Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 39, September 25, 2024
1.1
Swimming pool shall mean a man-made structure, together with
buildings and appurtenances used in connection therewith, intended for bathing,
swimming or diving purposes, made of concrete, masonry, metal or other
impervious material, located either indoors or outdoors, and provided with a
controlled water supply.
1.2
Spa pool shall mean a swimming pool, primarily designed for
therapeutic use or relaxation, which is normally not drained, cleaned or
refilled for each individual. It may include, but is not limited to, hydrojet
circulation, hot water, cold water, mineral bath, air induction, bubbles or any
combination thereof. Spa pools are shallow in depth and not designed for
swimming or diving use.
1.3
Uniform Code shall mean the New York State Uniform Fire
Prevention and Building Code, 9 NYCRR Subtitle S, Chapter I.
1.4
Adequate shall mean
sufficient to accomplish the purpose for which something is intended, and to
such a degree that no unreasonable risk to health or safety is presented. An
item installed, maintained, designed and assembled, an activity conducted or
act performed, in accordance with generally accepted standards, principles or
practices applicable to a particular trade, business, occupation or profession,
is adequate within the meaning of this Subpart.
2.1 General. All
plans shall be prepared by a person licensed by the State of New York to
practice engineering or architecture. All construction shall comply with the
requirements of the Uniform Code. It is desirable that preliminary plans,
specifications and an engineer's design report be submitted for review prior to
the preparation of final plans. Plans, specifications and reports submitted for
formal approval must contain sufficient information to demonstrate to the
reviewing authority that the proposed swimming pool, or improvements thereto,
will meet the standards contained herein and shall include, but not be limited
to, those factors hereinafter set forth in items 2.2.1 through 2.2.7,
inclusive.
2.2 Basis of design
report.
2.2.1 Swimming pool perimeter, area
and volume.
2.2.2 Flow rate,
turnover and filtration rate.
2.2.3
Anticipated swimmer load (maximum and average).
2.2.4 Source, quality, quantity available and
characteristics of water supply, including alkalinity, pH, iron and
manganese.
2.2.5 Detailed
description of filtration, recirculation equipment and chemical feed
equipment.
2.2.6 Hydraulic
computations, including head loss in all piping and recirculation
equipment.
2.2.7 Pump curves,
showing that the proposed recirculation pump can adequately pump proposed
flows.
2.3 Plans and
specifications.
2.3.1 General layout plan.
2.3.1.1 Name and address of the proposed
facility and the name and address of the owner.
2.3.1.2 Scale, north point and direction of
prevailing wind.
2.3.1.3 Date,
address, name, professional seal and signature of the designing engineer or
architect.
2.3.1.4 A plot plan of
the property to be used, indicating the topography, the arrangement and
location of present and proposed structures, and the location of present and
proposed swimming pool.
2.3.2 Detailed plans. All detailed plans
shall be drawn to a suitable scale and include the following information:
2.3.2.1 Complete construction details,
including dimensions, elevations and appropriate cross-sections.
2.3.2.2 Schematic diagrams and plan and
elevation views of the pool water treatment and recirculation system.
2.3.2.3 Size and location of all piping,
including elevations.
2.3.3 Specifications. Complete, detailed
specifications for the construction of the swimming pool, bathhouse,
recirculation system, filtration facilities, disinfection equipment and all
other appurtenances shown on detailed plans shall be submitted.
3.1 Designation of
areas. For purposes of computing patron use within the pool enclosure, those
portions of the swimming pool five feet or less in depth shall be designated
the "shallow area." Those portions of the swimming pool over five feet in depth
shall be designated the "deep area."
3.2 Design bather capacity.
3.2.1 Shallow area. Fifteen square feet of
pool water surface area shall be provided for each patron.
3.2.2 Deep area. Twenty-five square feet of
pool water surface area shall be provided for each patron.
3.2.3 Diving area. Three hundred square feet
of pool water surface area shall be reserved around each diving board or diving
platform, and this area shall not be included in computing the permissible
patron use.
3.2.4 Spa pools. Ten
square feet per person shall be provided for each patron.
3.3 Excess deck allowance. Additional
allowance will be made on the basis of one additional patron allowed per each
50 square feet of pool deck in excess of the minimum area of deck required in
item 5.9 of this section.
4.0
Construction material.
4.1 Materials. Swimming pools shall be
constructed of materials which are inert, stable, nontoxic, watertight and
enduring. Sand or earth bottoms or unlined wooden tubs are not
permitted.
4.2 Corners. All corners
formed by intersection of pool walls and floor shall be rounded.
4.3 Finish. Pool bottom and sides must be
white or a light color with a smooth and easily cleanable surface.
5.0
Design, detail and structural
stability. All swimming pools shall be designed and constructed to
withstand all anticipated loading for both full and empty conditions. A
hydrostatic relief valve and/or a suitable underdrain system shall be provided.
The designing architect or engineer shall be responsible for certifying the
structural stability and safety of the pool during full and empty
conditions.
5.1 Shape. The shape of
any swimming pool shall be such that the circulation of pool water and control
of swimmers' safety are not impaired. There shall be no underwater or overhead
projections or obstructions which would endanger patron safety or interfere
with pool operation.
5.2 Minimum
depth. The minimum depth of water in the pool shall be three feet, except for
special-purpose and wading pools.
5.3 Bottom slope. The bottom of the pool
shall slope toward the main drain. The slope in water depths less than five
feet shall not exceed 1 foot vertical to 12 feet horizontal.
5.4 Area marked. The boundary line between
the shallow and deep areas shall be marked with a four-inch stripe of
contrasting color on the floor and walls of the pool, and by a safety rope and
floats equipped with float keepers. Ledges and step edges shall also be marked
with a four-inch stripe of contrasting color.
5.5 Pool walls. Walls of a swimming pool
shall be either:
(1) vertical for a distance
of at least six feet; or
(2)
vertical for a distance of at least three feet below the water level; below
which the wall may be curved to the bottom with a radius not greater than the
difference between the depth at that point and three feet; provided that
vertical is interpreted to permit slopes not greater than one
foot horizontal for each five feet of depth of sidewall (11 degrees from
vertical).
5.5.1 Ledges. Ledges shall not
extend into the pool unless they are essential for support of the upper wall
construction.
5.6 Diving areas. The minimum dimensions of
the swimming pool and appurtenances in the diving area shall conform to Table 1
of this section. Pools designed for competitive diving can upon application
utilize nationally recognized competitive design standards.
TABLE 1
MINIMUM DIMENSIONS FOR POOLS WITH DIVING EQUIPMENT
Click
to view image
Note:
Minimum depth of five feet must be maintained when a wall
terminates pool area opposite diving boards. Otherwise, the specified shallow
area floor slope may be used to shallow end.
|
Minimum
dimensions |
| Max. board height over water
|
board length
Max.
diving |
D |
L1 |
L2 |
Pool width
|
| 263
(2/3 meter) |
10' |
8'6" |
2'6" |
10'0" |
20'0" |
| 303 (3/4 meter) |
12' |
9'0" |
3'0" |
10'0" |
20'0" |
| 1 meter |
16' |
11'0" |
4'0" |
20'0" |
20'0" |
| 3 meters |
16' |
12'0" |
6'0" |
20'0" |
24'0" |
Placement of boards shall observe the following minimum
dimensions. With multiple board installations, minimum pool widths must be
increased accordingly.
1 meter or less-Board to pool side 10'0" . ......
3 meters-Board to pool side 12'0" . ......
Distance between adjacent boards 10'0" . ......
5.6.1 Headroom. There shall be a completely
unobstructed clear distance of 16 feet above the diving board, measured from
the center of the front end of the board. This area shall extend at least eight
feet behind, eight feet to each side, and 16 feet ahead of the measuring
point.
5.6.2 Diving boards and
platforms. The use of diving boards and platforms in excess of three meters in
height must be based on a design that adequately addresses the special safety
considerations associated with such devices.
5.6.3 Steps and guardrails for diving boards.
Supports, platforms and steps for diving boards shall be of substantial
construction and of sufficient structural strength to safely carry the maximum
anticipated loads. Steps shall be of corrosion-resistant material, easily
cleanable and of nonslip design. Handrails shall be provided at all steps and
ladders leading to diving boards one meter or more above the water. The
guardrails shall be 30 inches high, extending at least to the edge of the
water.
5.7 Deck slides.
All swimming pool slides, which may be installed at a swimming pool, shall be
labeled to show compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission or other generally acceptable standards that will provide
adequate protection for public health and safety.
5.7.1 Depth. The bottom of any slide must
discharge into a minimum water depth of four feet.
5.8 Ladders, recessed steps and stairs.
5.8.1 Location. Recessed steps, ladders or
stairs shall be provided at the shallow and deep ends. Recessed steps or
ladders shall be provided in the deep portion. If the pool is over 30 feet
wide, such steps, ladders or stairs shall be installed on each side.
5.8.2 Ladders. Pool ladders shall be
corrosion-resistant and shall be equipped with nonslip treads. All ladders
shall be so designed as to provide a handhold. There shall be a clearance of
not more than six inches nor less than three inches between any ladder and the
pool wall.
5.8.3 Recessed steps.
Recessed steps shall be readily cleanable and shall be arranged to drain into
the pool. Recessed steps shall have a minimum tread of 5 inches and a minimum
width of 14 inches.
5.8.4
Handrails. Where recessed steps or ladders are provided, there shall be a
handrail at the top of each side thereof extending over the coping or edge of
the deck.
5.8.5 Stairs. Where
stairs are provided, they shall be located diagonally in a corner of the pool
or be recessed. They shall be equipped with a handrail. Stairs shall be of
nonslip design, have a minimum tread of 12 inches and a maximum rise of 10
inches.
5.9 Decks. A
continuous clear deck shall surround the entire pool perimeter. It shall be not
less than five feet wide. The deck shall be of a uniform, easily cleaned,
impervious material and be protected from surface runoff. Where diving boards
or slides are installed, a clear deck of not less than five feet shall be
provided behind the diving boards or slides.
5.9.1 Slope. The deck shall be sloped at
least one-fourth inch per foot to deck drains or grades.
5.9.2 Drainage. Deck drains, when used, shall
be spaced and arranged so that not more than 400 square feet of area is
tributary to each drain, and drains shall not be spaced more than 25 feet
apart. There shall be no direct connection between the pool deck drains and the
sanitary sewer system, or the pool gutter or recirculation system.
5.9.3 Roll-out gutters. If the pool is
equipped with roll-out deck level gutters, not more than five feet of deck
shall be sloped toward the gutters.
5.9.4 Carpeting. Carpeting shall not be
permitted on pool decks unless the carpet contains a label indicating it
complies with the National Sanitation Foundation Standards or other standards
that will provide adequate protection for public health and safety.
5.9.5 Hose bibbs. Hose bibbs shall be
provided to facilitate flushing of the deck areas and shall be provided with
antisiphonage devices.
5.9.6
Spectator areas. There shall be an effective separation between spectator areas
and swimmer areas.
5.9.7 Food
concessions. There shall be a separation between areas where food and drink are
served and areas used by pool patrons.
5.10 Fencing. All swimming pools, including
wading pools, shall be provided with an enclosure which shall comply with the
following:
5.10.1 Shall be at least four feet
in height and have a maximum vertical clearance to grade of two
inches.
5.10.2 Where a picket-type
fence is provided, horizontal openings between pickets shall not exceed four
inches.
5.10.3 Where a chain-link
fence is provided, the openings between links shall not exceed \
inches.
5.10.4 Enclosure shall be
constructed so as not to provide footholds.
5.10.5 Pickets and chain-link twists shall
extend above the upper horizontal bar.
5.10.6 Such enclosure shall have railings and
posts within the enclosure, which shall be capable of resisting a minimum
lateral load of 150 pounds applied midway between posts and at top of posts,
respectively. Enclosures, fence material or fabric shall be capable of
withstanding a concentrated lateral load of 50 pounds applied anywhere between
supports on an area 12 inches square, without failure or permanent deformation.
Gates provided in the enclosure shall be self-closing and self-latching, with
the latch handle located within the enclosure and at least 40 inches above
grade.
5.10.7 A wall of a multiple
dwelling is permitted to serve as part of the enclosure, provided that there is
no direct access from the dwelling to the pool.
6.0
Safety
requirements.
6.1 Depth
markings.
6.1.1 Location of depth markings.
Depth of water shall be plainly marked at or above the water surface on the
vertical pool wall and/or on the edge of the deck at maximum and minimum points
and at break between the deep and shallow portions, and at intermediate
two-foot increments of depth, spaced at not more than 25-foot intervals.
Markings shall be on both sides and ends of the pool. Where depth markings
cannot be placed on the vertical walls above the water level, other means shall
be used so that the markings will be plainly visible to persons in the pool.
Water depth shall be measured at a point three feet from the pool
wall.
6.1.2 Size of depth markings.
Depth markings shall be in numerals of four-inch minimum height, followed by
the words "foot depth" or "feet deep," and with color contrasting with
background. Depth markers must be of durable material and permanently
installed.
6.2 Lifeguard
chairs. Elevated lifeguard chairs shall be provided at all pools having an area
greater than 2,000 square feet that provide Supervision Level IIa or IIb
aquatic supervisory staff. One elevated lifeguard chair is required for each
3,400 square feet of pool surface area or fraction thereof. Chairs should be
placed in locations which will eliminate sun glare on the water, and in
positions which will give complete coverage of the pool area under
surveillance.
6.3 Lifesaving
equipment. Lifesaving equipment shall be provided as required in section
6-1.23(b) of this
Subpart.
6.4 First aid room.
Swimming pools with a surface area in excess of 4,000 square feet shall have a
readily accessible room or area designated and equipped for emergency
care.
6.5 Emergency exit. An
emergency exit from the pool room shall be provided. All exits should be
clearly marked.
7.0
Lighting, electrical, ventilation requirements.
7.1 Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be
provided at all swimming pools which are to be used at night, or which do not
have adequate natural lighting, so that all portions of the pool, including the
bottom, may be readily seen without glare.
7.1.1 Water surface. Overhead illumination on
the water surface shall be a minimum of 30 foot-candles when underwater
lighting as specified in item 7.1.2 is provided. Without underwater lighting, a
minimum illumination of 50 foot-candles on the water surface shall be
provided.
7.1.2 Underwater. When
underwater lighting is used, not less than 0.5 watt per square foot of swimming
pool water surface shall be provided.
7.1.3 Decks. A minimum of 50 foot-candles
should be provided at deck level of competition pools.
7.1.4 Emergency lighting. All indoor pools
where night swimming is permitted, and indoor pools where no natural light is
present shall be provided with an adequate emergency lighting service. For
outdoor pools, a portable battery-powered light source is acceptable and shall
be adequate and maintained to facilitate swimming pool evacuation.
7.1.5 Equipment rooms. All swimming pool
equipment and chemical storage rooms shall be provided with artificial lighting
sufficient to illuminate all equipment and supplies.
7.2 Electrical.
7.2.1 Wiring shall conform to the Uniform
Code and the requirements of the appropriate regulatory agency. A certificate
shall be submitted for all new electrical work.
7.2.1.1 Overhead clearance. No electrical
wiring shall pass overhead within a 20-foot horizontal distance of the
pool.
7.2.2 Electrical
receptacles. Ground-fault circuit interrupters shall be provided on all pools,
for all lighting and other electrical circuits in the area of the pool. These
devices may be required in an existing pool, when the permit-issuing official
determines it is necessary to protect the safety of bathers.
7.2.3 Grounding. Each underwater light shall
be individually grounded by means of an adequate ground-wire screwed or bolted
connection to the metal junction box from which the branch circuit to the
individual light proceeds. Such junction boxes shall not be located in the
swimming pool deck within four feet of the pool wall.
7.3 Ventilation.
7.3.1 Room ventilation. Bathhouses,
mechanical equipment rooms, storage areas and indoor swimming pool enclosures
shall be ventilated, either by natural or mechanical means. Room ventilation
shall prevent direct drafts on swimmers and shall minimize condensation. A
minimum of two air changes per hour shall be provided for indoor pool areas. A
heating unit shall be kept from contact with swimmers. Fuel-burning heating
equipment shall be installed and vented to the outdoors in accordance with the
Uniform Code.
8.0
Water supply and wastewater disposal.
8.1 Water supply. The source and quality of
the water supplied to the pool and all plumbing fixtures, including drinking
fountains, lavatories and showers, shall after treatment meet the applicable
requirements of Part 5 of the State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR Part 5) for potable
water.
8.2 Cross-connection
control. All portions of the water distribution system serving the swimming
pool and auxiliary facilities shall be protected against backflow and
back-siphonage. Water introduced into the pool, either directly or to the
recirculation system, shall be supplied through an air gap or by another method
which will prevent backflow and back-siphonage.
8.3 Fill spout. When a fill spout is used to
introduce water into the swimming pool, it shall be shielded so as not to
create a hazard. The open end of the fill spout shall have no sharp edges,
shall not protrude more than two inches beyond the edge of the pool and shall
be at least six inches above the deck level. If the swimming pool is equipped
with a diving board, consideration shall be given to locating the fill spout
under the diving board.
8.4
Sanitary wastes. Sanitary sewage shall be disposed of through a municipal
sanitary sewerage system. If a private subsurface disposal system or other
system must be used, approval of the system must be obtained from the
appropriate regulatory agency.
8.5
Pool waste water. Pool waste water shall be discharged to the sewer system or
storm drain through a suitable air gap so as to preclude the possibility of
backup of sewage or waste water into the swimming pool piping system. Approval
of the system must be obtained from the appropriate regulatory
agency.
8.6 Drinking fountains.
Drinking fountains shall be of slanting jet-type with a surrounding guard and
nonsubmersible opening. They shall be located at a convenient point and be
supplied with adequate water pressure.
9.0
Recirculation systems and
equipment. A recirculation system consisting of pumps, piping,
filters, water conditioning and disinfection equipment, and other accessory
equipment, shall be provided which will clarify, chemically balance and
disinfect the swimming pool water. A minimum turnover of the entire volume in
six hours (four times in 24 hours) is required, except that the recirculation
rate shall be increased to provide a two-hour turnover for wading pools, and as
set forth in item 15.0 of this section for special-purpose pools.
9.1 Equipment approval. Equipment used or
proposed for use in swimming pools shall be of proven design and construction
and be tested as follows:
(1) tested and
listed by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) or another testing
laboratory under standards promulgated by NSF; or
(2) use-tested in New York or another state
in at least 10 pools of comparable design for a period of at least 60 days,
with engineering reports on results of use submitted; or
(3) pilot-plant testing of at least 90 days,
with formal submission of an operational report prepared by the design engineer
or architect; or
(4) a combination
of use and testing or a trial use period approved by the permit-issuing
official and the State Commissioner of Health.
9.2 Piping.
9.2.1 Materials. The recirculating piping and
fittings shall be of nontoxic material, resistant to corrosion, and able to
withstand operating pressures. Acceptable materials for pool recirculation
systems are plastic, copper, stainless steel, asbestos cement, aluminum, cast
iron or other material suitable for water supply use.
9.2.2 Velocities. The pipes, fittings and
valves of the pool recirculation system shall be sized so that velocities do
not exceed 6 feet per second under suction, 10 feet per second under pressure
and 3 feet per second in gravity flow.
9.3 Drainage and installation. All equipment
and piping shall be designed and fabricated to drain completely by use of drain
plugs, drain valves or other means. All piping shall be supported continuously
or at sufficiently close intervals to prevent sagging. All suction piping shall
be sloped in one direction, preferably toward the pump. All supply and return
pipelines to the pool shall be provided with insertable plugs or valves to
allow the piping to be drained to a point below the frost line. Provision shall
be made for expansion and contraction of pipes.
9.4 Color coding. All exposed piping should
be color-coded in accordance with the following table:
| Piping |
Color
code |
Waste
lines |
Color
code |
| Potable water lines |
Dark blue |
Backwash waste |
Dark brown |
| Filtered water |
Aqua |
Sewer (sewer or other) |
Dark gray |
| Skimmer or gutter return |
Olive green |
Deck drains |
Light brown |
| Main drain |
Black |
| Alum |
Orange |
Other |
| Chlorine (gas/solution) |
Yellow |
Compressed air |
Dark green |
| Soda ash |
White |
Gas |
Red |
| Acid |
Pink |
Where two colors do not have sufficient contrast to
easily differentiate between them, a six-inch band of contrasting color should
be painted on one pipe at approximately 30-inch intervals. The name of the
liquid or gas, and arrows indicating direction of flow, should be shown on the
pipe.
9.5 Overflow systems.
All pools shall be designed to provide continuous skimming (removal of surface
water). Make-up water supply equipment shall be provided to maintain continuous
skimming.
9.5.1 Gutters (perimeter overflow
systems). The overflow shall extend completely around the pool. It shall be
level within a tolerance of plus or minus one-eighth inch. Piping connections
shall be provided to permit water to flow from overflows to the recirculation
system.
9.5.1.1 Size and shape. The gutter
system shall be designed for continuous removal of water from the pool's upper
surface at a rate of at least 100 percent of the recirculation rate. The gutter
shall be designed to serve as a handgrip and to prevent entrapment of arms and
legs. It shall permit ready inspection, cleaning and repair.
9.5.1.2 Outlets. Drop boxes, converters,
return piping or flumes used to convey water from the gutter shall be designed
to handle 100 percent of the recirculation rate. Drainage shall be sufficient
to minimize flooding and prevent backflow of skimmed water into the
pool.
9.5.1.3 Surge capacity. All
overflow systems shall be designed with an effective surge capacity of not less
than one gallon for each square foot of pool surface area. Surge shall be
provided within a surge tank, in the gutter or filter above the normal flow
line, or elsewhere in the system. Surge tanks, gutters and filter tanks should
have overflow pipes to convey excess water to waste. Surge tanks shall be
provided with means for complete draining.
9.5.2 Skimmers. The use of skimmers shall be
limited to pools with widths of 30 feet or less and a water surface area less
than 1,600 square feet.
9.5.2.1 Number. In
pools where skimmers are used, one skimmer for each 400 square feet of surface
area or fraction thereof shall be provided. Additional skimmers may be required
to achieve effective skimming.
9.5.2.2 Location. Skimmers shall be so
located as to provide effective skimming of the entire water surface with
minimum interference and short-circuiting.
9.5.2.3 Flow rate. Skimmers shall be designed
for a flow-through rate of at least 30 gallons per minute or 3.75 gallons per
minute per lineal inch of weir. The swimming pool recirculation rate is
determined by the total of: design flow rate required by the number of
skimmers, and the flow through the main drain system, as specified in item
9.6.4, and must supply the minimum turnover rate required by item
9.0.
9.5.2.4 Control. Skimmers
shall have weirs that adjust automatically and operate freely and continuously
with variations of at least four inches in water level. All skimmed water shall
pass through an easily removable and cleanable basket or screen before
encountering control valves or entering the pump suction line. Each skimmer
shall be equipped with a device to control flow. Skimmers shall include a
device to prevent an air lock in the suction line. If equalizer pipes are used,
they shall pass an adequate amount of water to meet pump suction requirements
should pool water drop below the weir level. The equalizer pipes shall be
located at least one foot below the lowest overflow level of the skimmer. A
valve or equivalent device that will remain tightly closed under normal
operating conditions, but automatically open when the water level drops below
the minimum operating level of the skimmer, shall be provided on each equalizer
pipe.
9.5.2.5 Construction.
Skimmers shall be installed in the pool walls, be sturdy and be constructed of
corrosion-resistant materials. Surface skimmers shall be of a type the
permit-issuing official determines as adequate and suitable for such
purpose.
9.5.2.6 Handgrips.
Bull-nosed coping not more than two inches thick or other handgrip adjacent to
the pool wall shall be provided. The handgrip shall not be more than nine
inches above the minimum skimmer operating level. When the handgrip is formed
by the pool deck, it shall slope away from the pool with a one-inch drop in a
one-foot distance.
9.5.3
Testing. Flotation testing should be performed to determine and adjust the
recirculation system for optimum skimming.
9.6 Main drain system. Two main drain suction
outlets shall be installed in the pool floor at the deepest point with a
separation distance of three feet or more provided. If the floor of a spa pool
is insufficient for a separation distance of three feet, then the separation
distance shall be as great as possible. The suction outlets shall be connected
to a single main suction pipe by branch lines and the branch lines shall not be
valved so as to be capable of operating independently.
9.6.1 Spacing. The drains shall not be
greater than 20 feet on centers and the drain outlets shall be provided not
more than 15 feet from each side wall.
9.6.2 Grating. The main drain suction outlet
shall be protected by antivortex covers or gratings. The open area shall be
large enough to assure the velocity does not exceed 11/2 feet per second
through the grating. Openings in grates shall not be over one-half inch wide.
Gratings or drain covers shall not be removable without the use of
tools.
9.6.3 Piping. The branch
pipe from each main drain suction outlet shall be designed to carry 100 percent
of the recirculation rate. The suction velocity in the pipe shall not exceed
six feet per second. The single main suction pipe to the pump shall be equipped
with a valve to control total main drain flow.
9.6.4 Minimum flow. At least 30 percent of
the total recirculation rate should flow through the main drain.
9.7 Pumps and strainers.
9.7.1 Strainers. Strainers shall be provided
through which all water shall pass before entering the pump. The strainers
shall be of rigid construction, fabricated of corrosion-resistant material and
sufficiently strong to prevent collapsing when clogged. The openings shall be
no greater than one-eighth inch in any dimension. The total clear area of all
openings shall be at least four times the area of the connecting pipe. The
strainer shall have a quick-opening cover. Spare strainer baskets shall be
provided. In systems where the filter is located on the suction side of the
pump, strainers are not required.
9.7.2 Pumping equipment. The recirculation
pump shall have adequate capacity to meet the design requirements of the pool,
including filter backwashing. It shall be of a self-priming type if installed
above the hydraulic gradient. A gauge which indicates both pressure and vacuum
shall be installed on the pump suction header and a pressure gauge shall be
installed on the discharge side of the pump.
9.8 Flow measurement and control.
9.8.1 Flow measurement. A means of
continuously measuring rate of flow shall be provided in the recirculation
system. For sand filters, the flow-measuring equipment shall be located where
the backwash flow rate can also be determined. The indicator shall be capable
of measuring at least 11/2 times the design flow rate and shall be accurate
within 10 percent of true flow. The indicator shall have a range of readings
appropriate for the anticipated flow rates, and be installed where it is
readily accessible for reading and maintenance, and with straight pipe upstream
and downstream of any fitting or restriction in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendation.
9.8.2 Flow regulation. An automatic device
for regulating the rate of flow shall be provided in the recirculation pump
discharge piping. Where multiple pumps or filters are provided, each unit shall
have a flow-regulating device installed.
9.9 Inlets.
9.9.1 Number. Wall inlets shall be spaced not
over 20 feet apart, with one inlet within five feet of each corner of the pool
and one in each recessed step area.
9.9.2 Location. Wall inlets shall be located
at least 12 inches below the design water surface. Bottom inlets shall be
uniformly spaced with a separation distance of no greater than 20 feet and with
rows of inlets within 15 feet of each side wall. In any pool over 60 feet in
width, bottom inlets should be provided. These must be flush with the
floor.
9.9.3 Type. Inlet fittings
shall be of the adjustable rate-of-flow type. Directional flow inlets shall be
used with skimmer-type pools. Inlets shall not extend from the floor Or wall to
create a hazard.
9.9.4 Testing. Dye
testing (crystal violet or equivalent) should be performed to determine and
adjust the recirculation pattern.
10.0
Filtration (general). A
swimming pool water treatment system shall have one or more filters. It shall
be installed with adequate clearance and facilities for ready and safe
inspection, maintenance, disassembly and repair.
10.1 Sand filters. The design filtration rate
of rapid sand filters shall not exceed three gallons per minute per square foot
of filter area. High-rate sand filters (pressure or vacuum) shall not exceed a
filtration rate of 15 gallons per minute per square foot of filter area. For
multiple-cell rapid sand filters, the rate of filtration shall not exceed 3 gpm
per square foot of filter area. For multi-cell high-rate sand filters,
filtration rate shall not exceed 5 gpm per square foot of filter area. The sand
filter system shall be equipped to backwash each filter at a rate of 12 to 15
gallons per minute per square foot of filter bed area, or as recommended by the
manufacturer. The backwash water shall be discharged to waste through a
suitable air gap.
10.1.1 Filter media. Sand or
other media shall be carefully graded and meet the manufacturer's
recommendation for pool use.
10.1.2
Accessories shall include influent pressure gauge, effluent pressure gauge,
backwash sight glass and air relief valve.
10.2 Diatomaceous earth. The design
filtration rate for pressure or vacuum filters shall be no greater than 1.5
gallons per minute per square foot of effective filter area, except that a
maximum filtration rate of 2.0 gallons per minute per square foot may be
allowed where continuous "body feed" is provided. The filter and all component
parts shall be of such materials, design and construction to withstand normal
continuous use without significant deformation, deterioration, corrosion or
wear which could adversely affect filter operation.
10.2.1 Precoating. The filter piping shall be
designed to refilter or waste the effluent until a uniform body coat is
applied. For pressure-type filters, precoat feed equipment shall be provided to
apply not less than 0.1 pound of diatomaceous earth per square foot of filter
area.
10.2.2 Body feed equipment.
Body feed equipment capable of applying not less than 0.1 pound of diatomaceous
earth per square foot of filter area per 24 hours should be provided.
10.2.3 Regenerative-type filters.
Regenerative type of filters shall meet the same standards as pressure filters.
Pumping by air or manual means must be provided for, and provision for visual
inspection of elements shall be provided.
10.2.4 Accessories. Accessories for vacuum
filters shall include a vacuum gauge and a vacuum limit switch interconnected
with the pump. Pressure filters require a backwash sight glass, influent
pressure gauge, influent pressure gauge and air relief valve.
10.2.5 Backwash. Diatomaceous earth filter
backwash water must discharge to the sewer system through a separation tank.
The separation tank sludge shall be disposed of in an approved solid waste
disposal facility.
10.3
Cartridge filters: filter rate. The design filtration rate for cartridge
filters shall not exceed 0.375 gallon per minute per square foot of filter
media.
10.3.1 Cartridges. A complete extra set
of filter cartridges must be on hand at user's location.
10.3.2 Accessories shall include influent
pressure gauge, effluent pressure gauge and air relief valve.
11.0
Disinfection. Swimming pools shall be designed to provide for
continuous disinfection of the pool water with a chemical which is an effective
disinfectant and which imparts an easily measured, active residual.
11.1 Disinfectant feeders. An automatic
feeder which is easily adjustable shall be provided for the application of
disinfectant.
11.1.1 Construction. Feeders
shall be of sturdy construction and materials which will withstand wear,
corrosion or attack by disinfectant solutions or vapors, and which are not
adversely affected by repeated, regular adjustments or other normal use
conditions.
11.1.2 Maintenance.
Feeders shall be capable of being easily disassembled for cleaning and
maintenance.
11.1.3 Operation. The
design and construction shall minimize stoppage from chemicals intended to be
used or foreign materials that may be contained therein.
11.1.4 Safeguards. The feeders shall
incorporate antisiphon safeguards so that the disinfectant cannot continue to
feed into the swimming pool, the pool piping system or the swimming pool
enclosure if any type of failure of the pool equipment occurs.
11.1.5 Capacity. Feeders shall be capable of
supplying disinfectant to the pool in the range up to 10 mg/l chlorine or
equivalent.
11.2 Gas
chlorination. When compressed chlorine gas is used, the following features
shall be provided. Gas chlorine should not be used at pools in densely
populated areas.
11.2.1 Location. The
chlorinator room shall be located on the opposite side of the pool from the
direction of the prevailing winds. Chlorine storage and chlorinating equipment
shall be in a separate room. This room shall be at or above grade.
11.2.2 Venting. The chlorine room shall have
a ventilating fan with an airtight duct beginning near the floor and
terminating at a safe point of discharge to the out-of-doors. A louvered air
intake shall be provided near the ceiling. The ventilating fan shall provide
one air change per minute and operate from a switch located outside the
door.
11.2.3 Door. The door of the
chlorinator room shall not open to the swimming pool, and shall open outward
directly to the exterior of the building. The door shall be provided with a
shatterproof inspection window and should be provided with "panic
hardware."
11.2.4 Chlorine
cylinders. Chlorine cylinders shall be anchored. The cylinders in use shall
stand on a scale capable of indicating gross weight with one-half pound
accuracy. Storage space shall be provided so that chlorine cylinders are not
subjected to direct sunlight. Storage space shall be in an area inaccessible to
the general public.
11.2.5
Injection location. Mixing of chlorine gas and water shall occur in the
chlorine room, except where vacuum-type chlorinators are used.
11.2.6 Backflow. The chlorinators shall be
designed to prevent the backflow of water or moisture into the chlorine gas
cylinder.
11.2.7 Breathing
apparatus. A self-contained breathing apparatus designed for use in a chlorine
atmosphere (and of a type approved by the appropriate regulatory agency) shall
be provided. A closed cabinet shall be provided to house the breathing
apparatus. It shall be located outside of the chlorinator room.
11.2.8 Leak detection. A plastic bottle of
ammonia for leak detection shall be provided.
11.3 Hypochlorinators. Where hypochlorinators
are used, the following requirements shall apply:
11.3.1 Feed. Feed shall be continuous under
all conditions of pressure in the recirculation system without constriction of
the recirculation pump suction.
11.3.2 Solution tanks. If calcium
hypochlorite is used, two solution tanks, each with minimum capacity of one-day
supply, should be provided. All chemical containers, including those used with
chemical feeders, must be clearly labeled regarding their contents.
11.4 Disinfection with bromine.
Where bromine is used as a disinfectant, the permit-issuing official shall
first approve use of solid stick-type bromine and the equipment provided for
feeding on a continuous basis.
11.5
Chemical feed equipment. Equipment and piping used to apply 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 action of
chemicals to be used therein.
11.5.1 Ozone
generating equipment (OGE) is acceptable only as a supplement to a chlorine or
bromine disinfection system. When OGE is installed, the following design
performance standards must be met:
11.5.1.1
Ozone concentration in the pool water shall not exceed 0.1 mg/l. Off-gassing of
ozone shall not result in ozone levels in the equipment room or in the pool
area exceeding 0.1 ppm. At the time the OGE is installed and annually
thereafter the air space within six inches of the pool water level and air in
the equipment room shall be tested to determine compliance with this
requirement.
11.5.1.2 All corona
discharge OGE's must be vacuum systems.
11.5.1.3 Backflow of pool water into the OGE
shall not occur.
11.6 pH adjustment. Mechanical feed equipment
for the purpose of adding a chemical for pH adjustment shall be provided,
except where pH can be maintained within the required limits without the use of
positive feed equipment. The methods for addition of chemicals must be
specified in the safety plan. The method of chemicals addition must protect the
bather from contact with concentrated chemicals. The method must provide
adequate distribution of the chemical throughout the pool and distribution must
be verified by pool water testing prior to bather exposure.
11.6.1 Where carbon dioxide
(CO2) is used as a method of pH control, the following
features shall be provided:
11.6.1.1
CO2 shall be injected into the recirculation pipe at the
same point where pH adjustment solutions (i.e., acid) would
normally be added. The recirculation pipe shall be of sufficient size and
length to provide a minimum of five seconds contact time prior to bather
contact.
11.6.1.2
CO2 cylinders shall be anchored to prevent damage.
Cylinders shall be inaccessible to the general public.
11.6.1.3 The manufacturer's instructions
shall be followed for installation and operation of cylinders. The units shall
be operated by the designated persons listed in the safety plan.
11.6.1.4 CO2 cylinders
should be stored in a protective enclosure at the exterior of occupied
structures. If CO2 cylinders are provided in the
interior of occupied structures, they shall be placed in a ventilated
enclosure. A louvered fresh air intake shall be provided near the ceiling.
Mechanical exhaust ventilation shall be provided at the rate of one air change
every three minutes and take suction near the floor as far as practical from
the door and fresh air intake. Exhausted air shall be deducted to the exterior
of the building through a continuous pipe of at least 11/2 inches in diameter
with the point of discharge so located as not to contaminate air inlets to any
rooms or structures.
11.7 An automatic device shall be provided to
deactivate chemical feeders when their is no flow in the recirculation
system.
11.8 Test kit. Colorimetric
test kits shall be provided for the determination of free disinfectant
residual, pH of the pool water and, where necessary, total alkalinity and
calcium hardness. A supply of appropriate reagents for making each type of test
shall be provided. Color standards shall be furnished for each of the tests,
that allow an accurate comparison of the sample to be tested, both from the
standpoint of color and density, and shall be reasonably permanent and
nonfading. Electronic residual and pH monitoring devices may be used in
addition to the test kit.
11.8.1 Standards. A
DPD (Diethyl-P-Phenylene Diamine) test kit with the following increments: 0.2,
0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0, as a minimum, shall be provided to
measure the chlorine residual. If other halogens are used, an appropriate scale
shall be provided.
11.8.2 pH kit. A
pH test kit with a range from 6.8 to 8.2, accurate to the nearest 0.2 pH unit,
shall be provided.
12.1
General. Adequate dressing rooms and sanitary facilities shall be provided for
all swimming pools. Omission of part or all of the poolside toilet facilities
may be approved when such facilities are available within 300 feet and no more
than one floor level above or below the swimming pool.
12.2 Location. The bathhouse shall be located
so that the patrons must pass through the bathhouse to enter the pool. The
layout of the bathhouse shall be such that the patrons on leaving the dressing
room pass the toilets, then the showers, en route to the swimming
pool.
12.3 Bathhouse design. Floors
of the bathhouse shall be of smooth-finished material with nonslip surfaces,
impervious to moisture, easily cleanable and sloped at least one-fourth inch
per foot to drains. Carpeting shall not be permitted in shower and toilet
areas. Junctions between walls and floors shall be coved and of smooth,
impervious materials, free from cracks or open joints. Partitions between
dressing cubicles shall terminate at least 10 inches above the floor, or shall
be placed on continuous raised masonry or concrete bases at least four inches
high. Lockers shall be set either on solid masonry or concrete bases at least
four inches above the floor. Lockers shall be vented.
12.4 Fixture requirements. An adequate number
of toilet and handwashing facilities shall be provided.
12.4.1 Fixtures. Plumbing fixtures and
installations shall be in accordance with the Uniform Code.
12.5 Suits and towels. Where
towels and/or swimming suits are provided, facilities shall be provided to
adequately launder, store and sanitize these items after each usage.
12.6 Foot baths. The use of foot baths is
prohibited.
12.7 Hose bibbs. Hose
bibbs shall be provided within the bathhouse to enable the entire area to be
flushed with a 50-foot hose. Hose bibbs shall be provided with antisiphonage
devices.
13.1 Pool cleaning system. A cleaning system
shall be provided to remove dirt from the bottom of the pool. When a vacuum
system is used as an integral part of the recirculation system, connections
shall be located in the walls of the swimming pool at least eight inches below
the waterline, and at such points that the floor of the pool can be cleaned
with not more than 50 feet of suction hose. Nothing in this section shall
prohibit the use of surface skimmers for vacuum cleaning purposes.
13.2 Manual. A manual for operation of the
pool shall be provided. It shall include instructions for each filter, pump or
other piece of equipment, drawings, illustrations, charts, operating
instructions and parts list, to permit installation, operation, winterization
and maintenance.
14.0
Spa
pools. Spa pools shall comply with the following special requirements,
in addition to other applicable requirements contained in these design
standards.
14.1 Construction
material. The construction material shall comply with the requirements of item
4.0 of this section. Use of unlined wood tanks is prohibited.
14.2 Dimensional design.
14.2.1 The maximum water depth shall be 4203,
measured from the waterline. Exceptions may be made for spas designed for a
special purpose, such as instruction, treatment, swimming and
therapy.
14.2.2 The maximum depth
of any seat shall be 2203, measured from the waterline.
14.2.3 Spas shall be provided with a suitable
handhold around their perimeter in areas where water depths exceed 3263.
Handholds shall be provided no further apart than 4203, and may consist of any
one or a combination of the following:
14.2.3.1 Coping, ledges, raised flanges, or
decks along the immediate top edge of the spa shall provide a suitable
slip-resistant handhold located not over 12 inches above the
waterline.
14.2.3.2 Ladders, steps
or seat ledges.
14.2.3.3 A railing,
placed at or not over 12 inches above the waterline, fastened to the
wall.
14.3
Steps. Design of steps shall conform to the following:
14.3.1 Step treads shall have a minimum
unobstructed horizontal tread depth of 10 inches for a minimum continuous width
of 12 inches.
14.3.2 Riser height
shall not be less than 7 inches nor greater than 12 inches. When the bottom
tread serves as a bench or seat, the bottom riser may be a maximum of 14
inches.
14.3.3 Step treads shall
have slip-resistant tread surfaces.
14.3.4 Each set of steps shall be provided
with at least one handrail to fully serve all treads and risers.
14.3.5 Seats or benches may be provided as
part of the steps.
14.4
Ladders. Ladders shall conform to the requirements of item 5.8.2 of this
section.
14.5 Recessed steps.
Recessed steps shall conform to item 5.8.3.
14.6 Decks. Decks shall conform to the
requirements set forth in item 5.9, with the exception that, at spa pools,
decks may be waived for 50 percent of the pool perimeter. Placement of chairs
or other furniture shall be prohibited within three feet of the edge of any spa
pool.
14.7 Heater and temperature
requirements.
14.7.1 Heaters shall comply with
the standards contained in the Uniform Code.
14.7.2 The maximum temperature of the spa
water shall be 104°F. A thermostatic control for the water shall be required.
An alarm system set to ring a bell or buzzer shall be installed to warn of any
temperature over 104°F. The alarm shall ring in the spa area as well as at the
attendant's normal work station. A manual timer shall be installed that will
require resetting after 15 minutes. This timer will ring a warning bell and may
control the agitation pump.
14.8 Circulation systems. The equipment for
circulation and filtration shall be sized to turn over the entire spa water
capacity at least once every 30 minutes, and shall be capable of returning the
spa water to a turbidity of less than 0.50 NTU within four hours following the
peak bather load.
14.8.1 Overflow system. An
overflow system shall be provided. It shall be designed and constructed so that
the water level of the spa is at the operating level of the rim or weir device
during use and nonuse of the spa. When surface skimmers are used, one surface
skimmer shall be provided for each 100 square feet or fraction thereof of spa
surface area. Recirculation through the skimmer shall be at least 30g pm/
skimmer. When two or more skimmers are used in a spa, they shall be located to
maintain effective skimming action over the entire surface area of the spa.
Skimmers shall be approved, as set forth in item 9.0 of this section.
14.9 Filters. Filters shall be
designed to maintain spa water under anticipated operating conditions in
accordance with item 14.8 of this section. The requirements specified in item
10.0 shall apply.
14.10 Pumps and
strainers. The recirculation pump and strainer shall comply with the
requirements of item 9.7.
14.11 Air
induction systems. An air induction system shall be designed to prevent water
backup that could cause electrical shock hazards. Air intakes shall not induce
contaminants (such as deck water, dirt, etc.) into the spa.
14.12 Disinfection. The requirements
specified in item 11.0 shall apply. Equipment shall be designed to provide a
minimum free residual chlorine of 1.5 mg/l at all times and capable of
superchlorination at 10 mg/l to minimize problems with combined chlorine
build-up.
14.13 Safety. A warning
sign with an area of at least three square feet, stating the following caution
statements, shall be conspicuously posted in the vicinity of the spa.
CAUTION
1.
Elderly persons, and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low
blood pressure, should be prohibited from using the spa pool.
2. Unsupervised use by children is
prohibited.
3. Do not use while
under the influence of alcohol, anticoagulants, antihistamines,
vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics or
tranquilizers.
4. Do not use
alone.
5. Observe a reasonable time
limit (e.g., 15 minutes), then shower, cool down and, if you
wish, return for another brief stay. Long exposure may result in nausea,
dizziness or fainting.
6. Help can
be obtained by using the telephone and posted emergency telephone numbers for
police, fire department, physician, ambulance and hospital.
15.0
Special-purpose
pools. This item covers additional special requirements applicable to
special-purpose pools. The design engineer shall consult with the department
prior to preparation and submission of engineer's plans and specifications for
special-purpose pools.
15.1
White-water slides. A white-water slide facility shall consist of one or more
flumes, plunge pool, recirculation and chemical treatment facilities.
15.1.1 Water depth. The minimum plunge pool
operating water depth shall be three feet. This depth should be maintained in
front of the flume for a distance of at least 20 feet.
15.1.2 Slide flume terminus. The slide flume
terminus shall be at a minimum depth of six inches below the plunge pool
operating water surface level, at water surface level or up to a maximum of two
inches above the water surface level. The flume shall be perpendicular to the
plunge pool wall for at least 10 feet from its end.
15.1.2.1 The distance between the side of a
flume exit and a plunge pool side wall should be at least five feet. The
distance between sides of adjacent flume terminuses should be at least six
feet.
15.1.3 Pump
reservoir. A pump reservoir shall be provided for the slide pump intakes. It
shall be connected to the plunge pool by a weir. The minimum reservoir volume
shall be equal to twice the combined flow rate in gallons per minute of all
filters and slide pumps.
15.1.4 The
flume shall be designed to prevent users from becoming airborne while in the
ride.
15.1.5 Recirculation rate.
The recirculation-filtration system of water slides shall recirculate and
filter a water volume equal to the total volume of the facility in a period of
one hour or less.
15.2
Wave pools. Wave pools shall be of such shapes and design as to be operated and
maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.
15.2.1 The recirculation-filtration system of
wave pools shall be capable of one turnover every two hours. The recirculation
system shall be operated continuously 24 hours a day.
15.2.2 A perimeter overflow gutter shall be
provided. The gutter may be interrupted in the area where the water is less
than two feet deep.
15.3
Special-purpose pools. Facilities for persons with physical disabilities shall
be designed to provide safe entry and exit from the pool and sanitary
conditions. Facilities for parking, path of travel, walks, ramps, drinking
fountains, telephone, toilets and showers shall comply with the requirements of
Part 1100 of the Uniform Code.
15.3.1 Pool
entry. Access for persons with physical disabilities shall be at the shallow
end of the pool. Pool entry should be an 18-inch-high block of steps followed
by a normal set of pool steps. As an alternate, hoists or ramps are acceptable.
Where removable ramps or steps are provided, the area beneath the ramp or steps
shall be protected to prevent access to swimmers.
15.3.2 Steps and handrails. Stair steps
should have risers 53/4 inches and a tread 12 to 18 inches wide to allow for
sitting. A handrail 32 inches high, extending 18 inches beyond top and bottom
steps, must be provided. A 22-inch handrail must be provided for children. A
six-inch handrail will aid entry for those who cannot stand.
15.3.3 Wheelchairs, if immersed in pool, must
be safe, waterproof and designed for use in the pool environment.
15.3.4 The recirculation-filtration system
shall be capable of one turnover every four hours. The recirculation systems
shall be operated continuously 24 hours a day.
15.4 Movable-bottom pools. Hydraulic-lift
swimming pool floors, where provided, shall be safe and maintenance-free.
15.4.1 Inlets. A jet-water self-cleaning
system should be provided so that the entire pool is self-cleaning. Two sets of
return inlets located at two different heights should be provided to obtain
adequate mixing at all times when the pool is shallow or deep.
15.4.2 Floor movement. Floor movement shall
be designed to minimize turbulence and provide safe entry and exit by persons
with physical disabilities.
15.4.3
Depth signs. A sign for pool water depth in use shall be provided and clearly
lit and visible. "NO DIVING" sign shall also be provided. The control panel for
changing water depth must be located in a safe place, accessible only to
lifeguards and pool operator.
15.4.4 Diving boards. For depths other than
design diving depth, the diving board must be in an upright position and
chained or secured to stop use.
15.4.5 The recirculation-filtration system
shall be capable of ne turnover every four hours. The recirculation system
shall be operated continuously 24 hours a day.
15.5 Rolling bulkheads. Rolling bulkheads,
when used, shall be provided with traction wheels running on the pool floor or
alternatively in the overflow gutter. When not in use, these should be stored
in a safe manner. The design should be such that the bathers are not entrapped
under the bulkhead.
15.6 Starting
blocks. Starting blocks, when provided, shall be designed according to
nationally recognized competitive design standards. These blocks shall be
installed over a minimum water depth of six feet. Starting blocks shall only be
used during supervised practices or swim meets.
