The Placer County board of supervisors finds commercial complexes of whirlpools, spas or "jacuzzis" when rented, used for a fee, or where use is allowed as an amenity to another enterprise, can readily allow disease transmission if not operated in a safe and sanitary manner and that operation in an unsafe and unsanitary manner is detrimental to the health and welfare of the people and is a public nuisance.
(Prior code § 8.100)
Unless context requires otherwise, the definitions set forth in this section govern the construction of this article.
"Complex"
means an establishment having two or more spas with the purpose of using the rental or proceeds from their use as a source of income.
"Disinfecting or sanitizing agent"
means chlorine in a "free available state" or other equally effective compound approved for use by the health officer.
"Health officer"
means the Placer County health officer or deputies, to include registered sanitarians.
"Spa"
means an artificial basin, container or tank constructed of impervious material and used, or intended to be used, for recreative bathing that incorporates water jets or an aeration system. Spas used under medical supervision or the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, and of a size only to be used by an individual, are exempt.
(Prior code § 8.101)
A. 
The disinfecting or sanitizing agent shall remain at or above one ppm or one mg/liter at all times the spa is in use. pH shall be kept between 7.2 and 7.8.
B. 
The spa shall be brushed weekly and emptied at least once per month.
C. 
The deck area shall extend around the spa at least four feet on two sides. Deck shall be slip resistant, free from hazards and drain properly.
D. 
All overflow shall be handled in a sanitary and safe manner so as not to create a nuisance.
E. 
The filter, pump disinfection equipment and other related items shall be kept in an area accessible at all times. This area shall be separate from the customer use area. The jet or air system shall be separate from the filtration system. A one-half hour "turnover" is required.
F. 
The materials used for the spa shall not be adversely affected by exposure to rain, snow, ice, sunlight, local temperature extremes, local air pollution products and the mechanical, electrical and chemical environment in and around spas. The materials used for the spa shell shall, in addition, be light colored, smooth, easily cleaned, and shall not be capable of cutting, pinching, puncturing or abrading the users. The shell shall be at all times maintained in a safe and sanitary manner.
G. 
Maximum water depth shall be four feet (1.22 meters) measured from the water line.
H. 
The maximum depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be two feet (61 cm) below the water line.
I. 
There shall be at least one handrail. Steps or stairs shall be provided where depths are greater than two feet.
J. 
The water supply shall be from an approved potable supply and the supply shall be protected from cross-connections.
K. 
The inlets and outlets must be designed to allow for adequate circulation. Outlets, except skimmers, on pump suction shall be covered with suitable anti-vortex grates that cannot be removed except with tools. The spa shall be equipped with at least one surface skimming device.
L. 
Spa outlets shall be designed so that each pumping system in the spa (filter and/or booster systems) provides one of the following alternatives:
1. 
Provide two outlets whose pipe diameter sizes are equal (this may be two outlet drains or an outlet drain and a skimmer). The system shall be designed so that neither one of the two outlets can be cut out of the suction line by a valve or other means.
2. 
Provide a grate of at least one square foot.
3. 
Provide other approved means that guard against outlet entrapment.
M. 
There shall be depth markings plainly and conspicuously posted.
N. 
There shall be a method to sample the water in the spa without actually entering the customer area if the spas are enclosed.
O. 
There shall be in each individual spa area an artificial respiration poster and spa use precaution sign. The precaution sign shall be approved by the health officer.
P. 
The attendant shall be trained in first aid and CPR and have appropriate proof of proficiency. There must be a 24 unit first aid kit on the premises.
Q. 
Each spa shall be checked for pH and free chlorine residual every two hours while in operation. There shall be a complete log kept on each spa unit.
(Prior code § 8.102)
A. 
Customers, prior to use of the spas, shall sign a statement indicating they are not:
1. 
Taking medications, to include: anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, or tranquilizers.
2. 
Under the influence of narcotics or other substances contained in the Uniform Controlled Substances Act of the California Health and Safety Code.
3. 
Suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure.
4. 
Under care for a communicable disease as listed in Section 2500, Title 17 CAC.
In addition to the above, the statement must indicate that use of spa is at their own risk.
B. 
Showers and toilets shall be clean and equipped in accordance with CAC Title 17, Section 7781.
C. 
Excessive consumption of alcohol shall not be allowed. Customers that appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall not be allowed use of the spas. No person shall take any drug or substance covered in subsection (A)(1) or (A)(2) of this section while using the spas. Glass shall be excluded from the spa area. The operator shall remove customers violating this section.
(Prior code § 8.103)
A. 
The Placer County health officer shall enforce this article. The health officer shall have right of entry at all times the complex is open for business. All spas must have construction plans approved by the health officer prior to issuance of a building permit.
B. 
The health officer may, in addition to or in lieu of any other remedy, issue to the person responsible a citation if he or she believes any of these sections are being violated. Each citation shall include the following:
1. 
Location, time and place of violation and identifying information on the person cited.
2. 
Each section of this code that has been allegedly violated.
3. 
The facts alleged to constitute a violation of the code.
4. 
The time and place the alleged violator shall appear before the appropriate court.
C. 
The operation may be subject to criminal and/or civil procedures for violation of this ordinance or violation of state law. The first and second offenses shall be considered infractions.
Third and subsequent violations shall be misdemeanors. Each day's violation shall be considered and treated as a separate and distinct offense.
(Prior code § 8.104)
See Section 2.116.110 for fees pertaining to pools and spas.
(Prior code § 8.105; Ord. 5741-B § 13, 2014)