- any doors or gates between the building and the pool yard are for entry into a storage room, restroom, shower room, dressing room or mechanical room adjacent to the pool;
- the room does not have any door or gate openings to the outside of the pool yard enclosure; and
- the room does not contain any gas chlorine containers.
- have a minimum effective perpendicular height of at least 6 feet as measured from the ground surface on the outside of the fence;
- have no opening in the enclosure through or under which a 4-inch diameter sphere can pass;
- be designed and constructed so that it cannot be readily climbed; and
- have all doors, gates and windows in the enclosure directly and continuously supervised by staff at the pool during hours of operation, or locked to prevent unauthorized entry.
305.10.2 Enclosures for Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Pools at a Class C Facility (Such As Apartment, Property Owner Associations and Similar Residential Developments)
- The height of the pool yard enclosure must be at least 48 inches measured from the ground on the side away from the pool.
- Openings under the pool yard enclosure may not allow a sphere of 4 inches in diameter to pass under the pool yard enclosure.
- If the pool yard enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is at least 45 inches, the openings may not allow a sphere 4 inches in diameter to pass through the enclosure.
- lf the pool yard enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is less than 45 inches, the openings may not allow a sphere 1 3 /4 inches in diameter to pass through the enclosure.
- The use of chain link fencing materials is prohibited entirely for a new pool yard enclosure that is constructed after January 1, 1994. The use of diagonal fencing members that are lower than 49 inches above the ground is prohibited for a new pool yard enclosure that is constructed after January 1, 1994.
- Decorative designs or cutouts on or in the pool yard enclosure may not contain any openings greater than 1 3 /4 inches in any direction.
- Indentations or protrusions in a solid pool yard enclosure without any openings may not be greater than normal construction tolerances and tooled masonry joints on the side away from the pool.
- Permanent equipment or structures may not be constructed or placed in a manner that makes them readily available for climbing over the pool yard enclosure.
- The wall of a building may be part of the pool yard enclosure only if the doors and windows of the wall comply with Section 305.10.2.3 and 305.10.2.4.
305.10.2.1 Gates for Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Pools at a Class C Facility
- Except as provided in Section 305.10.2.2, a gate in a fence or wall enclosing a pool yard as required by Section 305.10.2 must:
- have a self-closing and self-latching device;
- have hardware enabling it to be locked at the option of whoever controls the gate by a padlock or a built-in lock operated by key, card or combination; and
- open outward away from the pool yard.
- the latch is installed on the pool yard side of the gate only and is at least 3 inches below the top of the gate; and
- the gate or enclosure has no opening greater than 1 /2 inch in any direction within 18 inches from the latch, including the space between the gate and the gate post to which the gate latches.
305.10.2.2 Existing Pool Yard Enclosures
- If a pool yard enclosure is constructed or modified before January 1, 1994, and no municipal ordinance containing standards for pool yard enclosures were applicable at the time of construction or modification, the enclosure must comply with the requirements of Sections 305.9.2 and 305.9.2.1, except that:
- if the enclosure is constructed with chain link metal fencing material, the openings in the enclosure may not allow a sphere 2 1 /4 inches in diameter to pass through the enclosure; or
- if the enclosure is constructed with horizontal and vertical members and the distance between the tops of the horizontal members is at least 36 inches, the openings in the enclosure may not allow a sphere 4 inches in diameter to pass through the enclosure.
305.10.2.3 Doors for Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Pools at a Class C Facility
- A door, sliding glass door or French door may not open directly into a pool yard if the date of electrical service for initial construction of the building or pool is on or after January 1, 1994.
- A door, sliding glass door or French door may open directly into a pool yard if the date of electrical service for initial construction of the building or pool is before January 1, 1994 and the pool yard enclosure complies with Items 3, 4 or 5, as applicable.
- If a door of a building, other than a sliding glass door or screen door opens into a pool yard, the door must have a:
- latch that automatically engages when the door is closed;
- spring-loaded door-hinge pin, automatic door closer or similar device to cause the door to close automatically; and
- keyless bolting device that is installed not less than 36 inches or more than 48 inches above the interior floor.
- a keyed dead bolt or keyless bolting device capable of insertion into the doorjamb above the door, and a keyless bolting device capable of insertion into the floor or threshold; or
- a bolt with at least a 3 /4-inch throw installed inside the door and operated from the edge of the door that is capable of insertion into the doorjamb above the door and another bolt with at least a 3 /4-inch throw installed inside the door and operated from the edge of the door that is capable of insertion into the floor or threshold.
- a sliding door handle latch or sliding door security bar that is installed no more than 48 inches above the interior floor; and
- a sliding door pin lock that is installed not more than 48 inches above the interior floor.
305.10.2.4 Windows and Window Screens for Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Poolsat a Class C Facility
- A wall of a building constructed before January 1, 1994 may not be used as part of a pool yard enclosure unless each window in the wall has a latch and unless each window screen on a window in the wall is affixed by a window screen latch, screws or similar means. This does not require the installation of window screens.
- A wall of a building constructed on or after January 1, 1994 may not be used as part of a pool yard enclosure unless each ground floor window in the wall is permanently closed and unable to be opened.
305.10.2.5 Building Located in Pool Yard for Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Pools at a Class C Facility
Each door, sliding glass door, window and window screen of each dwelling unit in a residential building located in the enclosed pool yard must comply with Sections 305.10.2.3 and 305.10.2.4.
305.10.3 Enclosures for All Other Class C Pools and Spas and Class D Pools at Class C Facilities (Such As Hotels, Motels, RV Parks, Etc.)
- The pool yard or spa yard enclosure for a pool or spa subject to this section must consist of one or a combination of a fence, portion of a building, wall or other durable enclosure. The enclosure must comply with the following:
- The enclosure must have a minimum perpendicular height of at least 48 inches as measured from the ground surface on the outside of the fence.
- Openings in or under the enclosure must not allow the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.
- Planters or other structures that might allow small children to climb over the enclosure are not permitted within 36 inches, measured horizontally, from the outside of the enclosure.
- Chain link fencing may be used for the enclosure of a pool or spa installed on or before October 1, 1999 if the chain link fencing was installed on or before September 1, 2004. Chain link fencing cannot be used for an enclosure of a pool or spa installed after September 1, 2004.
- Doors, gates or windows that open into a building are allowed as part of the enclosure of a pool or spa installed on or before October 1, 1999. Windows that are capable of being opened are not allowed as part of an enclosure for a pool or spa erected after October 1, 1999. Doors or gates of a building that are capable of being opened are not allowed as part of an enclosure for a pool or spa installed after October 1, 1999 unless:
- the doors or gates between the building and the pool yard or spa yard are for entry into a storage room, restroom, shower room, dressing room or mechanical room adjacent to the pool;
- the room does not have any door or gate openings to the outside of the pool yard or spa yard enclosure; and
- the room does not contain any gas chlorine containers.
- be equipped with self-closing and self-latching devices and be latched when the pool or spa is not in use; the self-closing device must be designed to keep the gate or door securely closed and the self-latching device must latch when the gate is allowed to close within its range of operation, which is from its fully open position to 6 inches from the fully closed position;
- open outward away from the pool or spa except for gates constructed before October 1, 1999 in compliance with applicable city ordinances;
- have hand activated door or gate opening hardware located at least 3 1 /2 feet above the deck or hallway;
- be capable of being locked;
- be locked if it is for entry into a Class A or B pool or a spa and the pool or spa is not open for use; and
- be locked if it is for entry into a Class C pool or a spa or a Class D pool at a Class C facility and the pool or spa needs to be closed because of repairs, hazards or other conditions.
305.10.4 Propping Open Gates Prohibited
The owner of a pool or spa, or the employee or agent of the owner of a pool or spa shall not knowingly allow a gate in a pool yard or spa yard enclosure to be propped open or remain propped open. A person shall not prop open a gate to a pool yard or spa yard unless an agent, employee or contractor of the owner is present and doing construction, maintenance or repair work in the pool yard or spa yard or on its enclosure that reasonably requires the gate to be propped open.
Section 306 Decks
306.1 General
The structural design and installation of decks around pools and spas shall be in accordance with the International Residential Code or the International Building Code , as applicable in accordance with Section 102.7 and this section.
306.2 Slip Resistant
Decks, ramps, coping, and similar step surfaces shall be slip resistant and cleanable. Special features in or on decks such as markers, brand insignias, and similar materials shall be slip resistant.
306.3 Step Risers and Treads
Step risers for decks of public pools and spas shall be uniform and have a height not less than 3 3 /4 inches (95 mm) and not greater than 7 1 /2 inches (191 mm). The tread distance from front to back shall be not less than 11 inches (279 mm). Step risers for decks of residential pools and spas shall be uniform and shall have a height not exceeding 7 1 /2 inches (191 mm). The tread distance from front to back shall be not less than 10 inches (254 mm).
306.4 Deck Steps Handrail Required
Public pool and spa deck steps having three or more risers shall be provided with a handrail.306.5 Slope
The minimum slope of decks shall be in accordance with Table 306.5 except where an alternative drainage method is provided that prevents the accumulation or pooling of water. The slope for decks, other than wood decks, shall be not greater than 1 /2 inch per foot (1 mm per 24 mm) except for ramps. The slope for wood and wood/plastic composite decks shall be not greater than 1 /4 inch per 1 foot (1 mm per 48 mm). Decks shall be sloped so that standing water will not be deeper than 1 /8 inch (3.2 mm), 20 minutes after the cessation of the addition of water to the deck.
322.3 Ladders
Ladder treads shall have a uniform horizontal depth of not less than 2 inches (51 mm). There shall be a uniform distance between ladder treads, with a distance of not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The top tread of a ladder shall be located not greater than 12 inches (305 mm) below the top of the deck or coping. Ladder treads shall have slip-resistant surfaces.
322.3.1 Wall Clearance
There shall be a clearance of not less than 3 inches (76 mm) and not greater than 4 inches (101.6 mm) between the pool wall and the ladder.
322.3.2 Handrails and Handholds
Ladders shall be provided with two handholds or two handrails. The clear distance between ladder handrails shall be not less than 17 inches (432 mm) and not greater than 24 inches (610 mm).
322.4 Recessed Treads
Recessed treads shall have a minimum depth of not less than 5 inches (127 mm) and a width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). The vertical distance between the pool coping edge, deck, or step surface and the uppermost recessed tread shall be not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). Recessed treads shall have slip-resistant surfaces.
322.4.1 Vertical Spacing
Recessed treads at the centerline shall have a uniform vertical spacing of not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm).
322.4.2 Drainage
Recessed treads shall drain into the pool.322.4.3 Handrails and Grab Rails
Recessed treads shall be provided with a handrail or grab rail on each side of the treads. The clear distance between handrails and grab rails shall be not less than 17 inches (432 mm) and not greater than 24 inches (610 mm).
Section 323 Safety
323.1 Handholds Required
Where the depth below the design waterline of a pool or spa exceeds 42 inches (1067 mm), handholds along the perimeter shall be provided. Handholds shall be located at the top of deck or coping.
Exceptions:- Handholds shall not be required where an underwater bench, seat or swimout is installed.
- Handholds shall not be required for wave action pools and action rivers.
323.1.1 Height Above Water
Handholds shall be located not more than 12 inches (305 mm) above the design waterline .323.1.2 Handhold Type
Handholds shall be one or more of the following:- Top of pool deck or coping.
- Secured rope.
- Rail.
- Rock.
- Ledge.
- Ladder.
- Stair step.
- Any design that allows holding on with one hand while at the side of the pool.
323.1.3 Handhold Spacing
Handholds shall be horizontally spaced not greater than 4 feet (1219 mm) apart.323.2 Handrails
Where handrails are installed, they shall conform to this section.323.2.1 Height
The top of the gripping surface of handrails for public pools and public spas shall be 34 inches (864 mm) to 38 inches (965 mm) above the ramp or step surface as measured at the nosing of the step or finished surface of the slope. The top of the gripping surface of handrails for residential pools and residential spas shall be 30 inches (762 mm) to 38 inches (965 mm) above the ramp or step surface as measured at the nosing of the step or finished surface of the slope.
323.2.2 Material
Handrails shall be made of corrosion-resistant materials.323.2.3 Nonremovable
Handrails shall be installed so that they cannot be removed without the use of tools.323.2.4 Leading Edge Distance
The leading edge of handrails for stairs, pool entries and exits shall be located not greater than 18 inches (457 mm) from the vertical face of the bottom riser.
323.2.5 Diameter
The outside diameter or width of handrails shall be not less than 1 1 /4 inches (32 mm) and not greater than 2 inches (51 mm).
323.3 Obstructions and Entrapment Avoidance
There shall not be obstructions that can cause the user to be entrapped or injured. Types of entrapment include, but are not limited to, wedge or pinch-type openings and rigid, nongiving cantilevered protrusions.
Section 324 Equipment Rooms
324.1 General
The provisions of this section apply to public pools and spas and aquatic recreation facilities.324.2 Requirements
The equipment area or room floor shall be of concrete or other suitable material having a smooth slip-resistant finish and have positive drainage, including a sump drain pump, if necessary. Floors shall have a slope toward the floor drain or sump drain pump adequate to prevent standing water at all times. The opening to the equipment room or area shall be designed to provide access for all anticipated equipment. At least one hose bibb with backflow preventer shall be located in the equipment room or be accessible within an adequate distance of the equipment room so that a hose can service the entire room.
324.3 Construction
The size of the equipment room or area shall provide working space to perform routine operations and equipment service. Equipment rooms also intended for storage shall have adequate space provided for such storage, without reducing the working spaces. Equipment rooms or areas shall be lighted to provide 30 foot-candles (323 lux) of illumination at floor level.
324.4 Electrical
All electrical wiring shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 70.324.5 Ventilation
- Combustion requirements.
- Heat dissipation from equipment.
- Humidity from surge or balance tanks.
- Ventilation to the outside.
- Air quality.
324.6 Markings
- Main drains and skimmer lines.
- Filtered water.
- Make-up water
- Chlorine (or disinfection) feeds.
- Acid (or pH) feeds.
- Compressed air lines.
- Gutter lines.
- Chemical sample piping.
- Pool heating lines.
All piping shall be marked with directional arrows as necessary to determine flow direction and all valves shall be clearly identified by number with a brass tag, plastic laminate tag or permanently affixed alternative. Valves shall be described as to their function and referenced in the operating instruction manual.
324.7 Separation From Chemical Storage Spaces
Combustion equipment, air-handling equipment, and electrical equipment shall not be exposed to air contaminated with corrosive chemical fumes or vapors. Spaces containing combustion equipment, air-handling equipment or electrical equipment and spaces sharing air distribution with spaces containing such equipment shall not be used as chemical storage spaces at the same time unless the equipment is listed and labeled for use in that atmosphere. Spaces containing combustion equipment, air-handling equipment, or electrical equipment and spaces sharing air distribution with spaces containing such equipment shall be isolated from chemical storage space air.
324.7.1 Doors and Openings
A door or doors shall not be installed in a wall between such equipment rooms and an interior chemical storage space. There shall be no ducts, grilles, pass-throughs, or other openings connecting such equipment rooms to chemical storage spaces, except as permitted by the International Fire Code .
Spaces containing combustion equipment, air-handling equipment, or electrical equipment and spaces sharing air distribution with spaces containing such equipment shall be isolated from indoor aquatic facility air unless the equipment is listed for the atmosphere. There shall be no ducts, grilles, pass-throughs, or other openings connecting such spaces to an indoor aquatic facility.
Ducts that connect the indoor aquatic facility to the duct connections of air handlers shall not be construed as connecting the air-handler space to the indoor aquatic facility unless HVAC equipment is rated for indoor aquatic facility atmosphere and serves only that indoor aquatic facility.
Where building construction leaves any openings or gaps between floors and walls, or between walls and other walls, or between walls and ceilings, such gaps shall be permanently sealed against air leakage.
324.7.2 Indoor Aquatic Facility Access
- A floor all of which is at least 4 inches (102 mm) below the level of the nearest part of the indoor aquatic facility floor.
- A continuous dike not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high located entirely within the equipment room, which will prevent spills from reaching the indoor aquatic facility floor.
324.7.2.1 Automatic Closer and Lock
A door between an equipment room and an indoor aquatic facility shall be equipped with an automatic closer and automatic lock. The door, frame, and automatic closer shall be installed so as to ensure that the door closes completely and latches without human assistance. The automatic lock shall require a key or combination to open from the indoor aquatic facility side. The lock shall be designed and installed to be opened by one hand from the inside of the room under all circumstances, without the use of a key or tool.
Such doors shall be equipped with permanent signage warning against unauthorized entry. All sides of such doors shall be equipped with a gasket. The gasket shall be installed to prevent the passage of air, fumes, or vapors when the door is closed.
324.8 Chemical Storage Space
A least one space dedicated to chemical storage space shall be provided to allow safe storage of pool and spa chemicals. In all chemical storage spaces, an emergency eyewash station shall be provided. The construction of a chemical storage space shall take into account foreseeable hazards and protect the stored materials against tampering, wildfires, unintended exposure to water and the transfer of fumes into any interior space of a building intended for occupation. Any walls, floors, doors, ceilings, and other building surfaces of an interior chemical storage space shall join each other tightly.
If chemicals are to be stored outdoors, they shall be stored in a well-ventilated protective area with an installed barrier to prevent unauthorized access. Exterior chemical storage spaces not joined to a wall of a building shall be completely enclosed by fencing that is at least 6 feet high (1829 mm). Fencing shall be equipped with a self-closing and self-latching gate having a permanent locking device.
324.8.1 Chemical Storage Space Doors
- A warning against unauthorized entry.
- Statement of the expected hazards.
- Statement of the location of the associated safety data sheet forms.
- Product chemical hazard NFPA chart.
Where a single door is the only means of egress from a chemical storage space, the door shall be equipped with an emergency-egress device. Where a chemical storage space door must open to an interior space, spill containment shall be provided to prevent spilled chemicals from leaving the chemical storage space and the door shall not open to a space containing combustion equipment, air-handling equipment, or electrical equipment.
324.8.1.1 Interior Opening Doors
- Constructed of corrosion-resistant materials.
2.1. Such lock shall require a key or combination to open from the outside into the chemical storage space.
2.2. Such lock shall be designed and installed as to be capable of being opened by one hand from the inside of the chemical storage space without the use of a key or tool.
324.8.2 Interior Chemical Storage Spaces
There shall be no transfer grille, pass-through grille, louver, or other device or opening that will allow air movement from the chemical storage space into any other interior space of a building intended for occupancy or into another chemical storage space.
Interior chemical storage spaces that share any building surface with any other interior space shall be equipped with a ventilation system that operates continuously and ensures that all air movement is from all other interior space and toward the chemical storage space.
Interior chemical storage spaces that share an electrical conduit system with any other interior space shall be equipped with a ventilation system that operates continuously and ensures that all air movement is from all other interior spaces and toward the chemical storage space. This pressure difference shall be maintained by a continuously operated exhaust system used for no other purpose than to remove air from that one chemical storage space.
Where more than one chemical storage space is present, a separate exhaust system shall be provided for each chemical storage space. The exhaust airflow rate shall be the amount specified in the International Mechanical Code . The function of this exhaust system shall be monitored continuously by an audible differential-pressure alarm system that shall sound if the specified differential air pressure is not maintained for a period of 30 minutes. This alarm shall have a minimum output level of 85 dbA at 10 feet (3048 mm) and shall require manual reset to silence it.
324.8.2.1 Air Ducts in Interior Chemical Storage Spaces
No duct shall allow air movement from the chemical storage space into any other interior space of a building intended for occupation or into any other chemical storage space.
Air ducts shall not enter or pass through an interior chemical storage space unless it is a corrosion-resistant duct used for no other purpose than to exhaust air from the chemical storage space. This corrosion-resistant duct must exhaust to the exterior and must end at a point on the exterior of the building, at least 20 feet (6096 mm) from any air intake for breathing air, cooling air, or combustion air.
A duct used for no other purpose than to supply makeup air to the chemical storage area shall be acceptable. This makeup air supply duct must end at a point on the exterior of the building, at least 20 feet (6096 mm) from any air intake for breathing air, cooling air, or combustion air.
Any other ducts specifically allowable by the International Mechanical Code where such ducts are corrosion resistant and free-of-joints to the extent feasible shall be acceptable.
324.8.2.2 Pipes and Tubes in Interior Chemical Storage Spaces
Pipes and tubes shall not enter or pass through an interior chemical storage space. Exceptions:- As required to service devices integral to the function of the chemical storage space, such as pumps, vessels, controls, freeze protection, and safety devices.
- As required to allow for automatic fire suppression.
- As required for drainage.
Piping, tubes, drain bodies, grates, and attachment and restraint devices shall be corrosion resistant and rated for the chemical environment(s) present, including floor drain bodies and grates. All wall penetrations shall be sealed air tight and commensurate with the rating of the wall assembly. Sealing materials shall be compatible with the wall assembly and the chemical environment(s) present.
324.8.2.3 Combustion Equipment in Interior Chemical Storage
No combustion device or appliance shall be installed in a chemical storage space, or in any other place where it will be exposed to the air from a chemical storage space.
Exceptions: A combustion device or appliance that meets all of the following requirements shall be acceptable:
- The device or appliance is required for one or more processes integral to the function of the room, such as space heat.
- The device is listed for such use.
- The device as installed is approved .
324.9 Ozone Rooms
An ozone equipment room shall not be used for storage of chemicals, solvents, or any combustible materials, other than those required for the operation of the recirculation and ozone-generating equipment. Rooms that are designed to include ozone equipment shall be equipped with an emergency ventilation system capable of 6 air changes per hour. The exhaust intake shall be located 6 inches (152 mm) from the floor, on the opposite side of the room from the make-up air intake.
The emergency ventilation system shall be so arranged as to run on command of an ozone-leak alarm or on command of a manual switch. The manual emergency ventilation switch shall be located outside the room and near the door to the ozone room.
Ozone rooms which are below grade shall be equipped with force-draft ventilation capable of 6 changes per hour. The exhaust intake shall be located 6 inches (152 mm) from the floor, on the opposite side of the room from the make-up air intake. Such ventilation shall be so arranged as to:
- Run automatically concurrent with the ozone equipment and for at least a time allowing for 15 air changes after the ozone equipment is stopped.
- Run on activation of the ozone detection and alarm system.
- Run on command of a manual switch.
324.9.1 Signage
In addition to the signs on all chemical storage areas, a sign shall be posted on the exterior of the entry door stating "DANGER - GASEOUS OXIDIZER -- OZONE" in lettering not less than 4 inches (102 mm) high.
324.9.2 Alarm System
Rooms containing ozone-generating equipment shall be equipped with an audible and visible ozone detection and alarm system.
The alarm system shall consist of both an audible alarm capable of producing at least 85 decibels at a 10-foot (3048 mm) distance and a visible alarm consisting of a flashing light mounted in plain view of the entrance to the ozone equipment room.
The ozone sensor shall be located at a height of 18-24 inches (457-610 mm) above floor level. The ozone sensor shall be capable of measuring ozone in the range of 0-2 ppm.
The alarm system shall activate when the ozone concentration equals or exceeds 0.1 ppm in the room. Activation of the alarm system shall shut off the ozone-generating equipment and turn on the emergency ventilation system.
324.10 Gaseous Chlorination Space
Use of compressed chlorine gas shall be prohibited for new construction and after substantial alteration to existing facilities.
324.11 Windows
- Tempered or plasticized glass.
- A corrosion-resistant frame.
- Incapable of being opened or operated.
- Be mounted in a corrosion-resistant frame.
- Be protected by a roof, eave, or permanent awning as to minimize the entry of rain or snow in the event of window breakage.
324.12 Sealing and Blocking Materials
- Minimize the leakage of air, vapors, or fumes from the chemical storage space.
- Be compatible for use in the environment.
- Be commensurate with the fire rating assembly in which they are installed.
Section 325 Indoor Air Quality
325.1 General
Indoor public pool and spa air-handling system design, construction, and installation shall comply with the requirements of the International Mechanical Code or ASHRAE 62.1.
