Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, September 18, 2024
Swimming pools shall be operated in a safe, sanitary manner and
shall meet the following operational standards.
(1)
Filtration and
recirculation.
a.
Filtration. A swimming pool, except a fill and drain wading
pool, shall have a filtration system in good working condition which provides
water clarity in compliance with the water quality standards of
15.4(2).
b.
Recirculation. The recirculation system of a swimming pool
shall meet the following requirements:
(1)
During the operating season, pumps, filters, disinfectant feeders, flow
indicators, gauges, and all related components of the swimming pool water
recirculation system shall be operated continuously except for backwashing or
servicing.
(2) The recirculation
system shall have an operating pressure gauge located in front of the filter if
it is a pressure filter system. A vacuum filter system shall have a vacuum
gauge located between the filter and the pump.
(3) The recirculation system shall have
inlets adequate in design, number, location, and spacing to ensure effective
distribution of treated water and maintenance of uniform disinfectant residual
throughout the swimming pool.
(4)
Swimming pools shall have a means for skimming the pool water surface.
1. Each skimmer shall have an easily
removable basket or screen upstream from any valve. Self-adjusting weirs shall
be in place to provide skimming action.
2. Gutter or skimmer drainage shall be
sufficient to minimize flooding and prevent backflow of skimmed water into the
swimming pool.
c.
Wastewater. Backwash
water from a swimming pool shall be discharged through an air break or an air
gap.
d.
Water
supply. The water supplied to a swimming pool shall be from a water
supply meeting the requirements of the department of natural resources for
potable water.
(1) Water supplied to a
swimming pool shall be discharged to the pool system through an air gap or a
reduced-pressure principle backflow device meeting AWWA C-511-97,
"Reduced-Pressure Principle Backflow-Prevention Assembly."
(2) Each hose bib at a facility shall be
equipped with an atmospheric vacuum breaker or a hose connection backflow
preventer.
e.
Swimming pool water heaters.
(1) Electric water heaters shall bear the
seal of UL.
(2) Gas-fired water
heaters shall be equipped with a pressure relief valve.
(3) Fuel-burning water heaters shall be
vented to the outside in accordance with the Iowa state plumbing
code.
(4) Each indoor swimming pool
equipment room with fuel-burning water heating equipment shall have one or more
openings to the outside of the room for the provision of combustion
air.
f.
Fill and
drain wading pools. Each fill and drain wading pool shall be drained
at least once every 12 hours and left empty when the pool is not open for
use.
(2)
Water
quality and testing.
a.
Disinfection.
(1) Swimming
pool water shall have a free chlorine residual of at least 1.0 ppm and no
greater than 8.0 ppm, or a total bromine residual of at least 2.0 ppm and no
greater than 18 ppm when the swimming pool is open for use, except as given in
Table 1.
(2) The swimming pool
shall be closed if the free chlorine is measured to be less than 0.6 ppm or the
total bromine is measured to be less than 1.0 ppm.
(3) The swimming pool shall be closed if a
free chlorine measurement exceeds 8.0 ppm or if the total bromine measurement
exceeds 18 ppm, except as given in Table 1.
(4) If an ORP controller with a readout
meeting the requirements of 15.4(2)"f" (4) is installed on the
swimming pool system, the swimming pool water shall have an ORP of at least 700
mV, but no greater than 880 mV, except as given in Table 1. The swimming pool
shall be closed if the ORP is less than 650 mV or greater than 880
mV.
(5) The swimming pool shall be
closed if the cyanuric acid concentration in the swimming pool water exceeds 80
ppm. The swimming pool may be reopened when the cyanuric acid concentration is
40 ppm or less.
(6) No cyanuric
acid shall be added to an indoor swimming pool after May 4, 2005, except
through an existing chemical feed system designed to deliver di-chlor or
tri-chlor. No cyanuric acid in any form shall be added to an indoor swimming
pool after May 31, 2008.
Table 1
Preferred Operating Range
|
Acceptable Operating Range
|
ORP (mV)
|
Free Cl (ppm)
|
Total Br (ppm)
|
ORP (mV)
|
Free Cl (ppm)
|
Total Br (ppm)
|
700-880
|
1.0-8.0
|
2.0-18.0
|
700-880
|
0.50-0.90
|
1.0-2.0
|
650-700#
|
1.0-8.0
|
2.0-18.0
|
650-700[DAGGER]
|
8.2-10.0
|
18.5-22.0
|
#If these conditions occur on any 5
consecutive days or on any 10 days within a 14-day period, the facility
management shall evaluate water parameters including, but not limited to,
cyanuric acid, pH, combined chlorine, and phosphates (ortho- and total); and
other conditions at the swimming pool. The facility management shall modify
parameters and conditions as practical to bring the ORP to a minimum of 700 mV.
The evaluation shall be completed within 30 days after the low ORP condition is
known to the facility management. A written report of the evaluation shall be
kept with the pool records.
[DAGGER]If these conditions occur on
any 3 consecutive days or on any 7 days within a 14-day period, the facility
management shall notify the local inspection agency and shall cause the
conditions at the swimming pool specified in the previous footnote and the
function of the ORP equipment to be investigated by a professional pool service
company. A written report detailing source water parameters, pool water
parameters, pool design (including information about the installed mechanical
and chemical equipment), other conditions affecting the disinfectant
concentration and the ORP, and the actions taken to increase ORP relative to
the disinfectant residual shall be submitted to the local inspection agency
within 30 days after the low ORP condition is known to the facility
management.
b.
pH level. The pH of swimming pool water shall be 7.2 to 7.8.
An inspection agency may require that a swimming pool be closed if the pH is
less than 6.8 or greater than 8.2.
c.
Water clarity. A swimming
pool that is less than 8 ft deep shall be closed if the grate openings on the
main drain are not clearly visible from the deck. A swimming pool that is 8 ft
deep or deeper shall be closed if the main drain is not clearly visible from
the deck.
d.
Bacteria
detection.
(1) If coliform bacteria
are detected in a sample taken in accordance with 15.4(2)"e"
(6), the swimming pool shall be superchlorinated and a check sample shall be
taken when the disinfectant residual is within the requirements of
paragraph"a" above. If coliform bacteria are detected in the
check sample, the swimming pool shall be closed. The swimming pool may reopen
when no coliform bacteria are detected in a swimming pool water sample taken
when the pool water meets the requirements of paragraphs"a,"
"b" and "c" above.
(2) The facility management shall notify the
local inspection agency of the positive bacteriological result within one
business day after the facility management has become aware of the
result.
e.
Test
frequency. The results of the tests required below shall be recorded
in the swimming pool records.
(1) The
disinfectant residual in the swimming pool water shall be tested or the ORP of
the swimming pool water shall be checked each day within one-half hour of the
swimming pool opening time and at intervals not to exceed four hours thereafter
until the swimming pool closing time. For swimming pools at condominiums,
apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing
must be performed at least once each day that the swimming pool is available
for use.
If the swimming pool is equipped with an automatic controller
with a readout or local printout of ORP meeting the requirements of
15.4(2)"f" (4), the operator may make visual readings of ORP
in lieu of manual testing, but the swimming pool water shall be tested manually
for disinfectant residual at least twice per day. Both ORP and disinfectant
residual shall be recorded when manual testing is done. The operator shall
specify in the swimming pool records which results are from the manual
tests.
(2) The pH of the
swimming pool water shall be tested each day within one-half hour of the
swimming pool opening time and at intervals not to exceed four hours thereafter
until the swimming pool closing time. For swimming pools at condominiums,
apartments or homeowners associations with 25 or fewer living units, testing
for pH must be performed at least once each day that the swimming pool is
available for use.
If the swimming pool is equipped with an automatic controller
with a readout or local printout of pH meeting the requirements of
15.4(2)"f" (5), the operator may make visual readings of pH in
lieu of manual testing, but the swimming pool water shall be tested manually
for pH at least twice per day. The operator shall specify in the swimming pool
records which results are from the manual tests.
(3) The swimming pool water shall be tested
for total alkalinity at least once in each week that the swimming pool is open
for use. The swimming pool shall be tested for calcium hardness at least once
in each month that the swimming pool is open for use.
(4) If a chlorine chemical is used for
disinfection, the swimming pool water shall be tested for combined chlorine at
least once in each week that the swimming pool is open for use.
(5) If cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine
is used at a swimming pool, the swimming pool water shall be tested for
cyanuric acid at least once in each week that the swimming pool is open for
use.
(6) At least once in each
month that a swimming pool is open for use, the facility management shall
submit a sample of the swimming pool water to a laboratory certified by the
department of natural resources for the determination of coliform bacteria in
drinking water. The sample shall be analyzed for total
coliform.
f.
Test
equipment.
(1) Each facility shall
have functional water testing equipment for free chlorine and combined
chlorine, or total bromine; pH; total alkalinity; calcium hardness; and
cyanuric acid (if cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine is used at the
facility).
(2) The test equipment
shall provide for the direct measurement of free chlorine and combined chlorine
from 0 to 10 ppm in increments of 0.2 ppm or less over the full range, or total
bromine from 0 to 20 ppm in increments of 0.5 ppm or less over the full
range.
(3) The test equipment shall
provide for the measurement of swimming pool water pH from 7.0 to 8.0 with at
least five increments in that range.
(4) A controller readout used in lieu of
manual disinfectant residual testing shall be a numerical analog or digital
display (indicator lights are not acceptable) with an ORP scale with a range of
at least 600 to 900 mV with increments of 20 mV or less.
(5) A controller readout used in lieu of
manual pH testing shall be a numerical analog or digital display (indicator
lights are not acceptable) with a pH range at least equal to the range required
in 15.4(2)"f" (3) with increments of 0.2 or less over the full
range.
g.
Operator availability. A person knowledgeable in testing water
and in operating the water treatment equipment shall be available whenever a
swimming pool is open for use.
(3)
Chemical feed equipment and
cleaning.
a.
Chemical feed
equipment.
(1) Equipment for
continuous feed of chlorine, a chlorine compound or a bromine compound to the
swimming pool water shall be provided and shall be operational. The equipment
shall be adjustable in at least five increments over its feed capacity. Where
applicable, the chemical feeder shall be listed by NSF or another listing
agency approved by the department for compliance with Standard 50.
(2) Equipment for the continuous feed of a
chemical for pH adjustment of the swimming pool water shall be provided and
shall be operational for each Class A swimming pool and for each swimming pool
constructed after July 1, 1998. Where applicable, the chemical feeder shall be
listed by NSF or another listing agency approved by the department for
compliance with Standard 50.
b.
Cleaning.
(1) The inspection agency may require that a
swimming pool be drained and scrubbed with a disinfecting agent prior to
further usage.
(2) A vacuum system
shall be provided to remove dirt from the bottom of the swimming
pool.
(4)
Safety.
a.
Chemical
safety.
(1) No disinfectant
chemical, pH control chemical, algaecide, shock treatment chemical, or any
other chemical that is toxic or irritating to humans may be added to the
swimming pool water from the deck of the swimming pool while the swimming pool
is in use. When chemical additions are made from the deck, the swimming pool
shall be closed from use for at least one-half hour. The operator shall test
the swimming pool water as appropriate before allowing use of the swimming
pool. The chemical addition and the test results shall be recorded in the
swimming pool records.
(2) Swimming
pool treatment chemicals shall be stored and handled in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
(3)
Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals used at the pool shall be
at the facility in a location known and readily accessible to the facility
staff.
(4) Chemical storage
containers shall be clearly labeled.
(5) A chemical hazard warning sign shall be
placed at the entrance of a room where chemicals are used or stored or where
bulk containers are located.
b.
Stairs, ladders, recessed steps,
and ramps.
(1) Ladders or recessed
steps shall be provided in the deep portion of a swimming pool. Stairs,
ladders, recessed steps, or ramps shall be provided in the shallow portion if
the vertical distance from the bottom of the swimming pool to the deck is more
than 2 ft.
(2) Ladders, ladder
rungs and ramps shall be securely anchored.
(3) The distance between the swimming pool
wall to the vertical rail of a ladder shall be no greater than 6 inches and no
less than 3 inches. The lower end of each ladder rail shall be securely covered
with a smooth nonmetallic cap. The lower end of each ladder rail shall be
within 1 inch of the swimming pool wall.
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(4)
Stairs, ladder rungs, ramps and recessed steps shall be
slip-resistant.
(5) If a swimming
pool is over 30 ft wide, recessed steps, ladders, ramps, or stairs shall be
installed on each side. If a stairway centered on the shallow end wall of the
swimming pool is within 30 ft of each side of the swimming pool, that end of
the swimming pool shall be considered in compliance with this
subparagraph.
(6) Each set of
recessed steps shall be equipped with a securely anchored grab rail on each
side of the recessed steps.
(7)
Each set of stairs and each ramp shall be equipped with a securely anchored
handrail(s).
(8) When stairs are
provided for entry into a swimming pool, a stripe at least 1 inch wide of a
color contrasting with the step surface and with the swimming pool floor shall
be marked at the top front edge of each tread. The stripe shall be
slip-resistant.
c.
Diving areas.
(1) No diving
shall be permitted in areas where the water is 5 ft deep or less except for
purposes of competition or training. The diving shall be supervised by a
lifeguard, swim instructor or swim coach.
(2) Starting blocks shall only be used for
competition or training purposes under the supervision of a lifeguard, swim
instructor, or swim coach. Starting blocks and starting block installation
shall meet the requirements of the competition governing body (National
Collegiate Athletic Association, USA Swimming, or National Federation of State
High School Associations). When the swimming pool is open for general use, the
starting blocks shall be secured from use by removal, covering, or signage and
active supervision.
(3) Diving
boards shall be permitted only if the diving area dimensions conform to the
minimum requirements indicated in Figure 2, Table 2 and Table 3. Alternative
diving well configurations may be used, subject to the approval of the
department.
(4) There shall be a
completely unobstructed clear distance of 13 ft above the diving board,
measured from the center of the front end of the board. This area shall extend
at least 8 ft behind, 8 ft to each side, and 16 ft ahead of the measuring
point.
(5) Diving boards and
platforms over 3 meters in height are prohibited except where approved by the
department.
(6) Diving boards and
platforms shall have a slip-resistent surface.
(7) Where the top of a diving board or
platform is more than 18 inches above the deck, stairs or a ladder shall be
provided for access to the diving board or platform.
(8) Handrails shall be provided at all steps
and ladders leading to diving boards which are more than 32 inches above the
deck.
(9) A platform or diving
board that is 32 inches or more above the swimming pool deck shall have a
guardrail on both sides. The guardrails shall be at least 36 inches high and
shall extent to the edge of the deck. The guardrails shall have at least one
horizontal mid-bar.
(10) Supports,
platforms, and steps for diving boards shall be of substantial construction and
of sufficient structural strength to safely carry the maximum anticipated load.
Note: The information contained in Figure 2 and Tables 2 and 3
is for swimming pools constructed prior to March 14, 1990. Swimming pools
constructed after March 14, 1990, shall meet the requirements contained in
15.5(13)"a."
When determining distances set out in Tables 2 and 3,
measurements shall be taken from the top center of the front edge of the diving
board. The reference water level shall be the midpoint of the skimmer opening
for a skimmer pool or a stainless steel gutter system with surge weirs. The
reference water level for a gutter pool shall be the top of the gutter
weir.
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Table 2
|
Minimum Dimensions
|
Diving Board Height Above Water
|
Maximum Diving Board Length
|
D1
|
D2
|
L1
|
L2
|
L3
|
Deck level to 2/3 meter
|
10 ft
|
7 ft
|
8.5 ft
|
2.5 ft
|
8 ft
|
10.5 ft
|
Greater than 2/3 meter to 3/4 meter
|
12 ft
|
7.5 ft
|
9 ft
|
3 ft
|
9 ft
|
12 ft
|
Greater than 3/4 meter to 1 meter
|
16 ft
|
8.5 ft
|
10 ft
|
4 ft
|
10 ft
|
15 ft
|
Greater than 1 meter to 3 meters
|
16 ft
|
11 ft
|
12 ft
|
6 ft
|
10.5 ft
|
21 ft
|
Table 3
Minimum Distance
|
Diving Board Height Above Water
|
To Pool Side
|
To 1-Meter Diving Board
|
To 3-Meter Diving Board
|
Deck level to 1 meter
|
9 ft
|
8 ft
|
10 ft
|
Greater than 1 meter
|
11 ft
|
10 ft
|
10 ft
|
d.
Lifeguards and shallow water
guards.
(1) Except for wading pools
and spray pads, lifeguards are required at municipal and school swimming pools
of any size and other swimming pools having a water surface area of 1500
ft2 or larger. Swimming pools operated by
apartments, condominiums, country clubs, neighborhoods, manufactured home
communities, or mobile home parks are exempt from lifeguard
requirements.
(2) Shallow water
guards may be used at plunge pools which are 5 ft deep or less and at wading
pools.
(3) For open recreation
swimming, there shall be at least one lifeguard guarding the pool at all times
for up to 30 swimmers in the water; for over 30 swimmers in the water, there
shall be at least two lifeguards on duty, one of whom shall be guarding the
pool at all times for up to 125 swimmers in the water. An additional lifeguard
shall be provided for each additional 125 swimmers in the water or fraction
thereof.
Note: This is the minimum lifeguard coverage acceptable under
these rules. It is the responsibility of the management of each facility to
evaluate the facility configuration, the features of the facility, including
water slides, spray pads, play features, etc., the patrons, and the type of
use, and to determine the facility-specific requirements for supervision by
lifeguards.
(4) For a
structured swimming program, such as lap swim, competitive swimming, water
exercise classes, swim lessons and physical education classes, a lifeguard is
not required provided the program is supervised by an instructor, teacher, or
coach who is a lifeguard or who has current certification from the American Red
Cross in basic water rescue, first aid, and infant, child and adult CPR, or
equivalent training approved by the department. An instructor, teacher or coach
may be responsible for a maximum of 30 persons within a structured activity. If
more than 30 persons are involved in a structured activity, a second qualified
supervisor must be present.
(5)
Water slide attendants. Each water slide shall have a minimum of two
attendants, one stationed at the top of the slide and one at the bottom of the
slide. If the plunge pool is shallow, the water slide attendants shall be
either lifeguards or shallow water guards. If the plunge pool includes deep
water, the water slide attendants shall be lifeguards. Where the water slide
attendant stationed at the bottom of a slide which empties into a swimming pool
is a shallow water guard, the attendant shall only be responsible for guarding
the water slide landing area.
The department may approve alternate water slide management
based on a review of the slide and swimming pool configuration. Alternate water
slide management plans shall be in writing and shall be at the facility during
the operating season.
If two or three water slides start at the same platform and the
distance between the centerlines of any two start structures is 10 ft or less,
one attendant may supervise the slides. If two or three water slides terminate
within the same landing area, one attendant may supervise the landing
area.
e.
Lifeguard chairs. For outdoor swimming pools where lifeguards
are required by rule, at least one elevated lifeguard chair or station shall be
provided for a swimming pool with a water surface area of 2000 to 4000
ft2 inclusive; at least two chairs shall be provided
if the area is 4001 to 6000 ft2; and at least three
chairs shall be provided if the area is 6001 ft2 or
more. Swimming pools are not required to have more than three lifeguard chairs
or stations. This requirement does not apply to wave pools, leisure rivers,
spray pads, or wading pools.
f.
Emergency equipment and facilities.
(1) Except for wading pools, a minimum of one
unit of lifesaving equipment shall be provided for each 1500
ft2 of water surface area or fraction thereof. The
area of a swimming pool where the water is 2 ft deep or less may be subtracted
from the total area for this requirement. A swimming pool is not required to
have more than ten units of lifesaving equipment.
(2) A unit of lifesaving equipment consists
of one of the following:
1. A U.S. Coast
Guard-recognized ring buoy fitted with a 1/4-inch diameter line with a length
of at least one-half the width of the pool, but no more than 60 ft;
or
2. A life pole, or a "shepherd's
crook" of at least 8 ft in length, and having blunted ends; or
3. A rescue buoy made of lightweight, hard,
buoyant plastic with molded handgrips along each side and provided with a 4- to
6-ft tow rope and shoulder strap; or
4. A rescue tube made of a soft, strong foam
material 3 inches by 6 inches by 40 inches with a molded strap providing a ring
at one end and a hook at the other. Attached to the end with the ring shall be
a 6-ft-long towline with a shoulder strap; or
5. Any other piece of rescue equipment
approved by the department.
Note: Rescue equipment identified in
15.4(4)"f" (2)"3" and 15.4(4)"f" (2)"4" above
shall be used only at swimming pools where lifeguards are employed. If a
facility employs lifeguards (whether required by rule or not), the lifeguards
shall be provided with the minimum equipment required by their training
including, but not necessarily limited to, rescue tubes and personal CPR
masks.
(3)
Lifesaving equipment shall be mounted in conspicuous places around the swimming
pool deck during normal operations.
(4) A swimming pool facility shall have a
first-aid kit which contains, at a minimum, the following:
1. Band-Aids.
2. Sterile 4" x 4" bandage
compress.
3. Self-adhering gauze
bandage.
4. Disposable
gloves.
5. Chemical cold compress.
Where lifeguards are not provided, the first-aid kit shall be
prominently mounted in the swimming pool enclosure, or a sign stating its
location shall be posted near the swimming pool. The first-aid kit shall be
accessible when the swimming pool is open.
(5) A standard spine board with straps and a
head immobilizer shall be provided at each swimming pool where lifeguards are
required by rule.
(6) Except for
wading pools and spray pads, each swimming pool where lifeguards are not
provided shall have a designated emergency telephone or equivalent emergency
communication system that can be operated without coins. The communication
system shall be available to users of swimming pools when the swimming pool is
open. When the telephone is not within the confines of the swimming pool
enclosure, the location of the emergency telephone shall be posted in at least
one conspicuous place within the swimming pool enclosure. Instructions for
emergency use of the telephone shall be posted near the telephone.
At each swimming pool where lifeguards are employed, a
telephone shall be available to the swimming pool staff for emergency
purposes.
g.
Water level. Water level in swimming pools shall be maintained
at the skimming level.
h.
Fully submerged outlets. Each outlet, including the main
drain(s), shall be designed to prevent user entrapment. A swimming pool shall
be closed if the cover/grate of a fully submerged outlet is missing or broken.
(1) Each fully submerged outlet shall have a
cover/grate that has been tested for compliance with the requirements of the
ASME standard by a testing agency approved by the department or that is
certified for compliance by an engineer licensed in Iowa.
1. The cover/grate for an outlet system with
a single fully submerged outlet shall have a flow rating of at least 100
percent of the maximum system flow rate. The combined flow rating for the
cover/grates for an outlet system with more than one fully submerged outlet
shall be at least 200 percent of the maximum system flow rate.
The maximum system flow rate for a main drain system is at
least the design filter flow rate, but may include play feature and water slide
flow. The maximum system flow rate for other fully submerged outlets is the
design flow rate of the pump(s) directly connected to the outlet
system.
2. Fully submerged
outlet cover/grates shall not be removable without the use of tools.
3. Purchase records and product information
that demonstrate compliance shall be maintained by the facility for at least
five years from the time the cover/grate is purchased. If a field fabricated
cover/grate is certified for compliance to the ASME standard by an engineer
licensed in Iowa, a copy of the certification letter shall be kept at the
facility for at least five years from the certification
date.
(2) A swimming pool
with a single fully submerged outlet that is not unblockable and that is
directly connected to a pump shall be closed if the outlet does not have a
cover/grate that complies with the ASME standard.
If a swimming pool has two or more fully submerged outlets on a
single surface that are all less than 3 ft apart on center, are not
unblockable, and are directly connected to a pump, the swimming pool is
considered to have a single fully submerged outlet.
(3) A swimming pool with a single fully
submerged outlet that is not unblockable and that is directly connected to a
pump shall be closed if the outlet system is not equipped with a safety vacuum
release system that is listed for compliance with ASME/ANSI A112.19.17-2002,
"Manufactured Safety Vacuum Release Systems (SVRS) for Residential and
Commercial Swimming Pool, Spa, Hot Tub, and Wading Pool Suction Systems," by a
listing agency approved by the department; or another vacuum release system
approved by the department.
1. Purchase
records and product information that demonstrate compliance shall be maintained
by the facility for at least five years from the time the SVRS is purchased or
another approved system is installed.
2. An SVRS shall be installed in accordance
with the manufacturer's instructions.
3. An SVRS shall be tested for proper
function at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer, but at least once in
each month the swimming pool is operated. The date and result of each test
shall be recorded.
(4) In
lieu of compliance with subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3) above, a fully submerged
outlet in a swimming pool may be disabled with the approval of the department,
except that an equalizer in a skimmer may be plugged without department
approval. The management of the swimming pool shall submit to the department
information including, but not necessarily limited to:
1. The area and volume of the pool;
2. The functional areas of the pool and the
depths in those areas;
3. Detailed
information about the inlet system, including the location of the inlets, the
depth of the inlets, and the type of inlet fitting;
4. Detailed information about the overflow
system, gutter or skimmer, number of skimmers, and pipe sizes;
5. Pump information and flow rates for the
outlet system;
6. Filter type,
number of filters, the size of the filter(s), and whether multiple filters are
backwashed together or separately.
If the department approves the application to disable the
outlet, the outlet valve shall be closed and the valve secured by removing the
handle, by locking the handle closed, or by another method approved by the
department. The outlet may be physically disconnected from the pump system at
the option of the facility management.
i.
Surface finish and float
lines.
(1) The bottom and sides of a
swimming pool shall be white or a light color. This does not prohibit painting
or marking racing lines, stairs or turn targets with contrasting
colors.
(2) The swimming pool walls
and floor shall have a smooth surface to facilitate cleaning.
(3) The boundary between shallow and deep
water (5 ft) shall be marked by a float line with floats spaced no more than 5
ft apart. The float line shall be installed on the shallow side of the boundary
within 12 inches of the boundary. When the slope of the floor of a swimming
pool exceeds 1 ft vertical to 12 ft horizontal at a depth of less than 5 ft,
the float line shall be placed on the shallow side of the slope change within
12 inches of the slope change in lieu of a float line at the 5 ft
depth.
(4) A wave pool shall be
equipped with a float line with floats spaced no more than 5 ft apart. The
float line shall be located at least 6 ft from the deep-end wall. Users shall
not be permitted between the float line and the deep-end wall.
(5) The landing area for a swimming pool
slide or a water slide that terminates in a swimming pool shall be delineated
by a float line or as approved by the department.
A float line is not required when the landing area is in deep
water provided the distance between the slide and any diving board(s) meets the
requirements for diving board spacing. The distance between the side of the
slide at the slide's terminus and the swimming pool wall shall be in accordance
with the manufacturer's recommendations, but shall be at least 8 ft.
A float line is not required for a slide that is designed for
toddlers and young children and that terminates in water that is 2 ft deep or
less. The landing area shall be designated by a brightly colored pad securely
fastened to the floor of the swimming pool or by painting the floor at the end
of the slide.
j.
Depth marking.
(1) Depth
markers shall be painted or otherwise marked on the deck within 3 ft of the
edge of the swimming pool. The depth of a wave pool shall also be marked on the
side walls of the wave pool, above the maximum static water level, where the
depth is 3 ft or more, and on the deep-end wall of the wave pool. Depth markers
are not required at the zero-depth end of a wading pool, wave pool, or a
zero-depth swimming pool. Depth markers are not required at a plunge pool on
the flume discharge end or on the exit end if stairs are used for
exit.
(2) Depth markers shall be
located at 1-ft depth intervals, but not more than 25 ft apart measured between
the centers of the depth markers around the area of a swimming pool which has a
water depth of 5 ft or less.
(3)
Depth markers shall be located not more than 25 ft apart measured between the
centers of the depth markers around the deep end of the swimming pool. The
words "Deep Water" may be used in place of numerals.
(4) In lieu of subparagraph (2) above, the
maximum depth of a wading pool may be posted at each entrance to a wading pool
enclosure and at one conspicuous location inside the wading pool enclosure in
letters or numbers at least 3 inches high.
(5) The depth of a leisure river shall be
posted at the entrance(s) to the leisure river in characters at least 3 inches
high. The depth of the leisure river shall be marked on the side wall of the
leisure river above the static water level at intervals not to exceed 50 ft on
center. The depth of the leisure river shall be marked on the deck in the areas
where users are permitted. The depth markers shall be within 3 ft of the edge
of the leisure river at intervals not to exceed 25 ft on center. The depth
markers at a leisure river constructed before May 4, 2005, are not required to
be changed until the deck or channel structure is replaced or
repaired.
(6) "No Diving" or
equivalent wording or graphics shall be marked on the swimming pool deck within
3 ft of the edge of the swimming pool where the water is shallow and at other
pool areas determined by management. The markers shall be 25 ft apart or less,
center to center, around the perimeter of the area. This marking is not
required for wading pools or at the zero-depth end of a wave pool or of a
zero-depth swimming pool. "No Diving" or equivalent wording or graphics shall
be marked on the deck of a leisure river in areas where users are permitted.
The "No Diving" markers shall be within 3 ft of the edge of the leisure river
at intervals not to exceed 25 ft on center. The "No Diving" markers at a
leisure river constructed before May 4, 2005, are not required to be changed
until the deck or channel structure is replaced or repaired.
(7) Letters, numbers, and graphics marked on
the deck shall be slip-resistant, of a color contrasting with the deck and at
least 4 inches in height.
k.
Deck safety.
(1) Decks shall be maintained slip-resistant,
and free of litter, obstructions and tripping hazards.
(2) Glass objects, other than eyeglasses and
safety glass doors and partitions, shall not be permitted on the
deck.
(3) There shall be no
underwater or overhead projections or obstructions which would endanger swimmer
safety or interfere with proper swimming pool operation.
l.
Fencing.
(1) Except for a fill and drain wading pool,
a circulated wading pool that is drained when not in use, or a spray pad, a
swimming pool shall be enclosed by a fence, wall, building, or combination
thereof not less than 4 ft high. The enclosure shall be constructed of durable
materials.
(2) A fence, wall, or
other means of enclosure shall have no openings that would allow the passage of
a 4-inch sphere, and shall not be easily climbable by toddlers. The distance
between the ground and the top of the lowest horizontal support accessible from
outside the facility, or between the two lowest horizontal supports accessible
from outside the facility, shall be at least 45 inches. A horizontal support is
considered accessible if it is on the exterior of the fence relative to the
swimming pool, or if the gap between the vertical members of the fence is
greater than 11/4 inches.
(3) At
least one gate or door with an opening of at least 36 inches in width shall be
provided for emergency purposes. When closed, gates and doors shall comply with
the requirements of (2) above. Except where lifeguard or structured program
supervision is provided whenever the swimming pool is open, gates and doors
shall be self-closing and self-latching.
(4) If a wading pool is within 50 ft of a
swimming pool, the wading pool shall have a barrier at least 36 inches high
separating it from the swimming pool. A barrier installed after May 4, 2005,
shall have no openings that would allow the passage of a 4-inch sphere and
shall not be easily climbable by toddlers. The barrier shall have at least one
36-inch-wide gate or door. Gates and doors shall be lockable. Except where
lifeguard supervision is provided, gates and doors shall be self-closing and
self-latching.
The department may approve alternate management of the area
between the wading pool and swimming pool at a facility where lifeguards are
provided whenever the pools are open. The alternate management plan shall be in
writing and shall be at the facility when the pools are open.
(5) An indoor swimming pool shall be enclosed
by a barrier at least 3 ft high if there are sleeping rooms, hallways,
apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas which are used by
children and which open directly into the swimming pool area. No opening in the
barrier shall permit the passage of a 4-inch sphere. The barrier shall not be
easily climbable by toddlers. There shall be at least one 36-inch-wide gate or
door through the barrier. Gates and doors shall be lockable. Except where
lifeguard supervision is provided whenever the pool is open, gates and doors
shall be self-closing and self-latching.
(6) A wave pool shall have a continuous
barrier along the full length of each side of the wave pool. The barrier shall
be at least 42 inches high and be installed no more than 3 ft from the side of
the wave pool. Wave pool users shall not be permitted in this
area.
m.
Electrical.
(1) Electrical
outlets. Each electrical outlet in the deck, shower room, and pool water
treatment equipment areas shall be equipped with a properly installed ground
fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) at the outlet or at the breaker serving the
outlet. Electrical outlets energized through an ORP/pH controller are not
required to have a separate GFCI if the controller is equipped with a GFCI or
is energized through a GFCI breaker. GFCI receptacles and breakers shall be
tested at least once in each month that the swimming pool is in operation.
Testing dates and results shall be recorded in the pool records.
(2) Lighting.
1. Artificial lighting shall be provided at a
swimming pool which is to be used at night or which does not have adequate
natural lighting so that all portions of the swimming pool, including the
bottom and main drain, may be clearly seen.
2. Underwater lights and fixtures shall be
designed for their intended use. When the underwater lights operate at more
than 15 volts, the underwater light circuit shall be equipped with a GFCI. When
an underwater light needs to be repaired, the electricity shall be shut off
until repairs are completed.
3. For
outdoor swimming pools, no electrical wiring, except for overhead illumination,
shall extend over a swimming pool.
n.
Chlorine gas and carbon
dioxide.
(1) Chlorine gas feed
equipment and full and empty chlorine cylinders shall be housed in a room or
building used exclusively for that purpose during the pool operation season.
Chlorine gas installations constructed prior to March 14, 1990, that are housed
within chain-link fence or similar enclosure may be used provided that the
chlorine cylinders are protected from direct sunlight and the applicable
requirements below are met.
1. A chlorine gas
room or building shall have an airtight exhaust system which takes its suction
near the floor and discharges out of doors in a direction to minimize the
exposure to swimming pool patrons. The system shall provide one air change
every four minutes.
2. An air
intake shall be provided near the ceiling.
3. The exhaust fan shall be operated from a
switch in a nearby location outside the chlorine room or building. The switch
shall be clearly labeled "Chlorine Exhaust Fan."
4. The discharge from the exhaust system
shall be outside the pool enclosure.
5. Artificial lighting shall be provided in
the chlorine room or building.
6.
The door of a chlorine room or building shall be secured in an open position
whenever the room is occupied.
7. A
plastic bottle of commercial strength ammonia solution for leak detection shall
be provided.
8. Rooms or buildings
where chlorine is stored or used shall be placarded in accordance with
875-Chapter 140, Iowa Administrative Code.
(2) Chlorine and carbon dioxide
(CO2) cylinders.
1.
Chlorine gas and CO2 cylinders shall be individually
anchored with safety chains or straps.
2. Storage space shall be provided so that
chlorine cylinders are not subject to direct sunlight.
3. The chlorinator shall be designed to
prevent the backflow of water or moisture into the chlorine gas
cylinder.
4. An automatic shutoff
shall be provided to shut off the gas chlorinator and the pH control chemical
pump when the recirculation pump stops.
o.
Water slides.
(1) Water slide support structures shall be
free of obvious structural defects.
(2) The internal surface of a flume shall be
smooth and continuous for its entire length.
(3) The flume shall have no sharp edges
within reach of a user while the user is in the proper sliding
position.
(5)
Showers, dressing rooms, and sanitary facilities. Swimming
pool users shall have access to showers, dressing rooms, and sanitary
facilities that are clean and free of debris. If a bathhouse is provided, the
following shall be met:
a. Floors shall have
a slip-resistant surface.
b. Floors
shall provide adequate drainage to prevent standing water.
c. Olefin or other approved carpeting may be
used in locker room or dressing room areas provided there is an adequate drip
area between the carpeting and the shower room, toilet facilities, swimming
pool, or other area where water can accumulate.
d. All lavatories, showers, and sanitary
facilities shall be functional.
e.
Soap shall be available at each lavatory and at each indoor shower
fixture.
(6)
Management, notifications, and records.
a.
Certified operator
required. Each facility shall employ a certified operator. One
certified operator may be responsible for a maximum of three facilities.
Condominium associations, apartments and homeowners associations with 25 or
fewer living units are exempt from this requirement.
b.
Pool rules sign. A
legible pool rules sign shall be posted conspicuously at a minimum of two
locations within the swimming pool enclosure. The sign shall include the
following stipulations:
(1) No diving in the
shallow end of the swimming pool and in other areas marked "No
Diving."
(2) No rough play in or
around the swimming pool.
(3) No
running on the deck.
c.
Other rules. Management may adopt and post such other rules as
it deems necessary to provide for user safety and the proper operation of the
facility.
d.
"No Lifeguard"
signs. Where lifeguards are not provided whenever the pool is open, a
sign shall be posted at each entry to a swimming pool or a wading pool.
(1) The sign(s) at a swimming pool shall
state that lifeguards are not on duty and children under the age of 12 must be
accompanied by an adult.
(2) The
sign(s) at a wading pool shall state that lifeguards are not on duty and
children must be accompanied by an adult.
e.
Water slide rules. Rules
and restrictions for the use of a water slide shall be posted near the slide.
The rules shall address the following as applicable:
(1) Use limits.
(2) Attire.
(3) Riding restrictions.
(4) Water depth at exit.
(5) Special rules to accommodate unique
aspects of the attraction.
(6)
Special warnings about the relative degree of difficulty.
f.
Operational records. The
operator of a swimming pool shall have the swimming pool operational records
for the previous 12 months at the facility and shall make these records
available when requested by a swimming pool inspector. These records shall
contain a day-by-day account of swimming pool operation, including:
(1) ORP and pH readings, results of pH, free
chlorine or total bromine residual, cyanuric acid, total alkalinity, combined
chlorine, and calcium hardness tests, and any other chemical test
results.
(2) Results of
microbiological analyses.
(3)
Reports of complaints, accidents, injuries, and illness.
(4) Dates and quantities of chemical
additions, including resupply of chemical feed systems.
(5) Dates when filters were backwashed or
cleaned or when a filter cartridge was changed.
(6) Monthly ground fault circuit interrupter
test results.
(7) Dates of review
of material safety data sheets.
(8)
If applicable, dates and results of tests of each SVRS installed at a
facility.
g.
Submission of records. An inspection agency may require a
facility operator to submit to the inspection agency on a monthly basis a copy
of the records of the ORP and pH readings, chemical test results and
microbiological analyses. The inspection agency shall notify the facility
management of this requirement in writing at least 15 days before the reports
are to be submitted for the first time. The facility management shall submit
the required reports to the inspection agency within 10 days after the end of
each month of operation.
h.
Certificates. Copies of certified operator certificates and
copies of lifeguard, first-aid, basic water rescue, and CPR certificates for
the facility staff shall be kept at the facility.
i.
Operations manual. A
permanent manual for the operation of the swimming pool shall be kept at the
facility. The manual shall include instructions for routine operations at the
swimming pool including, but not necessarily limited to:
(1) Water testing procedures, including the
required frequency of testing.
(2)
Maintaining the chemical supply for the chemical feed systems.
(3) Filter backwash or cleaning.
(4) Vacuuming and cleaning the swimming
pool.
(5)
Superchlorination.
(6) Controller
sensor maintenance, where applicable.
j.
Schematic drawing. A
schematic drawing of the pool recirculation system shall be posted in the
swimming pool filter room or shall be in the operations manual. Clear labeling
of the swimming pool piping with flow direction and water status (unfiltered,
treated, backwash) may be substituted for the schematic drawing.
k.
Material safety data
sheets. Copies of material safety data sheets (MSDS) of the chemicals
used at the swimming pool shall be kept at the facility in a location known and
readily accessible to facility staff with chemical-handling responsibilities.
Each member of the facility staff with chemical-handling responsibilities shall
review the MSDS at least annually. The facility management shall retain records
of the MSDS reviews at the facility and shall make the records available upon
request by a swimming pool inspector.
l.
Emergency plan. The
facility management shall develop a written emergency plan. The plan shall
include, but may not be limited to, actions to be taken in cases of drowning,
serious illness or injury, chemical-handling accidents, weather emergencies,
and other serious incidents. The emergency plan shall be reviewed with the
facility staff at least once a year, and the dates of review or training shall
be recorded in the pool records. The written emergency plan shall be kept at
the facility and shall be available to a swimming pool inspector upon
request.
m.
Lifeguard
staffing plan. The lifeguard/program staffing plan for the facility
shall be available to the swimming pool inspector at the facility. The plan
shall include staffing assignments for all programs conducted at the
pool.
n.
Residential
swimming pools used for commercial purposes. A residential swimming
pool that is used for commercial purposes shall be subject to the following
requirements:
(1) The owner of a residential
swimming pool that is used for commercial purposes shall register the swimming
pool with the department in accordance with
641-15.9 (135I), except that no
registration fee is required.
(2)
The recirculation system of the swimming pool shall be operating whenever the
swimming pool is used for commercial purposes.
(3) The owner or the owner's representative
shall test the swimming pool water for the free chlorine or the total bromine
residual prior to and after each commercial use of the swimming pool. The owner
or the owner's representative shall test the swimming pool water for pH and
cyanuric acid (if applicable) at least once in each day that the swimming pool
is used for commercial purposes. The test results shall be recorded. The
records shall be made available to a swimming pool inspector upon
request.
(4) The owner or the
owner's representative shall test the swimming pool water for total alkalinity
and calcium hardness at least once in each month that the swimming pool is used
for commercial purposes. The test results shall be recorded. The records shall
be made available to a swimming pool inspector upon request.
(5) During commercial use of a residential
swimming pool, the chlorine or bromine residual shall meet the requirements of
15.4(2)"a." The pH shall meet the requirements of
15.4(2)"b." If an alternative disinfectant is used, the
residual shall be maintained as recommended by the manufacturer of the product.
The operational range specified by the manufacturer for an alternative
disinfectant shall be written in the pool records.
(6) The swimming pool shall be inspected at
least annually by the local inspection agency. The inspection shall be limited
to a review of the records and a survey of the swimming pool for sanitation and
obvious safety hazards.
(7)
Reports. Swimming pool
and spa operators shall report to the local inspection agency, within one
business day of occurrence, all deaths; near drowning incidents; head, neck,
and spinal cord injuries; and any injury which renders a person unconscious or
requires immediate medical attention.