Chapter 6 Aquatic Recreation Facilities
Section 601 General
601.1 Scope.
This chapter covers public pools and water containment systems used for aquatic recreation. This chapter provides specifications for the design, equipment, operation, signs, installation, sanitation, new construction, and rehabilitation of public pools for aquatic play. This chapter covers Class D-1 through Class D-6 public pools whether they are provided as stand-alone attractions or in various combinations in a composite attraction.
601.2 Combinations.
Where combinations of Class D-1 through Class D-6 pools exist within a facility, each element in the facility shall comply with the applicable code sections as if the element functioned as a part of a freestanding pool of Class D-1 through Class D-6.
Section 602 Floors
602.1 Floor slope.
In water depths of less than 5 feet (1524 mm), the floor slope shall be not greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3 percent slope) except where the function of the attraction requires greater slopes in limited areas.
Exception: The slope of the floor in Class D-3 pools shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 7 units horizontal (14 percent slope).
Section 603 Markings and Indicators
603.2 Class D-2 pools.
Where a Class D-2 pool has a bather depth greater than 4 1/2 feet (1372 mm), the floor shall have a distinctive marking at the 4 1/2 feet (1372 mm) water depth.
603.3 Shallow-to-deep-end rope and float line.
Where a pool has a water depth ranging from less than 5 feet (1524 mm) to greater than 5 feet (1524 mm), a rope and float line shall be located 1 foot (305 mm) horizontally from the 5-foot (1524 mm) depth location, toward the shallow end of the pool.
603.4 Nozzles.
Pools having nonflush propulsion nozzles in the floor shall have a distinctive marking at the location of such nozzles.
Section 604 Circulation Systems
604.1 General.
A circulation system consisting of pumps, piping, return inlets and suction outlets, filters, and other necessary equipment shall be provided for complete circulation of water with the pool.
604.2 Turnover.
Circulation system equipment shall be designed to turn over 100 percent of the nominal pool water volume in the amount of time specified in Table 604.2. The system shall be designed to give the required turnover time based on the manufacturer’s recommended maximum pressure and flow of the filter in clean media condition.
CLASS OF POOL | MAXIMUM TURNOVER TIMEa (hours) |
D-1 | 2 |
D-2 with less than 24 inches water depth | 1 |
D-2 with 24 inches or greater water depth | 2 |
D-3 | 1 |
D-4 | 2 |
D-5 | 1 |
D-6 | 1 |
For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm.
- a.
Pools with a sand bottom require a 1-hour turnover time.
604.2.1 24-hour circulation required.
Circulation systems shall circulate treated and filtered water for 24 hours a day.
604.2.2 Reduced circulation rate.
The circulation rate shall be permitted to be reduced during periods that the pool is closed for use provided that acceptable water clarity conditions are met prior to reopening the pool for public use. The reduced circulation rate shall not be zero.
CLASS OF POOL | SURFACE SKIMMING SYSTEM |
D-1 | Zero-depth trench located at static water level or other skimming systems |
D-2 | Auto skimmer, zero-depth trench or gutters |
D-3 | Auto skimmer, zero-depth trench or perimeter device |
D-4 | Single or multiple skimmer devices for skimming flow |
D-5 | Skimmers prohibited in side area |
D-6 | Auto skimmer, zero-depth trench, or gutters |
604.3.1 Class D-5 pool skimmers.
The installation of skimmers in the side areas of Class D-5 pools shall be prohibited.
Section 605 Handholds and Ropes
605.2 Rope and float line.
A rope and float line shall be provided for all of the following situations:
- 1.
Separation of activity areas.
- 2.
Identification of a break in floor slope at water depths of less than 5 feet (1524 mm).
- 3.
Identification of a water depth greater than 4 1/2 feet (1372 mm) in constant floor slope in Class D-2 pools.
Exception: Class D-1 pools or any other pool where the designer indicates that such a line is not required or that the line would constitute a hazard.
605.2.1 Location.
The rope and float line shall be located 1 foot (305 mm) toward the shallow end in each location.
605.3 Caisson wall rope and float line.
For Class D-1 pools, a rope and float line shall be installed to restrict bather access to the wave pool caisson wall. The location of the rope and float line shall be in accordance with the wave equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
605.4 Fastening.
Rope and float lines shall be securely fastened to wall anchors made of corrosion-resistant materials. Wall anchors shall be of the recessed type and shall not have projections that will constitute a hazard when the rope and float line is removed.
605.5 Size.
Rope and float lines shall be not less than 5/8 inch (15.9 mm) in diameter and shall be made of polypropylene material.
Section 606 Depths
606.1 Class D-6 depth.
The captured or standing water depth in Class D-6 pools shall be not greater than 12 inches (305 mm).
606.2 Spray pools.
The water depths in spray pools shall be not greater than 6 inches (152 mm).
Section 607 Barriers
Section 608 Number of Occupants
608.1 Occupant load.
The occupant load for the pools or spas in the facility shall be calculated in accordance with Table 608.1. The occupant load shall be the combined total of the number of users based on the pool or spa water surface area and the deck area surrounding the pool or spa. The deck area occupant load shall be based on the occupant load calculated where a deck is provided or based on an assumed 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) deck surrounding the entire perimeter of the pool or spa, whichever is greater.
| SHALLOW OR WADING AREAS | DEEP AREA (NOT INCLUDING THE DIVING AREA) | DIVING AREA (PER EACH DIVING BOARD) | DECK AREA |
Vessel water surface area | 8 sq. ft per user | 10 sq. ft. per user | 300 sq. ft. per user | — |
Deck area | — | — | — | 1 user per 15 sq. ft. |
For SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.
Section 609 Dressing and Sanitary Facilities
609.2 Number of fixtures.
The minimum number of required water closets, urinals, lavatory fixtures, dressing facilities and cleansing showers shall be provided in accordance with Sections 609.2.1 or 609.2.2. Rinse showers shall be provided in accordance with 609.3.
609.2.1 Water area less than 7500 square feet.
Facilities that have less than 7500 gross square feet (697 m2) of water area available for bather access shall have dressing facilities and not less than one water closet for males, one urinal for males, one lavatory for males, one cleansing shower for males, two water closets for females, one lavatory for females and one cleansing shower for females.
Exception: The requirement for dressing facilities and cleansing showers shall not apply to Class C semipublic pools.
609.2.2 Water area 7500 square feet or more.
Facilities that have 7500 gross square feet (697 m2) or more of water area available for bather access shall have dressing facilities and not less than 0.7 water closet for males, one urinal for males, 0.85 lavatory for males, one cleansing shower for males, two water closets for females, one lavatory for females and one cleansing shower for females for every 7500 square feet (697 m2) or portion thereof. Where the result of the fixture calculation is a portion of a whole number, the result shall be rounded up to the nearest whole number.
609.3.2 Water heater and mixing valve.
Bather access to water heaters and thermostatically controlled mixing valves for showers shall be prohibited.
609.3.3 Temperature.
At each cleansing showerhead, the heated shower water temperature shall be not less than 90°F (32°C) and not greater than 120°F (49°C). Water supplied to rinse showers shall not be required to be heated.
609.4.1 Liquid or powder.
Soap dispensers shall be provided at each lavatory and cleansing shower. Soap dispensers shall dispense liquid or powdered soap. Reusable cake soap is prohibited. Soap dispensers and soap shall not be provided at rinse showers.
609.4.2 Metal or plastic.
Soap dispensers shall be made of metal or plastic. Glass materials shall be prohibited.
609.5 Toilet tissue holder.
A toilet paper holder shall be provided at each water closet.
609.6 Lavatory mirror.
Where mirrors are provided, they shall be shatter resistant.
609.7 Sanitary napkin receptacles.
Sanitary napkin receptacles shall be provided in each water closet compartment for females and in the cleansing area of the showers for female use only.
609.8 Sanitary napkin dispensers.
A sanitary napkin dispenser shall be provided in each toilet facility for females.
609.9 Infant care.
Baby-changing tables shall be provided in toilet facilities having two or more water closets.
Section 610 Special Features
610.1 Locations.
Entry and exit locations shall be in accordance with Table 610.1. The primary means of entry and exit shall consist of ramps, beach entries, pool stairs, or ladders.
CLASS OF POOL | ENTRY AND EXIT LOCATIONS |
D-1 | Entry at beach end only; exit at beach end, sides or end wall |
D-2 | Entry and exit determined by the pool designer |
D-3 | Entry prohibited from deck areas; exit by ladders, steps or ramps as determined by pool designer |
D-4 | Entry and exit determined by the pool designer |
D-5 | Entry and exit determined by the pool designer |
D-6 | Entry and exit determined by the pool designer |
610.2 Secondary entry and exit means.
Where secondary means of entry and exit are provided, they shall consist of one of the following:
- 1.
Steps.
- 2.
Stairs.
- 3.
Ladders with grab rails.
- 4.
Recessed treads.
- 5.
Ramps.
- 6.
Beach entries.
- 7.
Swimouts.
- 8.
Designs that provide the minimum utility as specified in this code.
610.4 Beach entry, zero-depth entry, and sloping entries.
The shallow end for beach entries and sloping entries shall be in accordance with Sections 610.4.1 through 610.4.4 or the regulations of the local jurisdiction.
610.4.1 Maximum entry slope.
The slope of sloping entries used as a pool entry shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.3 percent slope).
610.4.2 Benches.
Where benches are used in conjunction with sloping entries, the vertical riser height shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm).
610.4.4 Slip-resistant surfaces.
Beach and sloping entry walking surfaces at water depths up to 36 inches (914 mm) shall be slip resistant.
610.5 Pool steps.
The design and construction of steps for stairs into the shallow end and recessed pool stairs shall be in accordance with Sections 610.5.1 through 610.5.6.
610.5.1 Uniform height of 9 inches.
Except for the bottom riser, risers at the centerline shall have a maximum uniform height of 9 inches (229 mm). The bottom riser height shall be permitted to vary from the other risers.
610.5.2 Distance from coping or deck.
The vertical distance from the pool coping, deck, or step surface to the uppermost tread shall be not greater than 9 inches (229 mm).
610.5.3 Color to mark leading edge.
The leading edge of steps shall be distinguished by a color contrasting with the color of the steps and the pool floor.
610.5.4 Stairs in water depths over 48 inches.
Stairs that are located in water depths greater than 48 inches (1219 mm) shall have the lowest tread located below the deck at a distance of not less than 48 inches (1219 mm) below the deck.
610.5.5 Tread horizontal depth.
Treads shall have an unobstructed horizontal depth of not less than 11 inches (279 mm).
610.5.6 Tread surface area.
Treads shall have an unobstructed surface area of not less than 240 square inches (.017 m2).
610.6 Swimouts.
Swimouts shall be located completely outside of the water current or wave action of the pool or spa and can be located in shallow or deep areas of water.
610.6.3 Maximum depth.
The horizontal surface of a swimout shall be not greater than 20 inches (508 mm) below the waterline.
610.6.4 Color marking.
The leading edge of a swimout shall be visually set apart by a stripe having a width of not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). The stripe shall be of a contrasting color to the adjacent surfaces.
610.7 Underwater benches.
Underwater benches shall comply with this section.
610.7.1 Location.
Underwater benches shall only be located in areas where the pool water depth does not exceed 5 feet (1.5 m).
610.7.2 Surface dimensions.
Underwater benches shall have an unobstructed surface dimension of not less than 16 inches (406 mm) and not greater than 22 inches (559 mm) in depth measured front to back and not less than 26 inches (660 mm) in width.
610.7.3 Not an entry or exit.
Underwater benches shall not be used as an entry or exit for a pool.
610.7.4 Depth.
The horizontal surface of benches shall be not greater than 20 inches (508 mm) below the waterline.
610.7.5 Color marking.
The leading edge of benches shall be visually set apart by a stripe having a width not less than 3/4 inch (19 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm). The stripe shall be of a contrasting color to the adjacent surfaces.
610.7.6 Slip resistant.
The top surface of benches shall be slip resistant.
610.8 Objects permitted.
The design, construction, and operation of decorative objects and structures intended for climbing, walking, and hanging on by a bather are not covered by this code.
610.8.1 Floating devices.
Floating devices not intended to be mobile shall be anchored in a manner to restrict movement to the range established by the designer. The anchoring of such floating devices shall be configured to minimize the possibility of entrapment of bathers, bodies, hair, limbs, and appendages should they come in contact with any element of the floating device or its anchors.
Section 611 Signage
611.1 Posting of signs.
Signs stating rules, instructions, and warnings shall be posted. Signs for suction entrapment warning in accordance with Section 311 shall be posted. Signs shall be placed so that they squarely face approaching traffic. The center of the message panel shall be located not less than 66 inches (1676 mm) above the walking surface.
611.2 Prohibited mounting.
Signs shall not be mounted on fences and gates alongside of guest walkways and staircases.
611.3 Message delivery.
Messages delivered on signs shall comply with all of the following:
- 1.
Messages shall be pertinent to the activity being performed or to be performed.
- 2.
Messages shall be specific by providing details about the activity.
- 3.
Messages shall be short and concise.
- 4.
Messages shall be direct without humor or embellishments.
611.4 Text font and size.
The message text shall be in a clear, bold font such as Arial. The character height shall be proportional to 1 inch (25 mm) for 10 feet (3048 mm) of intended viewing distance but not less than 1 inch (25 mm).
611.5 Distinct sign classes.
Facility signs shall be categorized into four sign classes in accordance with Sections 611.5.1 through 611.5.4.
611.5.1 General information.
General information signs shall be posted facility-wide and shall not be attraction specific.
611.5.2 Directional signs.
Directional signs shall identify the location of services and attractions in the park and shall include directional arrows. Directional signs shall be posted at various crossroads in the facility.
611.5.3 Rule signs.
Rule signs shall inform guests of the qualifications that they must meet to allow them to participate on a specific ride or attraction. Rules shall include, but are not limited to, limits for weight and height, proper attire and ride (and ride vehicle) stipulations. Rule signs shall be located at a point where the guests make the initial commitment to participate on the ride.
611.5.4 Instructional signs.
Instructional signs shall inform guests of specific instructions for the use of the ride. Instructions shall include, but are not limited to, riding posture, prohibited activity, and user exit requirements at the ride termination. Instructional signs shall be located along the queue approaching the ride dispatch area.
611.6 Materials.
Sign panels shall be durable for the weather conditions and shall be resistant to damage from guests. The message surface shall be clean and smooth and shall readily accept paint or precut lettering adhesives.
611.7 Shape and size consistency.
The panel shape and size for each class of signs shall be the same. Where the total message to be indicated is larger than what can be placed on one sign, multiple signs of the same size shall be used to display the message.
611.8 Pictograms.
Pictograms shall always be accompanied by text indicating the same message. Pictograms shall be designed to illustrate one clear and specific meaning to all individuals.
611.9 Theming or artwork.
Theming or artwork applied to signs shall not invade the message panel. Signs shall have a distinct border.
611.11 Cold water.
Where a pool could have a water temperature below 70°F (21°C), a cold water warning sign shall be posted at the point of entry to the pool or at the attraction using such water.
Section 612 Interactive Water Play Features
612.2 Safety hazards.
Parts of the interactive water play feature that can be accessed by the users of the feature shall be designed and constructed to not present safety hazards to the users.
612.3 Decking.
A deck of not less than 4 feet (1296 mm) in width shall be provided around the perimeter of the interactive water play feature. The deck shall be sloped away from the interactive water play feature.
612.4.1 Surface.
Splash pad zone surfaces shall have a slip-resistant and cleanable surface. The manufacturer of manufactured zone surfaces shall certify that such surfacing is suitable for aquatic and chlorinated environments. Direct suction outlets from interactive water play features shall be prohibited.
612.4.2 Slope and water collection.
Splash pad zone surfaces shall slope to one or more drain points so that only water from the splash pad zone flows back to a gravity-fed collection tank. The slope shall prevent the accumulation or pooling of water and shall not exceed 1/2 inch per foot (41.6 mm/m).
Drain openings in the splash pad zone surfaces that can be accessed by users shall not allow a 1/2-inch (12.7 mm) diameter dowel rod to be inserted into the opening. Drain covers in splash pad zone surfaces shall be flat and flush with the zone surface and shall require tools for removal. The manufacturer of such drain covers shall certify that the covers comply with the physical testing and finger-and-limb entrapment requirements in Sections 3 and 6, respectively, of APSP 16.
612.4.3 Nozzles within the interactive water play feature splash pad zone.
Nozzles that spray water from the interactive water play feature splash pad zone shall be flush with the zone surface. Openings in such nozzles shall not allow a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter dowel rod to be inserted into the opening. The water velocity from the orifice of any water nozzle shall not exceed 20 feet (6.1 m) per second.
612.4.4 Other nozzles.
Nozzles, other than those on walking surfaces within the interactive water play feature splash pad zone, shall be designed to be clearly visible.
612.5 Water sanitation.
The water sanitation shall consist of the equipment covered in Sections 612.5.1 through 612.5.5.
612.5.1 Water collection and treatment tank.
Interactive water play features shall drain to a collection and treatment tank. The inside of the tank shall be provided access for cleaning and inspection. The access hatch or lid shall be locked or require a tool to open.
612.5.2 Filtration pump.
The filtration pump shall be sized to turn over the surge basin capacity in 30 minutes or less. The intake for the pump shall be located to draw water from the lowest elevation in the treatment tank.
612.5.3 Spray nozzle and water feature water disinfection.
Spray nozzles and water features shall be supplied by water from the water collection and treatment tank that is equipped with filtration and sanitizing equipment required by Chapter 3 and this section. Where separate water feature pumps are installed, controls shall prevent those pumps from operation when the filtration pump is not operating.
612.5.4 Disinfection system.
In addition to any filtration and sanitizing equipment requirements of Chapter 3 and this chapter, all water supplied to spray nozzles or other water that can be accessed by a user shall pass through a secondary disinfection system before discharge to the user. The secondary disinfection system shall be listed and labeled to NSF 50 as having a single-pass, three-log reduction of the cryptosporidium surrogate.
612.5.5 Make-up water system.
The water collection and treatment tank shall be provided with a make-up water system that is supplied with potable water.
612.6 Operating instructions.
In addition to the documentation and instructions requirements of Chapters 1 and 3, the operating instructions for an interactive water play feature shall require that the circulation system be operated continuously for not less than four turnovers prior to operation of the pumps for the spray nozzles and other water features systems.