North Carolina Administrative Code
Title 15A - Environmental Quality
Chapter 18 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Subchapter A - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Section .2500 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
Section 18A .2544 - SPECIAL PURPOSE AND THERAPY POOLS

(1) The requirement in Rule .2522 of this Section for a deck or walkway continuous with the top of the pool wall does not apply to isolation float tanks where a clear floor space of at least eight feet by four feet is provided adjacent to the entrance to the tank.

(2) The requirement in Rule .2532 of this Section for the minimum ceiling height of 7 1/2 feet above the rim of the pool does not preclude use of a canopy of a lower height to enclose an isolation float tank provided the canopy can be opened to allow users a standing entry and exit from the float tank.

(3) The minimum lighting requirement in Rule .2524 of this Section does not apply to float tanks provided lighting is available for cleaning and is sufficient to provide visibility for entry and exit from the float tank.

(4) The requirements in Rule .2518 of this Section that recirculation pumps operate 24 hours per day do not preclude turning off the pump during float sessions when a sanitizing cycle is provided that filters and disinfects the entire capacity of the float tank system at least twice before every user enters the pool. When the float tank is not being used, the pump shall either operate continuously or intermittently to filter and disinfect the capacity of the pool twice every hour.

(5) The requirement in Rule .2518 of this Section that pool pumps three horsepower or smaller meet NSF/ANSI Standard 50 is not applicable when the mineral content of the brine in a float tank is incompatible with standard pool pumps. Pumps that do not meet NSF/ANSI standard 50 shall be approved by the Department when the viscosity of the mineral solution in the float tank requires a pump impeller or magnetic coupling designed to pump viscous liquids. Electrical safety of such pumps shall be verified by an independent third-party testing lab to meet applicable Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Standards.

(6) The requirement in Rule .2532 of this Section for a caution sign at spas with a water temperature above 90 degrees Fahrenheit is not applicable to float tanks that do not exceed an operating temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Float tanks that exceed an operating temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit shall have a posted sign with the same warnings required for hot spas except references to spas may be reworded to reference float tanks or float spas.

(1) Irrespective of Rule .2522(k) of this Section, swim spa training pools that use jetted water for training swimmer athletes under constant supervision of a swim coach may be located above deck level. Swim spa training pools located above deck level shall be in an enclosure secured against unauthorized access or use when a swim coach is not present.

(2) The maximum operational water depth of four feet required for spas in Rule .2532 of this Section does not apply to swim spas.

(3) Ladders, steps or stairs required by Rule .2521 of this Section are not required for an above-ground swim spa where a handhold or handrail is provided to facilitate transfer over the pool wall.

(1) The maximum operational water depth of four feet required for spas in Rule .2532 of this Section does not apply to exercise therapy and treadmill pools.

(2) The 30 minute turnover rate required for spa recirculation systems in Rule .2532 of this Section does not apply to exercise therapy or treadmill pools with a water capacity exceeding 1,000 gallons provided that the turnover time does not exceed two hours.

(1) The prohibition of underwater ledges in Rule .2516(b) of this Section does not preclude drop-off ledges to the deep-diving portion of pools designed and used for training swimmers to use self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

(2) Scuba pools shall comply with the requirements for swimming pools and are not required to meet the requirements for spas in Rule .2532 of this Section.