Iowa Administrative Code
Agency 641 - Public Health Department
Chapter 15 - Swimming Pools and Spas
Rule 641-15.51 - Spa Operations

(1) Each filter cartridge shall be replaced with a new, unused, or cleaned and disinfected filter cartridge in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for pressure rise at the inlet of the filter, but at least once a month. If a functioning pressure gauge is not present at the filter inlet, the filter cartridge(s) shall be replaced whenever the spa is drained and at least every two weeks. Filter cartridge replacements shall be recorded in the spa records.

(2) Each sand filter serving a spa shall be opened at least annually and the sand media examined for grease buildup, channeling and other deficiencies. The sand shall be cleaned and disinfected before the filter is put back into service. The annual inspection shall be recorded in the spa records.

(3) Each diatomaceous earth filter serving a spa shall be dismantled, and the filter socks and the interior of the filter shall be cleaned and disinfected at least annually. The annual cleaning shall be recorded in the spa records.

(4) 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.

(1) Each skimmer shall have a self-adjusting weir in place and operational.

(2) Each skimmer shall have an easily removable basket or screen upstream from any valve.

(1) Water supplied to a spa shall be discharged to the spa 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.

(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.

(1) Spa water shall have a free chlorine residual of at least 2.0 ppm and no greater than 8.0 ppm, or a total bromine residual of at least 4.0 ppm and no greater than 18 ppm when the spa is open for use, except as given in Table 12.

(2) A spa shall be closed if the free chlorine is measured to be less than 1.0 ppm or the total bromine is measured to be less than 2.0 ppm.

(3) The spa 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 12.

(4) If an ORP controller with a readout meeting the requirements of 15.51(2)"f" (4) is installed on the spa system, the spa water shall have an ORP of at least 700 mV, but no greater than 880 mV, except as given in Table 12. The spa shall be closed if the ORP is less than 650 mV or greater than 880 mV.

(5) The spa shall be closed if the cyanuric acid concentration in the spa water exceeds 80 ppm. The spa may be reopened when the cyanuric acid concentration is 40 ppm or less.

(6) No cyanuric acid shall be added to an indoor spa 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 spa after June 30, 2008.

Table 12

#If these conditions occur on any 3 consecutive days or on any 5 days within a 7-day period, and the conditions reoccur after the spa is drained and cleaned, 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 spa. 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 spa records.

[DAGGER]If these conditions occur on any 2 consecutive days or on any 4 days within a 7-day period, the facility management shall drain and clean the spa and notify the inspection agency. If the conditions reoccur after the spa is drained and cleaned, the facility management shall cause the conditions at the spa 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, spa water parameters, spa 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.

(1) If coliform or Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are detected in a sample taken in accordance with 15.51(2)"e" (8), the spa shall be drained, cleaned, and disinfected. The spa may reopen, and a check sample shall be taken when the spa water meets the requirements of paragraphs "a," "b" and "c" above. If coliform or Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are detected in the check sample, the spa shall be closed. The spa shall be drained, physically cleaned, and disinfected. The filter(s) shall be cleaned and disinfected.

(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.

(1) The disinfectant residual in the spa water shall be tested or the ORP of the spa water shall be checked each day before the spa is opened for use and at intervals not to exceed two hours thereafter until the spa closing time. For a spa at a condominium complex, an apartment building or a homeowners association with 25 or fewer living units, the disinfectant level in the spa water shall be tested or the ORP of the spa water shall be checked at least twice each day the spa is available for use.

If the spa is equipped with an automatic controller with a readout or local printout of ORP complying with the requirements of 15.51(2)"f" (4), the operator may make visual readings of ORP in lieu of manual testing, but the spa 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 spa records which results are from the manual tests.

(2) The pH of the spa water shall be tested each day before the spa is opened for use and at intervals not to exceed two hours thereafter until the spa closing time. For a spa at a condominium complex, an apartment building or a homeowners association with 25 or fewer living units, the pH of the spa water shall be tested at least twice each day the spa is available for use.

If the spa is equipped with an automatic controller with a readout or local printout of pH complying with the requirements of 15.51(2)"f" (5), the operator may make visual readings of pH in lieu of manual testing, but the spa water shall be tested manually for pH at least twice per day. The operator shall specify in the spa records which results are from the manual tests.

(3) The spa water temperature shall be measured whenever a manual test of the spa water is performed.

(4) If a chlorine compound is used for disinfection, the spa water shall be tested for combined chlorine at least once a day.

(5) If cyanuric acid or a stabilized chlorine is used in a spa, the spa water shall be tested for cyanuric acid at least once a day.

(6) The spa water shall be tested for total alkalinity each time the spa is refilled and at least once in each week that the spa is open for use.

(7) The spa water shall be tested for calcium hardness each time the spa is refilled.

(8) At least once in each month that a spa is open for use, a sample of the spa water shall be submitted 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 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

(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 spa 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 range at least as required in 15.51(2)"f" (3) with increments of 0.2 or less over the full range.

(1) Equipment for continuous feed of a chlorine or bromine compound to the spa 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) The disinfectant equipment shall be capable of providing at least 10 ppm of chlorine or bromine to the spa water based on the recirculation flow rate.

(3) Equipment and piping used to apply any chemicals to the water shall be of such size, design, and material that they may be cleaned. All material used for such equipment and piping shall be resistant to the action of chemicals to be used.

(4) The use of chlorine gas is prohibited.

(1) A spa shall be clean.

(2) A spa containing 500 gal of water or less shall be drained, cleaned and refilled a minimum of once a week. A spa containing over 500 gal to 2000 gal of water shall be drained, cleaned and refilled a minimum of one time every two weeks. A spa with a water volume greater than 2000 gal shall be drained, cleaned and refilled a minimum of one time every three weeks.

The department may permit a longer period between refills for spas over 2000 gal upon evaluation of the use of the spa. Such permission shall be in writing, and a copy shall be available to an inspector upon request.

(3) The inspection agency may require that a spa be drained, cleaned, and superchlorinated prior to further usage.

(1) No disinfectant chemical, pH control chemical, algaecide, shock treatment chemical, or any other chemical that is toxic or irritating to humans shall be added to a spa over the top when the spa is occupied. If chemicals are added to the spa over the top, the spa shall not be occupied for a period of at least 30 minutes. The operator shall test the spa water as appropriate before allowing use of the spa. The chemical addition and the test results shall be recorded in the spa records.

(2) Spa chemicals shall be stored and handled in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(3) Material safety data sheets (MSDS) for the chemicals used in the spa shall be at the facility in a location known and readily accessible to the facility staff.

(4) Chemical 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.

(1) When the top rim of a spa is more than 24 inches above the surrounding floor area, stairs or a ramp shall be provided to the top of the spa.

(2) Stairs, ladders, ladder rungs, and ramps shall be slip-resistant.

(3) Where stairs and ramps are provided, they shall be equipped with a handrail.

(4) Ladders and handrails shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials or provided with corrosion-resistant coatings. They shall have no exposed sharp edges.

(5) Ladders, handrails and grabrails shall be securely anchored.

(1) A thermometer shall be available to measure temperatures in the range of 80° to 120°F.

(2) Water temperature controls shall be accessible only to the spa operator.

(1) For a spa constructed prior to May 13, 1998, each pump that draws water directly from a fully submerged outlet shall be connected to two or more outlets or a single outlet with an area of at least 144 in2.

(2) 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.

(3) A spa 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 spa 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 spa is considered to have a single fully submerged outlet.

(4) A spa 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.

(5) In lieu of compliance with subparagraphs (2), (3) and (4) above, a fully submerged outlet in a spa 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 spa shall submit to the department information including, but not necessarily limited to:

(1) The deck shall have a slip-resistant surface.

(2) The deck shall be clean and free of debris.

(3) A hose bib shall be provided for flushing or cleaning of the deck.

(4) Glass objects, other than eyeglasses and safety glass doors and partitions, shall not be permitted on the deck.

(1) 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. Ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles and breakers shall be tested at least once in each month the spa is operating. Test dates and results shall be recorded in the spa records.

(2) There shall be no outlets located on, or within 5 ft of, the inside wall of a spa.

(3) An air switch within reach of persons in the spa and its connecting tube shall be constructed of materials that do not conduct electricity.

(4) Lighting.

(1) A spa shall be enclosed by a fence, wall, building, or combination thereof not less than 4 ft high. The spa enclosure shall be constructed of durable materials. A spa may be in the same room or enclosure as another spa or a swimming pool.

(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 spa, or if the gap between the vertical members of the fence is greater than 13/4 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. Gates and doors shall be lockable. Except where lifeguard supervision is provided whenever the spa is open, gates and doors shall be self-closing and self-latching.

(4) If there are sleeping rooms, apartments, condominiums, or permanent recreation areas which are used by children and which open directly into the spa area, the spa shall be enclosed by a barrier at least 3 ft high. 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 spa is open, gates and doors provided shall be self-closing and self-latching.

(1) Persons with a medical condition, including pregnancy, should not use the spa without first consulting with a physician.

(2) Anyone having a contagious disease shall not use the spa.

(3) Persons shall not use the spa immediately following exercise or while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or other drugs.

(4) Persons shall not use the spa alone or without supervision.

(5) Children shall be accompanied by an adult.

(6) Persons shall not use the spa longer than ten minutes.

(7) No one shall dive or jump into the spa.

(8) The maximum patron load of the spa. (The maximum patron load of a spa is one individual per 2 lineal ft of inner edge of seat or bench.)

(1) ORP and pH readings, results of pH, free chlorine or total bromine residual, cyanuric acid (if used), combined chlorine, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness tests, and any other chemical test results.

(2) Results of microbiological analyses.

(3) Water temperature measurements.

(4) Reports of complaints, accidents, injuries, or illnesses.

(5) Dates and quantities of chemical additions, including resupply of chemical feed systems.

(6) Dates when filters were backwashed or cleaned or a filter cartridge(s) was changed.

(7) Draining and cleaning of spa.

(8) Dates when ground fault circuit interrupter receptacles or circuit breakers were tested.

(9) Dates of review of material safety data sheets.

(10) If applicable, dates and results of tests of each SVRS installed at a facility.

(1) Maintaining the chemical supply for the chemical feed systems.

(2) Filter backwash or cleaning.

(3) Water testing procedures, including the required frequency of testing.

(4) Procedures for draining, cleaning and refilling the spa, including chemical adjustments and controller adjustments.

(5) Controller sensor maintenance, where applicable.

(6) Superchlorination.

(1) A person offering temporary spas for rent shall be a certified operator.

(2) Records of temporary spas shall be maintained for one year which identify the location of all installations.

(3) Written operational instructions shall be provided to individuals operating or leasing a spa. The instructions shall be consistent with this chapter and provide guidance in the following areas: