[Code 1975, § 8-229; Code 1992, § 27-1]
The purpose of this article is to establish standards governing the construction, maintenance, operation and use of public and private swimming pools.
[Code 1975, § 8-230; Code 1992, § 27-2]
The sections of this article shall be supplemental to other codes adopted by the City, and, unless otherwise specifically provided in this article, materials and construction shall conform to the requirements of the electrical code and the plumbing code.
[Code 1975, § 8-231; Code 1992, § 27-3]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Accepted or acceptable under an applicable specification stated or cited in this article or accepted as suitable for the proposed use under procedures and power of the administrative authority.
An organization primarily established for the purpose of testing to approved standards and approved by the administrative authority.
See "filter waste discharge piping."
A filter aid fed into a diatomite-type filter throughout the filtering cycle.
A filter using cartridge-type filter elements.
Piping which conveys concentrated chemical solutions from a feeding apparatus to the circulation piping.
The piping between the pool structure and the mechanical equipment. Such system usually includes suction piping, face piping and return piping.
A multiport valve intended to perform more than one function.
The total head requirement of the circulation system at the design rate of flow.
A type of filter aid.
A filter designed to be used with filter aid.
The piping, with all valves and fittings, which is used to connect the filter system together as a unit.
Any apparatus by which water is clarified.
A nonpermanent type of filter media or aid, such as diatomite, alum, etc.
A disposable or renewable filter element which generally employs no filter aid.
That part of a filter which retains the filter media.
The fine material which entraps the suspended particles and removes them from the water.
The average rate of flow per square foot of filter area.
Specially graded rock and gravel used to support filter sand.
A specially graded type of permanent filter media.
That part of the filter element in a diatomite-type filter upon which a cake of diatomite or other nonpermanent filter aid may be deposited.
Piping that conducts wastewater from a filter to a drainage system. Connection to the drainage system is made through an air gap or other approved methods.
A ladder which provides access to the pool at all times, is mounted on the outside of the pool wall and is not a safety ladder.
Those waters having a specific conductivity less than a solution containing 6,000 parts per million of sodium chloride.
Gallons per minute.
A sand filter designed for flows in excess of five gallons per minute (gpm) per square foot.
The fitting or fixture through which circulated water enters the pool.
The outlet at the deep portion of the pool through which the main flow of water leaves the pool when being drained or circulated.
A swimming pool.
The distance between the floor of the pool and the maximum operating water level.
All chemical, circulation, filter waste discharge piping, deck drainage and water-filling systems.
A prefabricated pool which may be erected at the point of intended use and which may be subsequently disassembled and reerected at a new location. It is generally installed on the surface of the ground and without excavation.
In a diatomite-type filter, the initial coating or filter aid placed on the filter septum at the start of the filter cycle.
A filter designed to be used with sand as the filter media and for flows not to exceed five gpm per square foot.
An approved plumbing fixture or device of such material, shape and capacity as to adequately receive the discharge from indirect waste piping, so constructed and located as to be readily cleaned.
That portion of the circulation piping which extends from the outlet side of the filters to the pool.
A ladder which can be raised to the height of the pool rim or which has removable rungs or steps or which has a safety locking device, each of which serves the purpose of preventing access to the pool when not in use.
Those waters having a specific conductivity in excess of a solution containing 6,000 parts per million of sodium chloride.
A device used to clarify filter rinse water or wastewater, sometimes called a reclamation tank.
A surface skimmer combined with a vacuum diatomite filter.
That portion of the circulation piping located between the pool structure and the inlet side of the pump and usually includes the following: main outlet piping, skimmer piping, vacuum piping and surge tank piping.
A device generally located in the pool wall which skims the pool surface by drawing pool water over a self-adjusting weir.
Any constructed or prefabricated pool used for swimming or bathing, over 24 inches in depth.
Any constructed pool which is used as a swimming pool in connection with not more than four dwelling units and available only to the occupants and their private guests.
Any swimming pool other than a private swimming pool.
The time, in hours, required for the circulation system to filter and recirculate a volume of water equal to the pool volume.
A fitting in the pool which is used as a convenient outlet for connecting the underwater suction cleaning equipment.
The piping from the suction side of a pump connected to a vacuum fitting located at the pool and below the water level.
Any constructed or prefabricated pool used for wading and is 18 inches or less in depth.
See "filter waste discharge piping."
The actual water dimension taken from wall to wall at the maximum operating water level.
[Code 1975, § 8-232; Code 1992, § 27-4]
All private outdoor swimming pools shall comply with all yard requirements for the zoning district in which they are located. A private outdoor swimming pool shall be considered as an accessory use in any residence district, and, in the application of yard requirements, the size of such pool shall be the outside measurements of the walls thereof and shall not include any cement or hard-surfaced areas adjacent to the pool.
[Code 1975, § 8-233; Code 1992, § 27-5; 6-26-2017 by Ord. No. 17-005]
No person shall construct or install a swimming pool without first obtaining a permit from the Building Inspection Division of the Department of Planning. Any person legally entitled to apply for and receive such a permit shall make application therefor on forms provided for that purpose. Such application shall be accompanied by plans in duplicate and in sufficient detail, including plot plans with site grades, dimensioned and drawn to a scale of not less than one-eighth inch per foot, and showing at least the following:
(1)
Property lines, easements and rights-of-way of record adjacent to the pool area.
(2)
Existing structures, fencing, retaining walls and other relevant characteristics adjacent to the pool area.
(3)
Proposed pool shape, dimensioned and located to show setbacks, side yards and clearance from existing structures adjacent to the pool area.
(4)
Proposed mechanical equipment, pad, dimensions and location.
(5)
Proposed deck work configuration showing its anticipated drainage.
(6)
Anticipated overall drainage of the pool site.
(7)
Volume, system flow rate in gallons per minute, and turnover in hours.
(8)
Type and size of filtration system and means of waste disposal.
(9)
Type and size of pool heater, if included, including method of venting and provisions for combustion air.
(10)
Pool piping layout with all sizes shown and types of material to be used, and showing the location of the main outlet, surface skimmers and inlets.
(11)
The water capacity of the pool pump in gpm at the design head with the size and type of motor indicated and identified as a self-priming or straight centrifugal.
(12)
Means of adding makeup water.
(13)
Size, length from source to heater, and routing of gas line.
[Code 1975, § 8-234; Code 1992, § 27-6]
Every pool shall be constructed so as to be watertight and easily cleaned and shall be made of nonabsorbent material and shall be free of cracks, loose joints and rough protruding edges.
[Code 1975, § 8-235; Code 1992, § 27-7]
Each pool shall have an overflow gutter or other device at the high-water line which is designed so as to effectively remove scum or floating debris, and the construction of the pool shall be such that all scum, splash and deck water shall not return to the pool, except through the filter system.
[Code 1975, § 8-236; Code 1992, § 27-8]
(a)
All electric wiring installed and provided for or used in conjunction with swimming pools shall be in conformity with the National Electrical Code.
(b)
No electric wires or conductors shall cross, either overhead or underground, any part of a swimming pool wall closer than five feet, if underground, unless enclosed in rigid conduit, or within 10 feet, if overhead.
(c)
All swimming pool lights must be watertight, self-contained units with their own ground connection running from a waterproof junction box to a proper grounding facility or medium. All underground electric wires supplying current to a light, within a distance of five feet of the pool wall, must be enclosed in rigid conduits.
(d)
All metal fences, enclosures or railings near or adjacent to swimming pools, which might become electrically live as a result of contact with broken overhead conductors or from any other cause, shall be effectively grounded.
[Code 1975, § 8-237; Code 1992, § 27-9]
(a)
All pool water supply lines or drainage lines connected to the City water supply or sewer system shall conform with the City plumbing code.
(b)
No pool drain shall be directly connected with the City sewer system. Emptying of pools shall be done using recirculating pump equipment, and the water shall be discharged to the residential drainage system.
[Code 1975, § 8-238; Code 1992, § 27-10]
(a)
Swimming pools having a depth of less than 24 inches need not comply with this section. Swimming pools having a depth of 24 inches or more shall comply with this section.
(b)
Each swimming pool shall be equipped with a recirculation system which shall consist of pumping equipment, hair and lint catcher, filters, together with the necessary pipe connections to the pool inlets and outlets, and facilities and pipe connections necessary for backwashing filters or clearing them.
(c)
The entire recirculating system shall be capable of producing, within at least an eighteen-hour period, a turnover of the entire pool volume content against the maximum head possible. Sufficient filter area shall be provided to adequately filter the entire contents of the pool in 18 hours, with a maximum head loss across the filter of 10 feet of water.
(d)
Recirculating systems shall contain a filter capable of meeting the following minimum basic requirements:
Type | Maximum Operating Rate (gallons per square foot) | Minimum Backwash Rate (gallons per square foot) | |
|---|---|---|---|
Rapid sand filter | 5 | 10 | |
High rate rapid sand filter | 25 | 15 | |
Diatomite filters | 3 |
(e)
Cartridge or other type filters shall be designed so as to meet the performance standards of pressure filters.
(f)
Pressure filters shall be equipped with readily accessible air relief valves, at the high point in the system.
(g)
Recirculating systems shall provide an adequate and simple means of cleaning the filter media, either by backwash, sprayoff or manual cleaning or replacement of media. Backwash water shall be removed from the system.
(h)
In order to determine the need of cleaning, water pressure gauges shall be provided so that the loss of head across the filter can be determined.
(i)
A hair and lint catcher or strainer shall be installed on the inlet side of the circulating system to prevent hair, lint and other extraneous matter from reaching the pump and filters. The strainer shall be made of noncorrosive material and shall be easily accessible for cleaning and of adequate size.
[Code 1975, § 8-239; Code 1992, § 27-11]
(a)
Adequate provision shall be made for positive germicidal or bacterial control in swimming pools, by the use of chlorine, bromine or such other disinfecting agents as may be approved by the Health Department, and in such manner and method as required by rules and regulations of the Health Department. Testing devices capable of accurately measuring such residue shall be provided.
(b)
Where required, suitable chemicals for algae control shall be applied in swimming pools, in addition to bacteriological control chemicals.
[Code 1975, § 8-240; Code 1992, § 27-12; 4-28-2003 by Ord. No. 1207]
(a)
All swimming pools constructed outside of a building shall be enclosed by a fence extending from the ground to a point at least four feet above any ground or at least four feet above any climbable stationary object within three feet of the fence. Such fence shall be one of the following types:
(b)
Gates for fences required by this section shall meet the requirements for fence construction, shall be self-closing and self-latching and equipped with a latch capable of securely holding the gate closed and mounted on the inside of the gate, not readily available for children to open. Service gates not ordinarily used for ingress or egress for swimmers need not be self-closing or self-latching.
(c)
For the purpose of determining suitable alternate types of fences and gates, the Construction Board of Appeals is hereby granted the authority to make such rulings.
(d)
Fences existing on February 26, 1973, which do not conform to this section shall be allowed to remain, providing they meet the following:
(e)
The outer vertical wall of an aboveground swimming pool may be deemed an adequate enclosure, provided the upper rim of the wall must be not less than four feet above the underlying ground, and the wall must be without horizontal ribbing. The ladder to the pool shall be a safety ladder. An attached fixed ladder shall be enclosed in accordance with Subsection (a) of this section.
[Code 1975, § 8-241; Code 1992, § 27-13]
All floodlights for a pool shall be so designed and used as to light the pool area and shall not be permitted to shine or reflect on adjoining property.
[Code 1975, § 8-242; Code 1992, § 27-14]
(a)
No swimming pool shall be used, kept, maintained or operated in the City, except in accordance with and in compliance with this article, nor shall a pool be used, kept, maintained or operated in such a manner as to occasion a nuisance or be dangerous to life or a threat to health or safety.
(b)
Pools shall be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition at all times during the swimming season.
[Code 1975, § 8-243; Code 1992, § 27-15]
It shall be the responsibility of the owner of a pool to ensure that the pool is constructed, maintained and operated in accordance with this article and other applicable City ordinances.