Pools shall be constructed of concrete or other impervious and structurally rigid material. All pools shall be watertight, shall be free from structural cracks and shall have a nontoxic smooth and slip-resistant finish. All materials shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications unless such specifications violate Chapter 64E-9, Florida Administrative Code, rule requirements or the approval criteria of NSF/ANSI Standard 50 or NSF/ANSI Standard 60.

1. (a)Floors and walls shall be white or pastel in color and shall have the characteristics of reflecting rather than absorbing light. Tile used in less than 5 feet (1524 mm) of water must be slip resistant. A minimum 4-inch (102 mm) tile line, each tile a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, shall be installed at the water line, but shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) in height if a dark color is used. Gutter-type pools may substitute 2-inch (51 mm) tile, each a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, along the pool wall edge of the gutter lip.
2. (b)One-inch (25 mm) square tile may be used if the manufacturer has specified the adhesive for use underwater to adhere the type of tile used [vitreous (glass) or ceramic]. Tiles shall not have sharp edges exposed that could cause bather injury.
3. (c)The grout line is allowed to be included when meeting the 1-inch (25 mm) square tile requirements, if the tile is sold and distributed as nominal or trade size tile.

Dimensional standards for competition-type pools shall be those published by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 1990; Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur (FINA), 1998–2000 Handbook; 1998–1999 Official Rules of Diving & Code Regulation of United States Diving Inc.; 1998 United States Swimming Rules and Regulations, and National Federation of State High School Associations, 1997–1998, which are incorporated by reference in this code.

All pool walls shall have a clearance of 15 feet (4572 mm) perpendicular to the wall (as measured at design water level from gutter lip to gutter lip, or on skimmer pools, from vertical wall to vertical wall). Offset steps, spa coves, spa pools and wading pools are exempt from this clearance requirement. Where interior steps protrude into the pool resulting in less than 15 feet (4572 mm) of clearance from any wall, such protrusion shall not exceed 6 feet (1828 mm) on any perpendicular line from a tangent to any pool wall from which the steps emanate. The upper part of pool walls in areas 5 feet deep or less shall be within 5 degrees (4572 mm) vertical for a minimum depth of 21/2 feet (762 mm) from which point the wall may join the floor with a maximum radius equal to the difference between the pool depth and 21/2 feet. The upper part of pool walls in areas over 5 feet (1524 mm) deep shall be within 5 degrees vertical for a minimum depth equal to the pool water depth minus 21/2 feet (762 mm) from which point the wall may join the floor with a maximum radius of 21/2 feet (762 mm). Corners shall be a minimum 90-degree angle. The corner intersections of walls which protrude or angle into the pool water area shall be rounded with a minimum radius of 2 inches (51 mm). This radius shall be continued through the top of the gutter edge; chamfering is allowed, and pool coping shall not overhang into the pool more than 11/2 inches (38 mm).

The radius of curvature between the floor and walls is excluded from these requirements. Multiple floor levels in pools are prohibited, however, an area meeting all of the requirements of a sun shelf shall not be considered a violation of this requirement.

The floor slope shall be a maximum 1 unit vertical in 10 units horizontal and a minimum of 1 unit vertical in 60 units horizontal in areas 5 feet (1524 mm) deep or less. The floor slope shall be a maximum 1 unit vertical in 3 units horizontal in areas more than 5 feet (1524 mm) deep.

Any transition in floor slope shall occur at a minimum of 5 feet (1524 mm) of water depth. A slope transition must have a 2 to 6 inch (51 to 152 mm) wide dark contrasting tile marking across the bottom and must extend up both sides of the pool at the transition point. The marking shall be continuous except for recessing grouting. A slope transition must have a safety line mounted by use of recessed cup anchors, 2 feet (610 mm) before the contrasting marking, towards the shallow end. The safety line shall have visible floats at maximum 7-foot (2134 mm) intervals.

The minimum water depth shall be 3 feet (914 mm) in shallow areas and 4 feet (1219 mm) in deep areas.

Depth and markings shall meet the following criteria:

1. The minimum water depth shall be 3 feet (914 mm) in shallow areas and 4 feet (1219 mm) in deep areas.
2. Permanent depth markings followed by the appropriate full or abbreviated words “FEET,” “FT,” or “INCHES,” “IN,” shall be installed in minimum 4-inch-high (102 mm) numbers and letters on a contrasting background. Depth markers shall indicate the actual pool depth, within 3 inches (76 mm), at normal operating water level when measured 3 feet (914 m3) from the pool wall. Symmetrical pool designs with the deep point at the center may be allowed provided a dual marking system is used which indicates the depth at the wall and at the deep point.
3. At a minimum, the markings shall be located on both sides of the pool at the shallow end, slope break, deep-end wall and deep point (if located more than 5 feet (1524 mm) from the deep-end wall). Depth markings shall be legible from inside the pool and also from the pool deck. The maximum perimeter distance between depth markings is 25 feet (7620 mm). Pool size and geometry may necessitate additional depth marking placements about all sides of the pool to meet this requirement.
4. When a curb is provided, the depth markings shall be installed on the inside and outside or top of the pool curb. When a pool curb is not provided, the depth markings shall be located on the inside vertical wall at or above the water level and on the edge of the deck within 2 feet (610 mm) of the pool water. When open type gutter designs are utilized, depth markers shall be located on the back of the gutter wall. When a coping stone with curved or angled underside is provided, the depth markings may be installed on the curved or angled coping underside, and outside or top of the pool curb.
5. When deck level perimeter overflow systems are utilized, additional depth marking signs shall be posted nearby or placed on adjacent fencing or walls and the size shall be increased so they are recognizable from inside the swimming pool. Alternatively, tile depth markers may be placed at the top of the pool wall just under the water level. Depth markers placed on the pool deck shall be within 3 feet (914 mm) of the water.
6. Those areas of the pool that are not part of an approved diving bowl shall have dark contrasting tile, 4-inch-high (102 mm) “NO DIVING” markings installed along the perimeter of the pool on the top of the pool curb or deck within 2 feet (610 mm) of the pool water with a maximum perimeter distance of 25 feet (7620 mm) between markings. A 6-inch (152 mm) tile with a 4-inch (102 mm) or larger red, international “NO DIVING” symbol may be substituted for the “NO DIVING” markings.
7. All markings shall be tile, except that pools constructed of fiberglass, thermoplastic or stainless steel may substitute other type markings when it can be shown that said markings are permanent and will not fade over time. This exemption does not extend to concrete pools that are coated with fiberglass. Tile alternative examples include stone or manufactured plaques with engraved or sandblasted numbers and characters with permanent paint. Permanent appliqués may be used for fiberglass, thermoplastics or stainless steel pools. All markings installed on horizontal surfaces shall have a slip-resistant finish. Markings shall be flush with the surrounding area where placed and recessed if necessary to provide a smooth finish that will avoid creation of an injury hazard to bathers. Pools that are not conducive to tile can employ other equivalent markings as stated above.

Any design or logo on the pool floor or walls shall be such that it will not hinder the detection of a human in distress, algae, sediment, or other objects in the pool.

Pools that are not intended to be utilized for officially sanctioned competition may install lap lane markings provided they meet the following criteria: the markings must be 2 to 6 inches (51 to 152 mm) wide, they must terminate 5 feet (1524 mm) from the end wall in a “T” with the “T” bar at least 18 inches (457.2 mm) long, they must be placed at 7-foot (2134 mm) intervals on center and be no closer than 4 feet (1219 mm) from any side wall, steps or other obstructions. Floating rope lines associated with lap lanes must not obstruct the entrance or exit from the pool and are prohibited when the pool is open for general use.

Pools that are not intended for officially sanctioned competition may have 2 to 6 inch (51 to 152 mm) wide 18-inch by 18-inch (457 mm by 457 mm) targets (+) installed on the pool wall.

Rules and regulations for bathers shall be installed in minimum 1-inch (25.4 mm) letters that must be legible from the pool deck, and shall contain the following:

1. No food or beverages in the pool or on pool wet deck. Commercially bottled water in plastic bottles is allowed on the pool wet deck for pool patron hydration.
2. No glass or animals in the fenced pool area (or 50 feet (15 240 mm) from unfenced pool).
3. Bathing load: ___ persons.
4. Pool hours: __ a.m. to __ p.m.
5. Shower before entering.
6. Pools of 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area or greater without an approved diving well configuration shall have “NO DIVING”, in 4 inch (102 mm) letters included with the above listed pool rules.
7. Do not swallow the pool water. This statement shall be added to signs at pools that conduct alterations as that term is defined.
8. If the pool includes a sun shelf, “WARNING: DROP OFF AT SUN SHELF EDGE IS ___ FEET DEEP” in 4-inch (102 mm) letters.
9. If the pool includes a sun shelf, “DO NOT PLACE FURNITURE IN POOL.”
10. By January 1, 2022, all pools shall add: “POOL MAXIMUM DEPTH: ___ FEET,” in 2-inch (51 mm) letters with the previously listed pool rules.

Pool floors and walls shall be white or light pastel in color and shall have the characteristic of reflecting rather than absorbing light. The interior finish coating floors and walls shall be comprised of a nonpigmented white cementitious binder component together with a sand/aggregate component. The finish coating shall have a dry lightness level (CIE L value) of 80.0 or greater and a wet luminous reflectance value (CIE Y value) of 50.0 or greater, as determined by test results provided by the manufacturer, utilizing testing methodology from American Standard ASTM D4086, ASTM E1477, ASTM E1347. Pools constructed of fiberglass, thermoplastic, or stainless steel shall be subject to the same interior finish color requirements. A minimum 4-inch (102 mm) tile line, each tile a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, shall be installed at the water line, but shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm) in height if a dark color is used. Gutter-type pools may substitute a 2-inch (51 mm) tile line, each tile a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides, along the pool wall edge of the gutter lip.

All pools shall have a means of access every 75 feet (22 860 mm) of pool perimeter with a minimum of two, located so as to serve both ends of the pool. In addition, an access point shall be provided at the deep portion, if the deep portion is not at one end of the pool. When the deep portion of the pool is over 30 feet (9144 mm) wide, both sides of this area shall have a means of access. Access shall consist of ladders, stairs, recessed treads or swimouts and may be used in combination. All treads shall have a slip-resistant surface.

Ladders shall be of the crossbraced type and shall be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials and be securely anchored into the pool deck. Clearance between the ladder and pool wall shall be between 3 to 6 inches (76 mm to 152 mm). Ladders shall extend at least 28 inches (711 mm) and no more than 40 inches (1016 mm) above the pool deck. Ladder bottom braces shall have intact end caps or bumpers that rest firmly against the pool wall. The top rung of the ladder shall be at or below the water level on open-gutter pools and not more than 12 inches (305 mm) below the deck or curb top on all other type pools.

Recessed treads shall be installed flush with the wall and shall be a minimum 5 inches (127 mm) wide, 10 inches (254 mm) long, with a maximum vertical distance of 12 inches (305 mm) between treads.

Stairs shall have a minimum tread width of 10 inches (254 mm) and a maximum width of 48 inches (1219 mm) for a minimum tread length of 24 inches (610 mm) and a maximum riser height of 10 inches (254 mm). Treads and risers between the top and bottom treads shall be uniform to within 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) in width and height. The riser heights shall be measured at the marked step edges and the differences in elevation shall be considered the riser heights. The front 3/4 to 2 inches (19.1 to 51 mm) of the tread and the top 2 inches (51 mm) of the riser shall be tile, dark in color, contrasting with the interior of the pool. Tile shall be slip resistant. Bullnose tile that is slip resistant may be used when the 3/4-inch (19 mm) segment is placed on the tread or horizontal surface and the 2-inch (51 mm) segment is placed on the riser or vertical surface. Where the gutter is used as the top step, the tile on the gutter for the width of the steps shall be slip resistant. Vinyl liner and fiberglass pools may use other material for the step edge marking, provided the material is permanent, permanently secured, dark in color, nonfading and slip resistant.

Exception: Where a gutter is used as a top step, the gutter’s 2-inch slope from lip to the drain shall be continuous for the full length of the stairs, and the riser from the gutter to the next tread need not be uniform with the remaining risers and treads.

Swimouts shall extend 18 (457 mm) to 24 inches (610 mm) back from the pool wall, shall be 4 to 5 feet (1219 mm to 1524 mm) wide, shall be a maximum of 12 inches (305 mm) below the deck, unless stairs are provided in the swimout, and shall be located only in areas of the pool greater than 5 feet (1524 mm) deep. Pools that do not utilize a continuous perimeter overflow system must provide a wall return inlet in the swimout for circulation. A permanent dark contrasting colored band of tile shall be installed at the intersection of the pool wall and the swimout and must extend 2 inches (51 mm) on the horizontal and vertical surfaces. Tile must be slip resistant. Bullnose tile may be substituted and installed in accordance with Section 454.1.2.5.3 above.

Handrails shall be provided for all stairs, shall be anchored in the bottom step and the deck. Where “figure 4” deck-mounted-type handrails are used, they shall be anchored in the deck and extend laterally to any point vertically above the bottom step. Grabrails must be mounted in the pool deck at each side of recessed steps. Handrails and grabrails shall extend between 28 and 40 inches (711 mm and 1016 mm) above the step edge and deck. Where stairs are used as an access point between a sun shelf and pool area, a handrail shall be provided. The hand rail shall be anchored into the bottom step and the sun shelf floor.

Permanent or portable steps, ramps, handrails, lifts or other devices designed to accommodate handicapped individuals in swimming pools may be provided. Lifts mounted into the pool deck shall have a minimum 4-footwide (1219 mm) deck behind the lift mount.

The pool water area shall be unobstructed by any type structure unless justified by engineering design as a part of the recirculation system. Engineering design and material specifications shall show that such structures will not endanger the pool patron, can be maintained in a sanitary condition and will not create a problem for sanitary maintenance of any part of the pool, pool water, or pool facilities. Structures in accord with the above shall not be located in a diving bowl area or within 15 feet (4572 mm) of any pool wall.

Exceptions:

1. Stairs, ladders and ramps, necessary for entrance/exit from the pool are not considered obstructions.
2. Underwater seat benches may be installed in areas less than 5 feet (1524 mm) deep. Bench seats must be 14 to 18 inches (356 to 457 mm) wide and must have a dark contrasting tile marking on the seat edge extending 2 inches (51 mm) on the horizontal and vertical surface. Tile shall be slip resistant. Bullnose tile may be substituted and installed in accordance with Section 454.1.2.5.3. Vinyl liner, stainless steel and fiberglass pools may use other material for the bench edge marking as detailed in Section 454.1.2.3.1, Item 7, provided the material is permanently secured, dark in color, nonfading and slip resistant. Benches shall not protrude into the 15-foot (4572 mm) clearance requirement of Section 454.1.2.6. The bench shall not protrude into the diving bowl.
3. A sun shelf may be installed in pool areas with no more than 4 feet (1219 mm) of water depth, or less. A sun shelf must have a dark contrasting slip-resistant tile marking at the edge of the shelf and the pool wall extending 4 inches (102 mm) from the horizontal shelf edge surface. Additionally, a 2-inch (51 mm) contrasting tile line is required on the vertical pool wall at the edge of the shelf. Vinyl liner, stainless steel and fiberglass pools may use other material for the sun shelf edge marking as detailed in Section 454.1.2.3.1, Item 7, provided the material is permanently secured, dark in color, nonfading and slip resistant. When the edge of a sun shelf uses stairs as a transition, the sun shelf edge tile markings shall comply with step edge requirements as provided in Section 454.1.2.5.3. A sun shelf shall not protrude into the 15-foot (4572 mm) clearance requirement of Section 454.1.2.6. A sun shelf shall not protrude into the diving bowl. A sun shelf must additionally comply with Section 454.1.2.8.

Diving facilities shall meet the minimum requirements of the FINA dimensions for diving facilities in accordance with the 2005–2009 FINA Handbook and include the following

1. Diving boards or platforms with heights of less than the established standard shall meet the dimensional requirements of the next greater height.
2. Diving boards, platforms and ladders shall have a nonabsorbent, slip-resistant finish and be of sufficient strength to safely carry the anticipated loads. Diving equipment 1 meter and greater shall have guard rails which extend to the edge of the pool wall. All diving boards over 21 inches (533 mm) from the deck shall be provided with a ladder. Diving boards or platforms shall not be installed on curved walls where the wall enters into the defined rectangular diving area specified in this section. Adjacent platform and diving boards shall be parallel.
3. The location of pool ladders shall be such that the distance from the ladder to any point on a diving board or platform centerline is not less than the plummet to side wall dimension (b) indicated in the FINA standards. Trampoline-type diving facilities are prohibited.
4. Diving targets may be installed in accordance with FINA standards.

Sun shelf areas must be a minimum of 20 inches (508 mm) wide and provide a minimum of 10 square feet (0.93 m2) of horizontal surface adjoining on the edge of the pool (three sides of shelf must be surronded by pool deck) over a distance of not less than 3 feet (914 mm). The sun shelf edge that adjoins the pool edge must be continuous. The sun shelf floor shall be horizontal or shall a have uniform slope from a zero depth entry, and its maximum depth shall be between 8 inches (203 mm) and 12 inches (254 mm) below the water surface. In pools utilizing automatic recessed surface skimmers, there shall be at least one skimmer in each sun shelf area.

Where a sun shelf is installed, wet deck-located depth and nodiving markers shall be placed every 20 feet (6096 mm) or less. If the vertical distance between the coping or wet deck and the shelf floor adjacent to the wall is 12 inches (305 mm) or less, these markers shall indicate the water depth of the sun shelf. For open-type gutter pools, the vertical distance shall be measured from the gutter lip to the shelf floor. Where vertical distance between the coping or wet deck and the shelf floor adjacent to the wall is more than 12 inches (305 mm), “No-Entry” markers as described in Section 454.1.9.6.4 shall be provided in the deck. When the sun shelf does not use stairs as a transition, depth markers of the adjacent pool depth at the sun shelf edge and no-dive markers shall be placed on the sun shelf floor, every 10 feet (3048 mm) or less, along a line no more than 1 foot (305 mm) back from the edge of the sun shelf above the deeper pool. All markers shall comply with Items 2, 6 and 7 of Section 454.1.2.3.1, except the distance between them as described in this section shall be followed.

For the purposes of Section 454.1.2.5, a sun shelf area shall be considered an entrance to or exit from the pool. If the vertical distance between the coping and the shelf floor adjacent to the wall is more than 10 inches (254 mm), stairs up to the deck or coping shall be provided which shall comply with Sections 454.1.2.5.3 and 454.1.2.5.5; or a zero-depth entry area complying with Section 454.1.9.6 may be provided instead of stairs. For open gutter pools, where the gutter is used as a step, additional steps shall not be required where the distance from the gutter lip to the shelf floor is 10 inches or less. At least one handrail that is compliant with Section 454.1.2.5.5 must be provided at the sun shelf.

Additional inlets shall be provided in the sun shelf area. The numbers and location shall be such as to ensure the volume of water in the shelf is filtered and chemically treated once every 60 minutes (1 hour) or less.

Electrical equipment wiring and installation, including the bonding and grounding of pool components shall comply with Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building. Outlets supplying pool pump motors connected to single-phase 120-volt through 240-volt branch circuits, whether by receptacle or by direct connection, and outlets supplying other electrical equipment and underwater luminaires operating at voltages greater than the low voltage contact limit, connected to single-phase, 120 volt through 240 volt branch circuits, rated 15 or 20 amperes, whether by receptacle or by direct connection, shall be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.

Artificial lighting shall be provided at all swimming pools which are to be used at night or which do not have adequate natural lighting so that all portions of the pool, including the bottom, may be readily seen without glare.

Lighting shall provide a minimum of 3 footcandles (30 lux) of illumination at the pool water surface and the pool wet deck surface. Underwater lighting shall be a minimum of 1/2 watt incandescent equivalent, or 10 lumens, per square foot of pool water surface area.

Lighting shall provide a minimum of 10 footcandles (100 lux) of illumination at the pool water surface and the pool wet deck surface. Underwater lighting shall be a minimum of 8/10 watt incandescent equivalent, or 15 lumens, per square foot of pool surface area.

Underwater luminaires shall comply with Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building. The location of the underwater luminaires shall be such that the underwater illumination is as uniform as possible. Underwater lighting requirements can be waived when the overhead lighting provides at least 15 footcandles (150 lux) of illumination at the pool water surface and pool wet deck surface.

Overhead service wiring shall not pass within an area extending a distance of 10 feet (3048 mm) horizontally away from the inside edge of the pool walls, diving structures, observation stands, towers or platforms. Allowances for overhead conductor clearances to pools that meet the safety standards in the National Electrical Code may be used instead. Electrical equipment wiring and installation including the grounding of pool components shall comply with Chapter 27.

Underwater lighting, or lighting that may be exposed to nozzledirected pool water, shall not exceed 30 volts DC or 15 volts AC. Such lights shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer’s installation instructions and be listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

Swimming pools with a bathing load of 20 persons or less may utilize a unisex restroom. Pools with bathing loads of 40 persons or less may utilize two unisex restrooms or meet the requirements of Table 454.1.6.1. Unisex restrooms shall meet all the requirements for materials, drainage and signage as indicated in Sections 454.1.6.1.1 through 454.1.6.1.4. Each shall include a water closet, a diaper change table, a urinal and a lavatory. Pools with a bathing load larger than 40 persons shall provide separate sanitary facilities labeled for each sex. The entry doors of all restrooms shall be located within a 200-foot (60 960 mm) walking distance of the nearest water’s edge of each pool served by the facilities.

Exception: Where a swimming pool serves only a designated group of residential dwelling units including hotel rooms and not the general public, poolside sanitary facilities are not required if all living units are within a 200-foot (60 960 mm) horizontal radius of the nearest water’s edge, are not over three stories in height unless serviced by an elevator, and are each equipped with private sanitary facilities.

TABLE 454.1.6.1
PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL—REQUIRED FIXTURE 

COUNTSIZE OF POOL (square feet): 0 – 2,500

MEN′S RESTROOM

Urinals  - 1

WC  - 1

Lavatory - 1

WOMEN′S RESTROOM

WC  - 1

Lavatory - 1

COUNTSIZE OF POOL (square feet): 2,501 – 5,000

MEN′S RESTROOM

Urinals  - 2

WC - 1

Lavatory - 1

WOMEN′S RESTROOM

WC  - 5

Lavatory - 1

COUNTSIZE OF POOL (square feet): 5,001 – 7,500

MEN′S RESTROOM

Urinals - 2

WC  - 2

Lavatory - 2

WOMEN′S RESTROOM

WC  - 6

Lavatory - 2

COUNTSIZE OF POOL (square feet): 7,501 – 10,000

MEN′S RESTROOM

Urinals - 3

WC  - 2

Lavatory - 3

WOMEN′S RESTROOM

WC  - 8

Lavatory - 3

SI: 1 square foot = 0.0929 m2.

Note: Square footage of interactive water features (IWFs) is required to be included when calculating the size of pool for the purposes of determining the type and number of fixtures for the sanitary facilities. For those facilities with an IWF in addition to the pool, causing the combined pool size square footage to exceed the threshold required category fixture count, a unisex restroom may be installed to satisfy the fixture requirement for every additional 1,250 square feet or fraction thereof. The IWF feature flow for one unisex restroom shall not exceed 100 gpm, nor shall bathing load exceed 20 patrons.

Fixtures shall be provided as indicated on Table 454.1.6.1. The fixture count on this chart is deemed to be adequate for the pool and pool deck area that is up to three times the area of the pool surface provided. When multiple fixture sets are required and separate facilities are provided for each sex, the fixtures used in ancillary family-style restrooms can be used to meet the requirements of this section.

One diaper changing table shall be provided at each restroom. Diaper changing tables are not required at restrooms where all pools served are restricted to adult use only. Swim diapers are recommended for use by children that are not toilet trained. Persons that are ill with diarrhea cannot enter the pool.

Exception: When a public swimming pool meets all of the following conditions the following shall apply:

1. The pool serves only a designated group of dwelling units,
2. The pool is not for the use of the general public, and
3. A building provides sanitary facilities;

The fixture requirement for the building shall be determined and if it exceeds the requirement in Table 454.1.6.1 then the building requirement shall regulate the fixture count, otherwise the fixture count shall be based on the requirement for the pool. Under no circumstances shall the fixture counts be cumulative.

An additional set of fixtures shall be provided in the men’s restroom for every 7,500 square feet (697 m2) or major fraction thereof for pools greater than 10,000 square feet (929 m2).

Women’s restrooms shall have a ratio of three to two water closets provided for women as the combined total of water closets and urinals provided for men.

Lavatory counts shall be equal.

Outside access to facilities shall be provided for bathers at outdoor pools. Where the restrooms are located within an adjacent building and the restroom doors do not open to the outside, the restroom doors shall be within 50 feet (15 240 mm) of the building’s exterior door. If the restrooms are not visible from any portion of the pool deck, signs shall be posted showing directions to the facilities. Directions shall be legible from any portion of the pool deck; letters shall be a minimum of 1 inch (25 mm) high.

Floors of sanitary facilities shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent materials, shall have a smooth, slip-resistant finish, and shall slope to floor drains, which must be installed within the facility. Carpets, duckboards and footbaths are prohibited. The intersection between the floor and walls shall be coved where either floor or wall is not made of waterproof materials such as tile or vinyl.

A hose bibb with vacuum breaker shall be provided in or within 25 feet (7620 mm) of each restroom to allow for ease of cleaning.

A minimum of one rinse shower shall be provided on the pool deck of all outdoor pools within the perimeter of the fence.

An atmospheric break or approved backflow prevention device shall be provided in each pool water supply line that is connected to a public water supply. Vacuum breakers shall be installed on all hose bibbs.

Plastic pipe subject to a period of prolonged sunlight exposure shall be coated to protect it from ultraviolet light degradation.

Recirculation and treatment equipment such as filters, recessed automatic surface skimmers, ionizers, ozone generators, disinfection feeders and chlorine generators shall be tested and approved using the NSF/ANSI Standard 50, Circulation System Components and Related Materials for Swimming Pool, Spas/Hot Tubs, dated April 2007, which is incorporated by reference.

The recirculation system shall be designed to provide a minimum of four turnovers of the pool volume per day. Pools that are less than 1,000 square feet (93 m2) at health clubs shall be required to provide eight turnovers per day.

The design pattern of recirculation flow shall be 100 percent through the main drain piping and 100 percent through the perimeter overflow system or 60 percent through the skimmer system.

The lip of the gutter shall be uniformly level with a maximum tolerance of 1/4 inch (6 mm) between the high and low areas. The bottom of the gutter shall be level or slope to the drains. The spacing between drains shall not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) for 2-inch (51 mm) drains or 15 feet (4572 mm) for 21/2-inch (64 mm) drains, unless hydraulically justified by the design engineer. Gutters may be eliminated along pool edges for no more than 15 feet (4572 mm) and this shall not exceed 10 percent of the perimeter (at least 90 percent of the perimeter shall be guttered). In areas where gutters are eliminated, handholds shall be provided within 9 inches (229 mm) of the water surface. Handhold design shall be approved by the jurisdictional building department prior to construction.

Either recessed-type or opentype gutters shall be used. Special designs can be approved provided they are within limits of sound engineering practice. Recessed-type gutters shall be at least 4 inches (102 mm) deep and 4 inches (102 mm) wide. No part of the recessed gutter shall be visible from a position directly above the gutter sighting vertically down the edge of the deck or curb. Open-type gutters shall be at least 6 inches (150 mm) deep and 12 inches (305 mm) wide. The gutter shall slope 2 inches (51 mm), +/-1/4 inch (+/-6 mm), from the lip to the drains. The gutter drains shall be located at the deepest part of the gutter.

All gutter systems shall discharge into a collector tank.

The gutter lip shall be tiled with a minimum of 2-inch (51 mm) tile on the pool wall, each a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides. The back vertical wall of the gutter shall be tiled with glazed tile. All tile used on the flat, horizontal part, or the leading edge of an open-type gutter, must be slip resistant.

Exception: Stainless steel gutter systems when it can be shown that the surfaces at the waterline and back of the gutter are easily cleanable.

Recessed automatic surface skimmers may be utilized when the pool water surface area is 1,000 square feet (93 m2) or less excluding offset stairs and swimouts and the width of the pool is not over 20 feet (6096 mm).

The recessed automatic surface skimmer piping system shall be designed to carry 60 percent of the pool total design flow rate with each skimmer carrying a minimum 30 gpm (2 L/s). One skimmer for every 400 square feet (37 m2) or fraction thereof of pool water surface area shall be provided.

Prevailing wind direction and the pool outline shall be considered by the designer in the selection of skimmer locations. The location of skimmers shall be such that the interference of adjacent inlets and skimmers is minimized. Recessed automatic surface skimmers shall be installed so that there is no protrusion into the pool water area. The deck or curb shall provide for a handhold around the entire pool perimeter and shall not be located more than 9 inches (229 mm) above the midpoint of the opening of the skimmer.

If installed, an equalizer valve shall be a spring-loaded vertical check valve that will not allow direct suction on the equalizer line. Float valves are prohibited. The equalizer line inlet shall be installed at least 1 foot (305 mm) below the normal pool water level and the equalizer line inlet shall be protected by an ASME/ANSI A112.19.8compliant cover/grate. The equalizer line shall be sized to handle the expected flow with a 2-inch (51 mm) minimum line size. Where an equalizer valve is not installed, the skimmer port may be plugged.

A wall-inlet fitting shall be provided directly across from each skimmer.

A minimum 6-inch (152 mm) water line tile shall be provided on all pools with automatic skimmer systems, each a minimum size of 1 inch (25 mm) on all sides. Glazed tile that is smooth and easily cleanable shall be utilized.

If the pump or suction piping is located above the water level of the pool, the pump shall be self-priming. Pumps that take suction prior to filtration shall be equipped with a hair and lint strainer. The recirculation pump shall be selected to provide the required recirculation flow against a minimum total dynamic head of 60 feet (18 288 mm) unless hydraulically justified by the design engineer. Vacuum D.E. filter system pumps shall provide at least 50 feet (15 240 mm) of total dynamic head. Should the total dynamic head required not be appropriate for a given project, the design engineer shall provide an alternative.

Filters sized to handle the required recirculation flow shall be provided.

The maximum filtration rate in gallons per minute per square foot of filter area shall be: 15 [20 if so approved using the procedure stated in Section 454.1.6.5.1 for high rate sand filters, 3 for rapid sand filters, 0.375 for pleated cartridge filters and 2 for Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) or regenerative media type filters].

Pressure filter systems shall be equipped with an air relief valve, influent and effluent pressure gauges with minimum face size of 2 inches (51 mm) reading 0–60 psi (0–414 kPa), and a sight glass when a backwash line is required.

Vacuum filter systems shall be equipped with a vacuum gauge which has a 2-inch (51 mm) face and reads from 0–30 inches of mercury.

A precoat pot or collector tank shall be provided for D.E.-type systems.

The filter area shall be determined on the basis of effective filtering surfaces with no allowance given for areas of impaired filtration, such as broad supports, folds, or portions which may bridge. D.E.-type filter elements shall have a minimum 1-inch (25 mm) clear spacing between elements up to a 4 square foot (0.4 m2) effective area. The spacing between filter elements shall increase 1/8 inch (3 mm) for each additional square foot of filter area or fraction thereof above an effective filter area of 4 square feet (0.4 m2). All cartridges used in public pool filters shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, pore size and area in square feet of filter material. All cartridges with end caps shall have the permanent markings on one end cap. Vacuum filter tanks shall have coved intersections between the wall and the floor and the tank floor shall slope to the filter tank drain. The D.E.-type filter tank and elements shall be installed such that the recirculation flow draw down does not expose the elements to the atmosphere whenever only the main drain valve is open or only the surface overflow gutter system valve is open.

All plastic pipe used in the recirculation system shall be imprinted with the manufacturer’s name and the NSF-pw logo for potable water applications. Size, schedule and type of pipe shall be included on the drawings. Plastic pipe subject to a period of prolonged sunlight exposure shall be coated to protect it from ultraviolet light degradation.

Return lines, main drain lines, and surface overflow system lines, shall each have proportioning valves.

Pressure piping shall not exceed 10-feet per second (2038 mm/s), except that precoat lines with higher velocities may be used when necessary for agitation purposes. The flow velocity in suction piping shall not exceed 6-feet per second (1829 mm/s) except that flow velocities up to 10-feet per second (3048 mm/s) in filter assembly headers will be acceptable. Main drain systems and surface overflow systems which discharge to collector tanks shall be sized with a maximum flow velocity of 3-feet per second (914 mm/s). The filter and vacuuming system shall have the necessary valves and piping to allow filtering to pool, vacuuming to waste, vacuuming to filter, complete drainage of the filter tank, backwashing for sand and pressure D.E.-type filters and precoat recirculation for D.E.-type filters.

All inlets shall be adjustable with wall-type inlets being directionally adjustable and floor-type inlets having a means of flow adjustment. Floor inlets shall be designed and installed such that they do not protrude above the pool floor and all inlets shall be designed and installed so as not to constitute sharp edges or protrusions hazardous to pool bathers. Floor inlets for vinyl liner and fiberglass pools, shall be smooth with no sharp edges, and shall not extend more than 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) above the pool floor. Wall inlets shall be installed a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) below the normal operating water level unless precluded by the pool depth or intended for a specific acceptable purpose.

Pools 30 feet (9144 mm) in width or less, with wall inlets only shall have enough inlets such that the inlet spacing does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) based on the pool water perimeter.

Pools 30 feet (9144 mm) in width or less with floor inlets only shall have a number of inlets provided such that the spacing between adjacent inlets does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) and the spacing between inlets and adjacent walls does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm).

A combination of wall and floor inlets may be used in pools 30 feet (9144 mm) in width or less only if the requirements of Section 454.1.6.5.9.1 or Section 454.1.6.5.9.2 are fully met.

Pools greater than 30 feet (9144 mm) in width shall have either floor inlets only, or a combination of floor inlets and wall inlets. Pools with floor inlets only shall have a number of floor inlets provided such that the spacing between adjacent inlets does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) and the spacing between inlets and an adjacent wall does not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm).

Pools greater than 30 feet (9144 mm) in width with a combination of wall and floor inlets shall have the number of wall inlets such that the maximum spacing between the wall inlets is 20 feet (6096 mm) and floor inlets are provided for the pool water area beyond a 15 feet (4572 mm) perpendicular distance from all walls. The number of floor inlets shall be such that the spacing between adjacent inlets does not exceed 20 feet (6096 mm) and the distance from a floor inlet and an adjacent wall does not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm). Floor inlets shall be designed and installed such that they do not protrude more than 5/8 inch (16 mm) above the pool floor and all inlets shall be designed and installed so as not to constitute sharp edges or protrusions hazardous to pool bathers.

The flow rate through each inlet shall not exceed 20 gpm (1 L/s) except for inlets designed for higher flows as specified by the manufacturer.

All pools shall be provided with an outlet at the deepest point.

If the depth at the outlet deviates more than 3 inches (76 mm) from the side wall, that depth shall be identified on depth markers in addition to the markers normally required for the sidewall depth. Markers for the depth at the drains shall be in accordance with Section 454.1.2.3 with the following words added: “AT CENTER” for circular areas and “AT DEEP POINT” for other pool shapes.

Outlets shall be covered by a secured grating which requires the use of a tool to remove and whose open area is such that the maximum velocity of water passing through the openings does not exceed 11/2 feet per second (457 mm/s) at 100 percent of the design recirculation flow. Main drain covers/grates shall comply with the requirements of ANSI/APSP 16 and the water velocity of this section.

Multiple outlets, equally spaced from the pool side walls and from each other, shall be installed in pools where the deep portion of the pool is greater than 30 feet (9144 mm) in width.

If the area is subject to high ground water, the pool shall be designed to withstand hydraulic uplift or shall be provided with hydrostatic relief devices.

The main drain outlet shall be connected to a collector tank. The capacity of the collector tank shall be at least 1 minute of the recirculated flow unless justified by the design engineer. Vacuum filter tanks are considered collector tanks.

An automatic and manual water makeup control shall be provided to maintain the water level at the lip of the overflow gutter or at the mouth of the recessed automatic surface skimmers and shall discharge through an air gap into a fill pipe or collector tank. Over the rim fill spouts are prohibited.

A portable, robotic or plumbed-in vacuum cleaning system shall be provided. All vacuum pumps shall be equipped with hair and lint strainers. When the system is plumbed in, the vacuum fittings shall be located to allow cleaning the pool with a 50-foot (15 240 mm) maximum length of hose. Vacuum fittings shall be located remotely in the pool deck. Remote vacuum assemblies shall be installed with an equalizer valve and an equalizer line when the vacuum piping system is connected directly to pump suction and the suction line shall be protected with a threaded plug when not in use. The equalizer valve shall be a spring-loaded vertical check valve that will not allow direct suction on the equalizer line. Float valves are prohibited. The equalizer line inlet shall be installed at least 1 foot (305 mm) below the normal pool water level and the equalizer line inlet shall be protected by an ANSI/APSP-16 compliant cover/grate. The equalizer line shall be sized to handle the expected flow with a 2-inch (51 mm) minimum line size. The provision of a filtered, chemically treated water supply to the equalizer piping shall be provided to assist in preventing algae from forming within the equalizer piping arrangement. Bag-type cleaners, which operate as ejectors on potable water supply pressure, shall be protected by a vacuum breaker. Cleaning devices shall not be used while the pool is open to bathers.

A rate of flow indicator, reading in gpm, shall be installed on the return line. The rate of flow indicator shall be properly sized for the design flow rate and shall be capable of measuring from one-half to at least one-andone-half times the design flow rate. The clearances upstream and downstream from the rate of flow indicator shall comply with manufacturer’s installation specifications.

Pool heaters shall comply with nationally recognized standards acceptable to the jurisdictional building department and to the design engineer. Pools equipped with heaters shall have a fixed thermometer mounted in the pool recirculation line downstream from the heater outlet. Thermometers mounted on heater outlets do not meet this requirement. A sketch of any proposed heater installation including valves, thermometer, pipe sizes, and material specifications shall be included in the application for permit prior to installation. Piping and influent, effluent and bypass valves which allow isolation or removal of the heater from the system shall be provided. Materials used in solar and other heaters shall be nontoxic and acceptable for use with potable water. Heaters shall not prevent the attainment of the required turnover rate.

Pool waste water shall be discharged through an air gap; disposal shall be to sanitary sewers, storm sewers, drainfields, or by other means, in accordance with local requirements including obtaining all necessary permits. Disposal of water from pools using D.E. powder shall be accomplished through separation tanks which are equipped with air bleed valves, bottom drain lines, and isolation valves, or through a settling tank with final disposal being acceptable to local authorities. D.E. separator tanks shall have a capacity as rated by the manufacturer, equal to the square footage of the filter system. All lines shall be sized to handle the expected flow. There shall not be a direct physical connection between any drain from a pool or recirculation system and a sewer line.

Disinfection and ph adjustment shall be added to the pool recirculation flow using automatic feeders meeting the requirement of ANSI/NSF 50. All chemicals shall be fed into the return line after the pump, heater and filters unless the feeder was designed by the manufacturer and approved by the NSF to feed to the collector tank or to the suction side of the pump.

When gas chlorination is utilized, the chlorinator shall be capable of continuously feeding a chlorine dosage of 6 mg/L to the recirculated flow of the filtration system. The application point for chlorine shall be located in the return line downstream of the filter, recirculation pump, heater, and flow meter, and as far as possible from the pool.

Gas chlorinators shall be located in above-grade rooms and in areas which are inaccessible to unauthorized persons.

Chlorine rooms shall have: continuous forced draft ventilation capable of a minimum of one air change per minute with an exhaust at floor level to the outside, a minimum of 30 footcandles (300 lux) of illumination with the switch located outside and the door shall open out and shall not be located adjacent to the filter room entrance or the pool deck. A shatterproof gas-tight inspection window shall be provided.

Chlorine areas shall have a roof and shall be enclosed by a chain-link-type fence at least 6 feet (1829 mm) high to allow ventilation and prevent vandalism.

When booster pumps are used with the chlorinator, the pump shall use recirculated pool water supplied via the recirculation filtration system. The booster pump shall be electrically interlocked with the recirculation pump to prevent the feeding of chlorine when the recirculation pump is not operating.

A means of weighing chlorine containers shall be provided. When 150-pound (68 kg) cylinders are used, platformtype scales shall be provided and shall be capable of weighing a minimum of two full cylinders at one time. The elevation of the scale platform shall be within 2 inches (51 mm) of the adjacent floor level, and the facilities shall be constructed to allow easy placement of full cylinders on the scales.

The hypohalogenation-type feeder and electrolytic chlorine generators shall be adjustable from 0 to full range. A rate of flow indicator is required on erosion-type feeders. The feeders shall be capable of continuously feeding a dosage of 6 mg/L to the minimum required turnover flow rate of the filtration systems. Solution feeders shall be capable of feeding the above dosage using a 10-percent sodium hypochlorite solution, or 5-percent calcium hypochlorite solution, whichever disinfectant is to be utilized at this facility. To prevent the disinfectant from siphoning or feeding directly into the pool or pool piping under any type failure of the recirculation equipment, an electrical interlock with the recirculation pump shall be incorporated into the system for electrically operated feeders. The minimum size of the solution reservoirs shall be at least 50 percent of the maximum daily capacity of the feeder. The solution reservoirs shall be marked to indicate contents.

Feeders for pH adjustment shall be provided on all pools. pH adjustment feeders shall be positive displacement type, shall be adjustable from 0 to full range, and shall have an electrical interlock with the circulation pump to prevent discharge when the recirculation pump is not operating. When soda ash is used for pH adjustment, the maximum concentration of soda ash solution to be fed shall not exceed 1/2-pound (0.2 kg) soda ash per gallon of water. Feeders for soda ash shall be capable of feeding a minimum of 3 gallons (11 L) of the above soda ash solution per pound of gas chlorination capacity. The minimum size of the solution reservoirs shall not be less than 50 percent of the maximum daily capacity of the feeder. The solution reservoirs shall be marked to indicate the type of contents.

Ozone generating equipment may be used for supplemental water treatment on public swimming pools subject to the conditions of this section.

Ozone generating equipment electrical components and wiring shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building and the manufacturer shall provide a certificate of conformance. The process equipment shall be provided with an effective means to alert the user when a component of this equipment is not operating.

Ozone generating equipment shall meet the NSF/ANSI Standard 50.

The concentration of ozone in the return line to the pool shall not exceed 0.1 mg/L.

The injection point for ozone generating equipment shall be located in the pool return line after the filtration and heating equipment, prior to the halogen injection point, and as far as possible from the nearest pool return inlet with a minimum distance of 4 feet (1219 mm). Injection methods shall include a mixer, contact chamber, or other means of efficiently mixing the ozone with the recirculated water. The injection and mixing equipment shall not prevent the attainment of the required turnover rate of the recirculation system. Ozone generating equipment shall be equipped with a check valve between the generator and the injection point. Ozone generating equipment shall be equipped with an air flow meter and a means to control the flow. The generator shall be electrically interlocked with the recirculation pump to prevent the feeding of ozone when the recirculation pump is not operating. A flow sensor controller can also be used to turn off the feeder when flow is sensed.

Ozone generating equipment shall be installed in equipment rooms with either forced draft or cross draft ventilation. Below-grade equipment rooms with ozone generators shall have forced draft ventilation and all equipment rooms with forced draft ventilation shall have the fan control switch located outside the equipment room door. The exhaust fan intake for forced draft ventilation and at least one vent grille for cross draft ventilation shall be located at floor level.

A self-contained breathing apparatus designed and rated by its manufacturer for use in ozone contaminated air shall be provided when ozone generator installations are capable of exceeding the maximum pool water ozone contact concentration of 0.1 mg/L. The self-contained breathing apparatus shall be available at all times and shall be used at times when the maintenance or service personnel have determined that the equipment room ozone concentration exceeds 10 mg/L. Ozone generator installations which require the self-contained breathing apparatus shall also be provided with Draeger-type detector tube equipment which is capable of detecting ozone levels of 10 mg/L and greater.

Exception: In lieu of the self-contained breathing apparatus an ozone detector capable of detecting 1 mg/L may be used. Said detector shall be capable of stopping the production of ozone, venting the room and sounding an alarm once ozone is detected.

Ionization units may be used as supplemental water treatment on public pools subject to the condition of this section.

Ionization equipment and electrical components and wiring shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 27 of the Florida Building Code, Building and the manufacturer shall provide a certification of conformance.

Ionization equipment shall meet the NSF/ANSI Standard 50, Circulation System Components and Related Materials for Swimming Pools, Spas/Hot Tubs, or equivalent, shall meet UL standards and shall be electrically interlocked with a recirculation pump.

Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfectant equipment may be used as supplemental water treatment on public pools [and additional treatment on interactive water features (IWFs)] subject to the conditions of this paragraph and manufacturer’s specifications. UV is encouraged to be used to eliminate or reduce chlorine-resistant pathogens, especially the protozoan cryptosporidium.

1. UV equipment and electrical components and wiring shall comply with the requirements of the National Electrical Code and the manufacturer shall provide a certification of conformance to the jurisdictional building department.
2. UV equipment shall meet UL standards and shall be electrically interlocked with recirculation pump(s) on all pools and with feature pumps(s) on an IWF such that when the UV equipment fails to produce the required dosage as measured by an automated sensor, the feature pump(s) are disabled so the water features do not operate.
3. UV equipment used in higher risk facilities such as interactive water features, wading pools, and activity pools shall be validated by a capable party that it delivers the required and predicted UV dose at the validated flow, lamp power and water UV transmittance conditions, and has complied with all professional practices summarized in the USEPA Ultraviolet Disinfectant Guidance Manual dated November 2006, which is publication number EPA 815-R-06-007 available from the department at http://www.floridashealth.org/Environment/water/swim/index.html or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/lt2/pdfs/guideit2_uguidance.pdf.
   Exception: Not applicable when Section 454.1.9.8.6.1 alternative is used.
4. UV equipment shall constantly produce a validated dosage of at least 40 mJ/cm2 (millijoules per square centimeter) at the end of lamp life.
5. The UV equipment shall not be located in a side stream flow and shall be located to treat all water returning to the pool or water features. Any treatment chemicals shall be injected downstream of the UV equipment.

Water features such as waterfalls or fountains in pools may use up to 20 percent of the return water from the filter system, however all waters used in the feature shall not be counted toward attaining the designed turnover rate. Return piping system shall be designed and capable of handling the additional feature flow when the feature is turned off. Features that require more than 20 percent of the flow rate shall be supplied by an additional pump that drafts from a suitable collector tank. All water features that utilize water from the pool shall be designed to return the water to the pool. Spray features mounted in the pool deck shall be flush with the pool deck and shall be designed with the safety of the pool patron in mind.

Only NSF-60 approved chemicals shall be provided.

Spa pools shall meet the requirements of Sections 454.1.1 through 454.1.6.5, unless specifically indicated otherwise.

The color, pattern or finish of the pool interior shall not obscure the existence or presence of objects or surfaces within the pool.

Spa-type pools shall have a minimum water depth of 21/2 feet (762 mm) and a maximum water depth of 4 feet (1219 mm), except that swim spa pools may have a maximum water depth of 5 feet (1524 mm). Depth markers and “NO DIVING” markers are not required on spa-type pools with 200 square feet (19 m2) or less of water surface area.

Steps or ladders shall be provided and shall be located to provide adequate entrance to and exit from the pool. The number of sets of steps or ladders required shall be on the basis of one for each 75 feet (22 860 mm), or major fraction thereof, of pool perimeter. Step sets for spa-type pools with more than 200-square-feet (19 m2) of pool water surface area shall comply with Section 454.1.2.5. Step sets for spa-type pools with 200 square feet (19 m2) or less of pool water surface area shall comply with the following: Step treads shall have a minimum width of 10 inches (254 mm) for a minimum continuous tread length of 12 inches (305 mm). Step riser heights shall not exceed 12 inches (305 mm). Intermediate treads and risers between the top and bottom treads and risers shall be uniform in width and height, respectively. Contrasting markings on the leading edges of the submerged benches and the intersections of the treads and risers are required to be installed in accordance with Section 454.1.2.5.

Handrails shall be provided for all sets of steps and shall be anchored in the bottom step and in the deck. Handrails shall be located to provide maximum access to the steps and handrails shall extend 28 inches (711 mm) above the pool deck.

Where “figure 4” handrails are used, they shall be anchored in the deck and shall extend laterally to any point vertically above the bottom step. Handrails shall be located to provide maximum access to the steps and handrails shall extend 28 inches (711 mm) above the pool deck.

Decks shall have a minimum 4-footwide (1219 mm) unobstructed width around the entire pool perimeter except that pools of less than 120 square feet (11 m2) of pool water surface area shall have a minimum 4-foot-wide (1219 mm) unobstructed continuous deck around a minimum of 50 percent of the pool perimeter. Decks less than 4 feet (1219 mm) wide shall have barriers to prevent their use. Decks shall not be more than 10 inches (254 mm) below the top of the pool. For pools of 120 square feet (11 m2) or greater, 10 percent of the deck along the pool perimeter may be obstructed.

The return lines of spa-type therapy or jet systems shall be independent of the recirculation-filtration and heating systems.

Therapy or jet pumps shall take suction from the collector tank. Collector tank sizing shall take this additional gallonage into consideration.

Spa-type pools with less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of perimeter shall have a minimum of two equally spaced adjustable inlets.

Spa-type pools shall have a minimum of one turnover every 30 minutes. The piping, fittings, and hydraulic requirements shall be in accordance with Section 454.1.6.5. All recirculation lines to and from the pool shall be individually valved with proportional flow-type valves in order to control the recirculation flow.

Spa-type pools of over 200 square feet (19 m2) of pool water surface area shall have provisions for vacuuming.

When spa pools are part of a conventional swimming pool, the spa pool area shall be offset from the main pool area with the same water depth as the main pool area. The spa pool shall meet all the spa pool requirements of this chapter, and the deck area at the spa shall be protected by connected 30-inch-high (762 mm) stanchions. The deck perimeter at the offset spa area shall not exceed 15 percent of the entire swimming pool perimeter. All benches shall have contrasting markings on the leading edges of the intersection of the bench seats. If tile is used, it shall be slip resistant.

Portable and wooden-type spa pools are prohibited.

Automated oxidation reduction potential (ORP) and pH controllers with sensing probes shall be installed on spa pools to assist in maintaining proper disinfection and pH levels.

In addition to the requirements of Section 454.1.2.3.5 spa pool signs installed shall include the following:

1. Maximum water temperature: 104°F (40°C).
2. Children under twelve must have adult supervision.
3. Pregnant women, small children, people with health problems and people using alcohol, narcotics or other drugs that cause drowsiness should not use spa pools without first consulting a doctor.
4. Maximum use: 15 minutes.

A clock shall be visible from the spa pool to assist the patron in meeting Item 4 of Section 454.1.8.13.

If a spa is equipped with an emergency cutoff or kill switch, it shall include provisions for a minimum 80 decibel audible alarm near the spa to sound continuously until deactivated when such device is triggered. The following additional rule sign shall be installed to be visible by the spa which reads “ALARM INDICATES SPA PUMPS OFF. DO NOT USE SPA WHEN ALARM SOUNDS UNTIL ADVISED OTHERWISE.”

Replacement of the pool or spa shell is considered to be construction of a new facility and shall be processed as such. Resurfacing the pool interior to original nontoxic, slip-resistant and smooth specifications is considered a repair or alteration. Equivalent replacement of equipment is not considered a repair or alteration. The following items shall be addressed during resurfacing projects:

The lip of the gutter must be leveled to within 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) between the highest and lowest point and the downward slope from the lip to the drain must be maintained as originally designed or increased, but shall not exceed new construction standards.

Tile step markings must be installed meeting the requirements of Section 454.1.2.5.3.

Where applicable, the slope break marking must be installed meeting the requirements of Section 454.1.2.2.3.2 and safety line must be installed 2 feet (610 mm) before the marking.

Depth markers and NO DIVING markers must be installed in accordance with Section 454.1.2.3.

The pool ladder must have a 3 to 6 inch (76 to 152 mm) clearance from the pool wall. New cross-braced ladder(s) shall be installed in place of noncross-braced ladder(s) in conformance with Section 454.1.2.5.1 during a pool resurfacing.

Should resurfacing works affect the step riser heights, no riser shall exceed 12 inches (305 mm) for pools and 12 inches (305 mm) for spas, and the intermediate risers shall be made uniform.

Step treads that protrude from the pool wall shall be removed and replaced with a crossbraced ladder or reconstructed to meet the requirements of Section 454.1.2.5.1 or 454.1.2.5.2.

The painting of pools shall not be considered a repair or alteration provided the following conditions are met:

1. 1.Only paints designated by the manufacturer as pool paints are used.
2. 2.All step stripes, slope break markers and safety line, and depth and NO DIVING markings shall be provided to comply with the applicable provision(s) this section.

The installation of copper or copper/silver ionization units and ozone generators capable of producing less than a pool water ozone contact concentration of 0.1 milligrams per liter (mg/L) shall not be considered a pool repair or alteration provided compliance when the following is met:

1.The ionization or ozone generator unit complies with paragraph 64E-9.008(10)(e), Florida Administrative Code.

2.The manufacturer provides one set of signed and sealed engineering drawings indicating the following:

a.The unit does not interfere with the design flow rate. 

b.The unit and the typical installation meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code.

c.A copper test kit and information regarding the maximum allowed copper and silver level and the minimum required chlorine level shall be available to the pool owner.

d.The unit shall meet the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 50.

3.At least 7 days before the time of installation, the installer will provide a photocopy of the above drawings and a letter of intent identifying the pool on which the unit is to be installed.

4.Upon completion of the installation, a professional engineer or electrician licensed in the state of Florida shall provide a letter to the county health department, indicating the unit was properly installed in accordance with the typical drawings, the National Electrical Code and local codes.

Outlets supplying repaired, replaced, altered, or relocated pool pump motors connected to single-phase, 120-volt through 240-volt branch circuits, whether by receptacle or by direct connection, and outlets supplying all other repaired, replaced, altered, or relocated electrical equipment and underwater luminaires operating at voltages greater than the low voltage contact limit, connected to single-phase, 120-volt through 240-volt branch circuits, rated 15- and 20-amperes, whether by receptacle or by direct connection, shall be provided with ground-fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel.

Any of the parts specified in Sections 680.26(B)(1) through (B)(7) of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code that are repaired, replaced, altered, or installed new at an existing swimming pool shall be connected to the existing bonding system using solid copper conductors, insulated, covered, or bare, not smaller than 8 AWG or with rigid metal conduit of brass or other identified corrosion-resistant metal. Connections to bonded parts shall be made in accordance with Section 250.8 of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. An 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor provided to reduce voltage gradients in the pool area shall not be required to be extended or attached to remote panelboards, service equipment, or electrodes. All metallic float-in light rings shall be connected to the equipotential bonding grid. Float-in light rings with no provision for bonding, and other devices which do not provide an electrical connection between a metallic underwater luminaire and the forming shell of a wet niche fixture, including screws or bolts not supplied by the luminaire’s manufacturer and listed for use with the specific luminaire, shall not be allowed for use with any underwater luminaire that is required to be grounded. Where none of the bonded parts is in direct connection with the pool water, the pool water shall be in direct contact with an approved corrosion-resistant conductive surface that exposes not less than 9 square inches (5800 mm2) of surface area to the pool water at all times. The conductive surface shall be located where it is not exposed to physical damage or dislodgement during usual pool activities, and it shall be bonded in accordance with Section 680.26(B) of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code. A bonded concrete pool shell shall be considered to be a conductive surface. The interior metallic surface or surfaces of any forming shell (wet niche) shall not be covered with any material, including plaster, except potting compound covering internal bonding connections in conformance with 680.23(B)(2)(b) of NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, shall be allowed.