[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
In addition to complying with all the regulations in Articles
I,
II,
III,
IV and
V of this Chapter, public swimming pools shall comply with the following Sections.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. Public
pools shall be constructed of concrete or other material impervious
to water, which is equivalent in strength and durability, with a smooth,
slip-resistant surface and designed and built to withstand the anticipated
stresses. All corners must be rounded. A white pastel or other light
colored waterproof interior finish, which will withstand repeated
brushing, scrubbing and cleaning, shall completely line the pool to
the coping. Pool linings not totally bonded to the pool sides and
bottom, such as plastic films and similar linings and finishes, are
prohibited.
B. A pool
shall have no projections, protrusions, extensions, means of entanglement
or other obstructions that may cause entrapment of or injury to the
user from the pool wall and floor surfaces. This does not include
seats, steps, which may be constructed only in the shallow end of
the pool and ladders which may be constructed in the deep area(s)
of the pool. The seat, bench and step edges shall be outlined with
a sharply contrasting colored tile or other suitable material which
is clearly visible from the edge of the pool adjacent to the steps.
This Subsection does not prohibit water features such as slides, water
play equipment or water volleyball and basketball nets.
C. An
underwater seat or bench shall:
1. Have edges that are outlined with a sharply contrasting colored tile
or other material that is clearly visible from the deck adjacent to
the underwater seat or bench;
2. Have a slip-resistant surface;
3. Be located outside of the deep area of a swimming pool;
4. Have a maximum depth of twenty-four (24) inches below the water line
and a minimum depth of twelve (12) inches below the water line; and
5. Have a maximum width of twenty (20) inches.
D. Water Depth And Depth Markers.
1. Water depth shall be conspicuously and permanently marked on the
walls of the pool and on the top of the coping or the edge of the
deck next to the swimming pool;
2. Depth markers on a vertical wall shall be positioned to be read from
the waterside;
3. Depth markers that are located on a deck shall be made of slip-resistant
materials;
4. Depth markers for a public or semi-public swimming pool shall be
installed at points of maximum and minimum water depth and at all
points of slope change;
5. Markings are required at one (1) foot depth intervals to a depth
of five (5) feet, thereafter, depth markers shall be installed at
two (2) foot depth intervals;
6. Depth markers shall not be spaced at distances greater than twenty-five
(25) feet;
7. Depth markers shall be located on both sides and at both ends of
a public or semi-public swimming pool; and
8. Depth markers shall be in Arabic numerals with a four (4) inch minimum
height. Arabic numerals shall be of contrasting color to the background.
9. In pools utilized for competitive swimming and training, approach-warning
markings must be installed under the water level on opposite walls
at the end of each swimming lane in the pool. Warning markings must
be of uniform color and size on a background of contrasting uniform
color. In addition, they must be clearly visible in or out of the
water at all times from a distance of not less than ten (10) feet.
10. The shallow area of a public swimming pool shall be visually set
apart from the deep area of the pool by a rope and float line.
11. The depth in the shallow portion of a pool shall not be greater than
three (3) feet. For a public swimming pool with a minimum depth less
than twenty-four (24) inches:
a. Additional circulation requirements shall be required to ensure proper
water quality standards.
b. Additional sign requirements shall be required to alert aquatic center
users of the shallow depth.
E. For the purposes of Chapter
233, that portion of a swimming pool five (5) feet or less in depth shall be designated as the "non-swimmer" area. That part of the pool deeper than five (5) feet shall be designated as the "swimming" area. In designing pools and computing the maximum bathing load for a public or semi-public swimming pool, areas shall be proportioned as follows:
1. Fifteen (15) square feet of pool surface area per bather shall be
provided in the "non-swimmer" area.
2. Twenty-five (25) square feet of pool surface area shall be provided
for each swimmer in the "swimming" area.
3. Three hundred (300) square feet of pool surface area shall be reserved
around each diving board or diving platform. This reserved area shall
not be included in determining the "swimming" area.
F. The
maximum bathing load for a public or semi-public aquatic center shall
not be exceeded.
G. The maximum bathing load for a public swimming pool shall be limited by the number of users for the toilets, showers, lavatories that are provided in the bathhouses or dressing rooms prescribed in Article
V of this code.
H. The
maximum bathing load for a public or semi-public spa shall not exceed
the area of the spa in square feet divided by ten (10) square feet.
I. The
maximum bathing load for a public or semi-public swimming pool or
spa shall be posted in the pool enclosure.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. An
overflow collection system shall be installed in all public pools.
1. The overflow system shall be designed and constructed so that the
level of the pool is maintained at the mid-point of the operating
range of the skimmers.
2. Rim type overflow systems, where used, shall be installed on at least
two (2) opposite sides and have a total length of at least fifty percent
(50%) of the perimeter of the pool. The system shall be capable of
carrying fifty percent (50%) of the design capacity of the recirculating
system. The surge tank shall be equipped with float controls regulating
the main drain, fill line and overflow. It shall have a capacity in
gallons equal to the surface area of the pool measured in square feet.
The surge tank may be incorporated into the gutter.
3. Overflow gutters, where used, shall be installed continuously around
pools with the lip of the gutter level throughout its perimeter. They
shall be provided with sufficient opening at the top and width at
the bottom to permit easy cleaning. The gutter bottom shall be pitched
one-quarter (¼) inch per foot to drainage outlets located at
intervals as approved by the department. Outlet piping shall be sized
to circulate at least fifty percent (50%) of the capacity of the circulating
system and have a properly installed approved cover. The surge tank
shall be equipped with float controls regulating the main drain, fill
line and overflow. It shall have a capacity in gallons equal to the
surface area of the pool measured in square feet. Stainless steel
gutters and other specialty gutter systems may be used if they are
hydraulically equivalent to overflow gutters.
4. Skimming devices, where used, shall be recessed into the pool wall
and shall be installed to achieve effective skimming action throughout
the pool. Skimmers shall be provided on a basis of at least one (1)
skimmer for each four hundred (400) square feet of surface area. The
overflow slot shall be set level and shall not be less than eight
(8) inches in width at the narrowest section. The rate of flow through
the skimmers shall be a minimum of seventy-five percent (75%) of the
recirculation system capacity. Skimmers shall be designed to carry
at least thirty (30) GPM per linear foot of weir throat. A minimum
of two (2) skimmers shall be installed in swimming pools. Where three
(3) or more surface skimmers are used, they must be on a closed loop
piping system. At least one (1) surface skimmer shall be located on
the side or near the corner of the swimming pool that is downwind
of the area's prevailing winds. Main drain piping shall be designed
to carry at least fifty percent (50%) of the design flow.
5. Mixed inlet types, such as skimmers and gutters, are prohibited on
the same body of water.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. At
least one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of
each swimming pool. Where the deep section is greater than twenty
(20) feet in width, two (2) ladders, located on opposite sides of
the deep section, are required. A minimum of two (2) means of egress
will be required in all pools. There shall be at least one (1) ladder
or stair for each seventy-five (75) feet of perimeter. Preformed step
holes and suitable handrails may be substituted for ladders. At least
one (1) set of steps shall be provided in the shallow end of each
swimming pool.
1. Steps must be permanently marked so as to be clearly visible from
above or below the pool surface and shall not project into the pool
in a manner which will create a hazard. Steps may be constructed only
in the shallow area of a public or semi-public swimming pool. All
tread surfaces on steps shall have slip-resistant surfaces. Step treads
shall have a minimum unobstructed horizontal depth of ten (10) inches.
Risers shall have a maximum uniform height of twelve (12) inches,
with the bottom riser height allowed to vary plus or minus two (±2)
inches from the uniform riser height. The location of stairs, ladders
and recessed treads shall not interfere with racing lanes. A set of
steps shall be provided in a public or semi-public spa. Handrails
shall be provided at one (1) side or in the center of all stairways.
Handrails shall be installed in such a way that they can be removed
only with tools. A beach entry may be substituted for steps in the
shallow end of the pool.
2. A swimming pool ladder shall be equipped with two (2) handrails.
All treads on ladders shall have slip-resistant surfaces. Ladder treads
shall have a minimum horizontal depth of one and one-half (1½)
inches. The distance between ladder treads shall range from a minimum
of seven (7) inches to a maximum of twelve (12) inches. Below the
water line, there shall be a clearance of not more than six (6) inches
and not less than three (3) inches between any ladders tread edge
and the wall as measured from the side of the tread closest to the
wall.
3. Recessed treads with handrails may be substituted for ladders. Recessed
treads shall be preformed, readily cleanable and designed to drain
into the swimming pool or spa to prevent the accumulation of dirt
in the recessed treads. Each set of recessed treads shall be equipped
with two (2) handrails. All recessed treads shall have slip-resistant
surfaces. The vertical distance between the swimming pool or spa coping
edge or deck and the uppermost recessed tread shall be a maximum of
twelve (12) inches. Recessed treads at the centerline shall have a
uniform vertical spacing of twelve (12) inches maximum and seven (7)
inches minimum. Recessed treads shall be at least five (5) inches
deep and twelve (12) inches wide.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
It is the responsibility of the owner to insure that a public
or semi-public aquatic center and adjacent deck areas shall be lighted
by natural or artificial means when in use. A public or semi-public
aquatic center that is intended to be used at night shall be equipped
with artificial lighting that is designed and spaced so that all parts
of the swimming pool or spa, including the bottom, may be seen without
glare.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
Hose bibb(s) shall be provided along the perimeter of the deck
so that all parts of the deck may be washed down. At a minimum, each
hose bibb shall be protected against backsiphonage with an atmospheric
vacuum breaker. The department may approve quick-disconnect-style
hose bibb(s).
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. The dimensions of a diving area in a public or semi-public swimming pool shall comply with minimum requirements for length, width, depth, area and other dimensions specified in Appendix A or Appendix B. The diving well profile in Appendix A does not apply to a special use pool that is intended for competitive diving and has been approved by the department pursuant to Article
X of this code.
B. Diving
equipment shall be permanently anchored to the swimming pool deck.
Equipment shall be rigidly constructed with sufficient bracing to
insure stability. Supports, platforms, steps and ladders for diving
equipment shall be designed to carry anticipated loads.
C. All
diving stands higher than twenty-one (21) inches, measured from the
deck to the top of the board, shall be provided with stairs or a ladder.
D. Diving
equipment shall have a durable finish. The surface finish shall be
free of tears, splinters or cracks that may be a hazard to users.
E. Steps
and ladders leading to diving boards and diving platforms shall be
of corrosion-resisting materials and shall have slip-resistant tread
surfaces. Step treads shall be self-draining.
F. Diving
boards, diving platforms and starting blocks shall have slip-resistant
tread surfaces.
G. Handrails
shall be provided at all steps and ladders leading to diving boards
that are one (1) meter or more above the water.
H. Diving
boards and diving platforms that are one (1) meter or higher shall
be protected with guardrails. Guardrails shall be at least thirty
(30) inches above the diving board or diving platform and shall extend
to the edge of the swimming pool wall.
I. A label
shall be permanently affixed to a diving board and shall include the
following:
1. Manufacturer's name and address;
3. Fulcrum setting instructions.
J. The
maximum diving board height over the water is three (3) meters. The
maximum height of a diving platform over the water is ten (10) meters.
K. Starting
blocks shall be located in the deep end of a public swimming pool
or where the depth of the water is at least five (5) feet and should
ideally be at eight (8) feet.
L. There
shall be a completely unobstructed clear vertical distance of thirteen
(13) feet above any diving board measured from the center of the front
end of the board. This clear, unobstructed vertical space shall extend
horizontally at least eight (8) feet behind, eight (8) feet to each
side and sixteen (16) feet ahead of the front end of the board.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. At
all public pools at least one (1) lifeguard shall be on duty for each
two thousand (2,000) square feet of pool surface area or one hundred
fifty (150) bathers or as approved by the department.
B. Lifeguards
shall be in constant attendance during bathing hours and no bathers
shall be permitted in a pool area unless lifeguards are present.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
Each public pool shall have at least one (1) elevated lifeguard
chair for each two thousand (2,000) square feet of pool surface area
or one hundred fifty (150) bathers. The chairs must be located close
to the deeper portion of the pool and provide a clear, unobstructed
view of the pool bottom. If a public swimming pool is provided with
more than one (1) lifeguard chair or the width of the public swimming
pool is forty-five (45) feet or more, then lifeguard chairs shall
be located on each side of the public swimming pool.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007; Ord. No. 08-038 §2, 4-4-2008]
When present, all lifeguards shall have the safety equipment
required by the agency that issues their lifeguarding credentials.
Public swimming pools shall have lifesaving and safety equipment that
is conspicuously and conveniently located and maintained ready for
immediate use at all times. An inventory of lifesaving and safety
equipment used at a public aquatic center by lifeguards shall be filed
with the department.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
Drinking water from an approved source and dispensed through
one (1) or more approved sanitary drinking fountains shall be located
on the deck of each public pool or spa.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. All
public pools, spas and walkways adjacent to such pools shall be enclosed
by a durable fence or wall at least six (6) feet high to provide bather
control while the pool is in operation and to prohibit any person
from using the pool except when a lifeguard is on duty. The height
of the fence, wall or barrier shall be measured on the side of the
barrier which faces away from the swimming pool or spa. Fences, walls
or artificial barriers shall:
1. Be constructed so as to afford no external handholds or footholds;
2. Be of materials, which are impenetrable by small children, dogs,
livestock, etc.;
3. Be a minimum of six (6) foot high above the highest practical foothold,
curb or (in the case of a combination fence) the base wall;
4. Have openings or spacings of such size that a spherical object four
(4) inches in diameter cannot pass through; and
5. Be equipped with a gate that opens outward from the swimming pool
or spa, with a self-closing and positive self-latching closure mechanism
or a locking closure located at or near the top of the gate and at
least fifty-four (54) inches above the floor.
6. The distance between the horizontal components of a fence shall not
be less than forty-five (45) inches apart. The horizontal members
shall be located on the interior side of the fence. Spacing or openings
between vertical members shall be of a size that a spherical object
four (4) inches in diameter cannot pass through.
7. The maximum mesh size for a wire mesh or chain link fence shall be
one and one-fourth (1.25) inches by one and one-fourth (1.25) inches
(maximum opening area size equals one and fifty-six hundredths (1.56)
square inches). The maximum opening formed by the composed diagonal
members shall be no more than one and three-fourths (1.75) inches.
8. Masonry or stone walls shall not contain indentations or protrusions
except for normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints.
9. If a wall of a building serves as part of the barrier around a public
or semi-public swimming pool or spa, there shall be no direct access
to the swimming pool or spa through the wall except as follows:
a. Windows leading to the swimming pool or spa area shall be equipped
with a screwed-in-place wire mesh screen or a keyed lock that prevents
opening the window more than four (4) inches.
b. A hinged door leading to the swimming pool or spa area shall be self-closing
and shall have a positive self-latching device. The release mechanism
of the positive self-latching device shall be located at least fifty-four
(54) inches above the floor.
c. If an additional set of doors is required by the fire code allowing
access to the swimming pool or spa, they shall be self-closing and
self-latching, equipped with panic bars no less than fifty-four (54)
inches from the floor to the bottom of the bar and designated "for
emergency use only".
d. Sliding doors leading to the swimming pool or spa area are prohibited
except for sliding doors that are self-closing and self-latching.
10. If a barrier is composed of a combination concrete masonry unit and
wrought iron, the wrought iron portion shall be installed flush with
the outside vertical surface of the concrete masonry unit. The space
between the wrought iron and the concrete masonry unit shall be one-half
(½) inch or less. The vertical members of the wrought iron
shall be spaced four (4) inches on center.
11. An area clear of any type of footholds which could be used to assist
in scaling the barrier must be maintained for a minimum of three (3)
feet outside the barrier and so that the effective height of the barrier
is maintained.
12. In addition, the mechanical filtering, disinfection and recirculating
equipment must be protected from tampering by a suitable enclosure
or fence.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A life line shall be installed across each public swimming pool
at the point where the floor slope begins to exceed one (1) foot in
ten (10) feet whenever the pool is open for use by the general public.
The lifeline shall be three-fourths (¾) inch minimum diameter
and supported by floats spaced at intervals not greater than seven
(7) feet. The rope and float line shall be securely fastened to wall
anchors that are made of corrosion-resistant materials. The wall anchors
shall be recessed or have no projection that constitutes a hazard
when the float line is removed.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
Pool wastewater shall be discharged through an air gap; disposal
shall be to sanitary sewers, storm sewers, drainfields or by other
means in accordance with local municipal and building official requirements
including obtaining all necessary permits. Each waste line shall have
a unique air gap. Waste lines from different sources (e.g., pool,
spa, overfill, sump pump) shall not be tied together, but may discharge
into a common sump or receptacle after the air gap. There shall be
no direct physical connection between the sewer system and any drain
from the pool or recirculation system.
[Ord. No. 07-110 §1, 8-14-2007]
A. Walkways
shall be provided adjacent to the pool and shall:
1. Be at least ten (10) feet wide, continuous and unobstructed except
that where diving boards and platforms are installed, the walkway
shall extend at least five (5) feet to each side and behind the board
or platform but not less than fifteen (15) feet from the pool wall;
2. Slope away from the pool with a pitch of at least one-fourth (¼)
inch per one (1) foot to properly located deck drains or other approved
points of disposal;
3. Be constructed of concrete or other inorganic material, with a slip-resistant,
easily cleanable finish, free of sharp or jagged edges or surfaces;
4. Be designed to conform to the dimensions shown in Appendix A, as
applicable;
5. Have valves that are installed, in or under any deck, to provide
a minimum ten (10) inch diameter access cover and a valve pit to facilitate
the repair and maintenance of the valve;
6. Have joints in decks that are provided to minimize the potential
for cracks due to changes in elevations or movement of the slab. The
maximum voids between adjoining concrete slabs or between concrete
slabs and expansion joint material shall be three-sixteenths (3/16)
inch of horizontal clearance with a maximum difference in vertical
elevation of one-fourth (¼) inch. Areas where the deck joins
concrete shall be protected by expansion joints to protect the swimming
pool or spa from the pressures of relative movements. Construction
joints where pool or spa coping meets the deck shall be watertight
and shall not allow water to pass through to the underlying ground;
7. Have decks that are sloped to effectively drain either to perimeter
areas or to deck drains.
Drainage shall remove splash water, deck cleaning water and
rainwater without leaving standing water. The minimum slope of the
deck shall be one-fourth (¼) inch per one (1) foot. The maximum
slope of the deck shall be one (1) inch per one (1) foot, except for
ramps;
8. Provide site drainage to direct all perimeter deck drainage and general
site and roof drainage away from a public or semi-public swimming
pool or spa. Yard drains may be required to prevent the accumulation
or puddling of water in the general area of the deck and related improvements;
and
9. Have a coping or cantilevered deck that may project from a swimming
pool or spa wall to provide a handhold for users. The coping or deck
shall be rounded, have a slip-resistant surface finish and shall not
exceed three and one-half (3½) inches in thickness. The overhang
of the coping or deck shall not exceed two (2) inches or be less than
one (1) inch.
B. Freeboard
shall not exceed eight (8) inches.