Code of Massachusetts Regulations
105 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Title 105 CMR 435.000 - Minimum Standards For Swimming Pools (state Sanitary Code: Chapter V)
Construction
Section 435.03 - Bathhouse and Sanitary Facilities

Universal Citation: 105 CMR 435.000 MA Code of Regs 435.03

Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

(1) The operator shall provide for each sex adequate and separate dressing and sanitary facilities located adjacent to every public swimming pool. Rooms shall be of ample size and well lighted, drained, ventilated, and so planned and constructed that good sanitation can be maintained throughout the building at all times. Bathers shall be so routed that the crossing of street shoes and wet barefoot traffic is kept to a minimum. In general, impervious materials and light colors should be used throughout.

(2) The operator of a public swimming pool shall provide showers and shall furnish hot and cold water. The minimum number of showers shall be one for each 40 bathers based on the maximum bather load, (see 105 CMR 435.27) .

(3) The operator of a public swimming pool shall provide and shall maintain in a sanitary condition, for each sex, at least one water closet at convenient locations for each 40 bathers. One additional water closet shall be provided for each additional 40 bathers. For males, urinals may be substituted for up to one third of the number of water closets required. Toilets for the use of spectators shall be separated from those provided for bathers and shall be located outside the area used by bathers.

(4) The operator of a public swimming pool shall provide and shall maintain in a sanitary condition washbasins adjacent to all water closets in the proportion of at least one basin for each 60 bathers, based on the maximum bather load.

(5) The operator shall provide hose connections for flushing down the dressing rooms, bathhouse interior, and outside pool decks. It is recommended that hot water be provided at indoor pools.

(6) The operator shall provide a room designated and equipped for the emergency care of sick or injured bathers at a public swimming pool. The location of such a room shall be approved by the Board of Health. Minimum equipment shall include a cot and blanket.

(7) The operator shall provide adequate storage space for janitorial equipment and supplies and instructional equipment.

(8) The operator shall be responsible for maintaining adequate lighting in all parts of the bathhouse, toilets, pool area and pool water by sunlight or artificial lighting, or both, under all conditions of pool use. Arrangements and design of lighting shall allow lifeguards and attendants to see clearly every part of the pool, walkway, spring boards, and other appurtenances without being blinded by the lights. All lighting, including underwater pool lighting, shall be so installed to prevent glare and maintained as not to create a hazard.

(9) When provided, heating units shall be so installed as to present no hazard to bathers.

(10) All rooms housing indoor swimming pools and all bathhouses dressing rooms, shower rooms, and toilets at both indoor and outdoor pools shall be properly and adequately ventilated.

(11) Attention should be given to acoustical properties of rooms housing indoor swimming pools and bathhouses. The design and materials used in the construction should reduce reverberation of sound, so that a lifeguard's voice or a call for help may be easily heard.

(12) The operator of every swimming pool, wading or special purpose pool shall provide and maintain adequate enclosures to prevent animals and unauthorized persons from entering the pool area.

(a) All outdoor in ground swimming, wading or special purpose pools constructed before October 2, 1975 shall be enclosed by a firmly secured fence of at least four feet in height. All gates into the pool area shall be self-latching with latches placed four feet above ground level or otherwise made inaccessible to children up to eight years of age.

(b) All outdoor in ground swimming, wadingor special purpose pools constructed after October 2, 1975 shall be enclosed by a fence six feet in height and firmly secured at ground level provided that any board or stockade fence or structure shall be at least five feet in height, but if over five feet in height, the fence shall be chain link. Such enclosure, including gates therein, shall not be less than six feet above the ground, and any gate shall be self-latching with latches placed four feet above the ground or otherwise made inaccessible from the outside to children up to eight years of age. Such enclosure shall be constructed of such material and maintained so as not to permit any opening in said enclosure, other than a gate, wider than three inches at any point along the enclosure. (M.G.L. c. 140, § 206)

(c) All indoor swimming pools shall be enclosed by a barrier which shall extend not less than four feet above the ground. Such enclosure shall be constructed of such material and maintained so as notto permit any opening in said enclosure, other than a gate or door, wider than three inches along the enclosure. All gates and doors in the pool enclosure shall be self-closing and self-latching with latches placed at least four feet above the ground.

(d) Access to every public swimming pool by bathers shall be provided only through the bathhouse facilities.

(13) The operator shall provide sanitary drinking water facilities in accordance with 310 CMR 22.00: Drinking Water.

(14) The operator of a public swimming pool shall provide the following in association with the required toilets, showers and washbasins:

(a) Toilet paper holders, supplied with paper shall be provided at each toilet.

(b) Suitable receptacles shall be provided for paper towels and other waste materials. Such receptacles in toilet rooms for women shall be covered.

(c) Common towels shall not be permitted.

(d) Soap dispensers providing either liquid or powdered soap shall be located at each washbasin. The dispenser must be shatter-proof with no glass permitted in these units.

(e) If mirrors are provided they shall be unbreakable or of safety glass.

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