Chapter 5 Public Spas and Public Exercise Spas
Section 501 General
501.1 Scope.
This chapter shall govern the design, installation, construction and repair of public spas and exercise spas regardless of whether a fee is charged for use.
Section 502 Materials
502.1 Pumps and motors.
Pumps and motors shall be listed and labeled for use in spas.
Section 503 Structure and Design
503.1 Water depth.
The maximum water depth for spas shall be 4 feet (1219 mm) measured from the design waterline except for spas that are designed for special purposes and approved by the authority having jurisdiction. The water depth for exercise spas shall not exceed 6 feet 6 inches (1981 mm) measured from the design waterline.
503.2 Multilevel seating.
Where multilevel seating is provided, the maximum water depth of any seat or sitting bench shall be 28 inches (711 mm) measured from the design waterline to the lowest measurable point.
503.3 Floor slope.
The slope of the floor shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3 percent slope). Where multilevel floors are provided, the change in depth shall be indicated.
Section 504 Pumps and Motors
504.1 Emergency shutoff switch.
One emergency shutoff switch shall be provided to disconnect power to circulation and jet system pumps and air blowers. Emergency shutoff switches shall be provided with access. Such switches shall be located within sight of the spa and shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) but not greater than 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally from the inside walls of the spa.
504.1.1 Alarms.
Emergency shutoff switches shall be provided with an audible alarm rated at not less than 80 decibel sound pressure level and a light near the spa that will operate continuously until deactivated when the shutoff switch is operated. The following statements shall appear on a sign that is posted in a location that is visible from the spa:
ALARM INDICATES SPA PUMPS OFF.
DO NOT USE SPA WHEN ALARM SOUNDS AND
LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED UNTIL ADVISED OTHERWISE.
504.2 Timer.
The operation of the hydrotherapy jets shall be limited by a cycle timer having a maximum setting of 10 minutes. The cycle timer shall be located not less than 5 feet (1524 mm) away, adjacent to, and within sight of the spa.
Section 505 Return and Suction Fittings
505.1 Return fittings.
Return fittings shall be provided and arranged to facilitate a uniform circulation of water and maintain a uniform sanitizer residual throughout the entire spa or exercise spa.
505.2 Suction fittings.
Suction fittings shall be in accordance with Sections 505.2.1 through 505.2.4.
505.2.2 Installation.
Suction fittings shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Spas and exercise spas shall not be used or operated if the suction outlet cover is missing, damaged, broken or loose.
Section 506 Heater and temperature requirements
506.1 General.
This section pertains to fuel-fired and electric appliances used for heating spa or exercise spa water.
506.2 Water temperature controls.
Components provided for water temperature controls shall be suitable for the intended application.
506.2.1 Water temperature regulating controls.
Water temperature regulating controls shall comply with UL 873 or UL 372. A means shall be provided to indicate the water temperature in the spa.
Exception: Water temperature regulating controls that are integral to the heating appliance and listed in accordance with the applicable end use appliance standard.
Section 507 Water Supply
507.1 Water temperature.
The temperature of the incoming makeup water shall not exceed 104°F (40°C).
Section 508 Safety Features
508.2 Operational signs.
Operational signs shall include, but not be limited to, the following messages as required by the local jurisdiction:
- 1.
Do not allow the use of or operate spa if the suction outlet cover is missing, damaged or loose.
- 2.
Check spa temperature before each use. Do not enter the spa if the temperature is above 104°F (40°C).
- 3.
Keep breakable objects out of the spa area.
- 4.
Spa shall not be operated during severe weather conditions.
- 5.
Never place electrical appliances within 5 feet (1524 mm) of the spa.
- 6.
No diving.
508.3 Depth markers.
Public spas shall have permanent depth markers with numbers not less than 4 inches (102 mm) in height that are plainly and conspicuously visible from obvious points of entry and in conformance to this section.
508.3.1 Number.
There shall be not less than two depth markers for each spa, regardless of spa size or shape.
508.3.2 Spacing.
Depth markers shall be spaced at not more than 25-foot (7620 mm) intervals and shall be uniformly located around the perimeter of the spa.
508.3.3 Marking.
Spas and exercise spas shall have the maximum water depth clearly marked on the required surfaces and such markers shall be positioned on the deck within 18 inches (457 mm) of the design waterline. Depth markers shall be positioned to be read while standing on the deck facing the water.
508.3.4 Slip resistant.
Depth markers in or on the deck surfaces shall be slip resistant.
508.4 Clock.
Public facilities shall have a clock that is visible to spa users.