction piping,
shall not exceed six feet per second.
(a) Pool
and spa piping shall be sized to permit the rated flows for filtering and
cleaning without exceeding the maximum head of the pump.
(b) The pump shall be sized to deliver the
required flow rate against the total system head involved.
(3)
Piping and Fittings. The
circulation system piping and fittings shall be nontoxic, shall be considered
to be process piping, and shall be of material able to withstand operating
pressures and operating conditions.
(a) Pool
and spa piping subject to damage by freezing shall have a uniform slope in one
direction equipped with valves for adequate drainage. Pool and spa piping shall
be supported at sufficient intervals to prevent entrapment of air, water, or
dirt. Provisions shall be made for expansion or contraction of pipes. All
piping shall comply with NSF Standard 14 or other applicable
standards.
(b) Equipment shall be
designed and fabricated to drain the pool or spa water from the equipment,
together with exposed face piping, by removal of drain plugs and manipulating
valves or by other methods. Refer to manufacturer's recommendations for
specific information on draining the system.
(4)
System Condition. Gauges
shall be provided as follows:
(a) A pressure
or vacuum gauge or other means of indicating system condition shall be provided
in the circulation system in an easily readable location.
(b) A flow meter measuring the rate of flow
through the filter system with an appropriate range readable in gallons per
minute (GPM) and accurate within ten percent actual flow shall be provided. The
flow indicator shall be capable of measuring from one-half to at least one and
one-half times the design flow rate. The gauge shall be located after the
filtering equipment and in such location on the return line, so as to measure
the total amount of water returning to the pool according to the manufacturer's
installation specifications.
(5)
Water Clarity and Chemistry.
The circulation system shall be capable of maintaining water clarity and water
chemistry requirements and shall operate twenty-four hours per day, except as
otherwise provided in this Chapter.
(6)
Instructions. Written
operation and maintenance instructions shall be provided for the circulation
system.
O.C.G.A.§§
31-2A-6, 31-12-8, 31-45-10.
