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-.12 - Lighting and Electrical Requirements

Universal Citation: GA Rules and Regs r 511-3-5-.12

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through September 23, 2024

(1) Artificial Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be provided for all indoor and outdoor pools and spas. Lighting shall be adequate to illuminate the entire swimming pool enclosure without glare. All installations shall comply with local building code requirements. Ground-fault interrupters must be provided. Lighting in dressing rooms, sanitary facilities, equipment rooms and concessions shall comply with local code requirements.

(a) Water Surface and Deck Area Illumination. The water surface and deck area light levels shall meet the following minimum illumination levels:
1. An indoor pool water surface and deck: thirty horizontal foot-candles.

2. An outdoor pool deck: ten horizontal foot-candles.

3. An outdoor pool water surface with underwater lighting: ten horizontal foot-candles.

4. An outdoor pool water surface without underwater lighting: fifteen horizontal foot-candles.

(b) Underwater lighting is not required. However, if underwater lighting is used, then the following shall apply:
1. A minimum of eight lumens per square foot of water surface area must be provided in conjunction with overhead or equivalent deck lighting.

2. Underwater lights, in conjunction with overhead or equivalent deck lighting, shall be located to provide the required illumination so that all portions of the pool, including the pool bottom and main drain suction outlets, may be readily seen.

3. Dimmable or color lighting shall not be used for underwater lighting.

(c) Illumination shall render all portions of the pool, including the pool bottom and main drain suction outlets, readily visible.

(d) More light may be required as deemed necessary by the Health Authority or by other codes which apply.

(e) The lighting shall be evenly spaced around the pool to prevent glare.

(f) Higher underwater light levels shall be considered for deeper water to achieve the outcome. This must be approved by the professional engineer or architect.

(2) For outdoor pools, when not being used for night swimming or recreation, a minimum of three foot candles shall be maintained at the surface of pool and deck areas. Motion detector type lights are acceptable.

(3) No switches, starters, panel boards or similar electrical equipment shall be located in areas readily accessible to bathers while in the pool or on the designated deck area.

(4) No overhead wiring shall pass within twenty feet (horizontal distance) of the pool enclosure.

(5) No electrical outlets shall be located within ten feet of the pool edge.

(6) Public swimming pools that operate outside of daylight hours shall be provided with sufficient emergency lighting to permit evacuation of the pool and securing of the area in the event of power failure. The emergency lighting intensity shall be not less than one foot candle at the water surface and the walking surface of the deck.

(7) Color lighting is prohibited for use as pool deck and water surface illumination.

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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