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Statutory Authority: NMSA 1978, § 74-1-8.
Regulation Effective as of: 11/30/95
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT BOARD
P.O. BOX 26110/1190 ST. FRANCIS DRIVE
SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO 87502
(505) 827-2842
TITLE 7 HEALTH
CHAPTER 18 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS
PART 1 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND PUBLIC BATHS
SUBPART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS AND PROCEDURES
100. ISSUING AGENCY. Environmental Improvement Board.
101. SCOPE. All persons owning or operating any public swimming
pool or public bath.
102. STATUTORY AUTHORITY. NMSA 1978, § 74-1-8.
103. DURATION. Permanent.
104. EFFECTIVE DATE. November 30, 1995.
105. OBJECTIVE. To protect the public health and safety by
establishing standards and provisions for the regulation of
public swimming pools and public baths.
106. DEFINITIONS. As used in this Part:
A. "barrier" means a wall, building, fence or any
combination of these which control access to the pool proper.
This barrier shall be of such construction to provide reasonable
protection for the safety of the public;
B. "bather" means a person dressed in bathing attire and
who is within the enclosed barrier area of a swimming pool;
C. "Board" means the Environmental Improvement Board;
D. "Class A pool" means a public swimming pool, admission
to which may be gained by the general public, with or without the
payment of a fee, such as a school, community, municipal or
commercial pool and shall include all swimming pools operated and
maintained in conjunction with or by community associations;
E. "Class B pool" means a public swimming pool on the
premises of or part of a business, motel, hotel, trailer court,
apartment house, recreation camp, country club or similar
establishment;
F. "Class C pool" means a shallow public swimming pool
intended primarily for wading by children, and having a maximum
depth of two feet;
G. "Department" means the New Mexico Environment
Department;
H. "fill-and-draw public bath" means a bath where
cleanliness of water is maintained by complete removal and
replacement of the water after each use;
G. "flow-through public bath" means a bath where
cleanliness of the water is maintained by circulation of water
through the pool from some natural or developed source, but where
the outflowing water is discharged;
J. "lifeguard" means a person who holds a current American
Red Cross Advanced Lifesaving Certificate or YMCA Senior
Lifesaving or equivalent qualification, and who has no duties to
perform other than to superintend the safety of those using the
swimming pool area during the time the pool is open;
K. "non-conforming sample" means the presence of organisms
of the coliform group as indicated in a membrane filter
bacteriological test, in excess of four coliform colonies per one
hundred milliliters;
L. "person" means the state or any agency, institution or
political subdivision thereof, any public or private corporation,
individual, partnership, association or other entity, and
includes any office or governing or managing body of any
political subdivision or public or private corporation;
M. "plummet" means an imaginary line at the center of the
end of the diving board or platform, and which is perpendicular
to the water surface;
N. "premises" shall include the area within the barrier
and any adjacent support facilities (i.e., bath houses, club
house, or shower room). The premises may also include the office
of operational or management personnel and this office shall be
located on the facility;
O. "public bath" means any artificial facility not under
medical supervision, the main purpose of which is to provide
benefits of bathing rather than swimming and this shall include
fill-and-draw and flow-through baths;
P. "public swimming pool" means any artificial pool, other
than a residential pool, made of concrete masonry, metal,
plastic, or other impervious material, provided with a controlled
water supply, together with buildings and appurtenances essential
to the use thereof, which is intended to be used collectively by
numbers of persons for swimming and is operated by any person
besides the owner, lessee, operator, licensee or concessionaire,
regardless of whether a fee is charged for such use, and includes
either Class A, B, and C pools;
Q. "residential pool" means a swimming pool or the bathing
facilities owned by a private individual for use of family
members or non-paying guests (the regulations shall not apply to
residential pools);
R. "responsible person" means a person or persons at least
eighteen (18) years of age designated by the premises overseer or
management personnel to be available on the premises at all times
during public pool operating hours;
S. "Secretary" means the Secretary of Environment; and
T. "U.P.C." means the Uniform Plumbing Code that is the
most recent edition adopted by the International Association of
Plumbers and Mechanical Officials, including any changes or
additions as adopted by the New Mexico Construction Industries
Commission.
107. APPLICABILITY.
A. In regard to the physical or structural requirements of
this Part, any new requirements contained herein, over those of
prior regulations, shall apply only to newly-constructed or
extensively remodeled public pools and public baths, where
construction is substantially completed after May 1, 1976.
B. This Part sets minimum standards for the construction
and operation of public pools and public baths and are not
intended to meet the construction standards necessary for
competition-type pools. It is recommended that the latest
appropriate standards, such as the Amateur Athletic Union or
National Collegiate Athletic Association also be consulted at the
time of design and construction of competition-type pools.
108. DEPARTMENT REVIEW.
A. No person shall commence construction or extensively
remodel a public swimming pool or public bath without first
obtaining a review statement of approval from the Department. A
pool is extensively remodeled when those efforts undertaken will
significantly affect the dimensions or the operation of the
existing pool. Normally, a registered engineer or architect is
consulted in order to ensure that design is in accordance with
all applicable codes and regulations. A person remodeling a pool
or bath will be required to meet only those portions of this Part
by which the remodeling is affected.
B. Any person seeking a review shall do so by filing a
written application with the Department. Applications shall:
1. be made on forms obtained from the Department;
2. state the applicant's name and mailing address;
3. state the date of the application;
4. state the location of the pool;
5. where the pool is not yet built, or is to be
extensively remodeled, be accompanied by four sets of general and
detailed plans and specifications which shall include, but not be
limited to:
a. summary of the basis of design;
b. operation requirements, where applicable,
including a clearly-marked flow chart indicating all pipes and
valves to enable an operator to easily understand the correct
operation of the physical system;
c. general layout;
d. detailed plans; and
e. specifications.
6. contain such other relevant information as the
Department may reasonably require; and
7. be signed by the applicant or his authorized
representatives.
C. Plans and specifications for public swimming pools and
public baths shall be sealed by a registered engineer or
architect licensed to practice in New Mexico.
D. Within thirty days after receipt of the information
required in the application, the Department shall issue a review
statement of approval if it appears that the applicant will meet
the requirements of this Part.
E. The issuance of a review statement of approval does not
relieve the applicant from the responsibility of compliance with
all applicable provisions of this Part.
F. After the review statement of approval has been issued,
the statement and the four sets of plans will be sent to the
Construction Industries Commission or local authorized
governmental body.
G. The Department shall maintain a file of all review
statements issued. The file shall be open for public inspection.
109. OPERATING PERMITS.
A. No person shall operate a public pool or public bath
without having at all times an operating permit from the
Department. Operating permits will be issued yearly after an
annual inspection of the pool or public bath by Department
personnel. Newly-constructed and extensively remodeled public
swimming pools and public baths shall obtain on operating permit
upon completion of final inspection and approval by the
Department.
B. An operating permit may be suspended or revoked at any
time by the Department when there are willful or repeated
violations of this Part, or when it appears that the violation is
of such a nature as to immediately affect the public health or
safety.
C. The Department shall maintain a file of all operating
permits issued. The file shall be open for public inspection.
110. VARIANCES.
A. Any person seeking a variance from any provision of
this Part shall do so by filing a written petition with the
Department. Petitions shall:
1. be made on forms obtained from the Department;
2. state the petitioner's name and mailing address;
3. state the date of the petition;
4. state the provision or provisions of this Part for
which the variance is sought;
5. state in detail the extent to which the petitioner
wishes to vary from the provision or provisions;
6. state the period of time for which the variance is
sought;
7. state why the petitioner believes the variance is
justified;
8. be accompanied by any relevant documents or
material which the petitioner believes would support his
petition; and
9. contain such other relevant information as the
Department may reasonably require.
B. Conditions relating to variances:
1. The Department may grant an individual variance
from any substantive provision of this Part whenever it is found,
that the petitioner has demonstrated by a preponderance of the
evidence, that the proposal, although not conforming to those
regulations, will, in fact provide protection to the health and
safety of the public to a degree which is equal to or greater
than that which is provided by the regulation from which the
variance is sought. Any variance shall be granted for time
periods and under conditions consistent with the reasons thereof.
2. No variance shall be granted pursuant to this
section unless the Department has considered the relative
interests of the applicant, other persons likely to be affected
and the general public.
C. Within fifteen days following receipt of the variance
petition, the Department shall either grant the variance, grant
the variance subject to conditions, or deny the variance. The
action taken by the Department shall be by written order, a copy
of which shall be sent to the petitioner. The order shall:
1. state the petitioner's name and address;
2. state the date the order is made;
3. describe the location of the public swimming pool
or public bath;
4. state the decision of the Department;
5. if a variance is granted, state the period of time
for which it is granted and any conditions which apply; and
6. state the reasons for the Department's decision.
D. The Department shall maintain a file of all orders
issued. The file shall be open for public inspection.
E. If a petitioner is dissatisfied with the action taken
by the Department, he may request a hearing before the Secretary.
The request must be made in writing to the Secretary within
fifteen days after notice of the Department's action has been
received by the petitioner. Unless a timely request for hearing
is made, the decision of the Department shall be final.
F. If a timely request for hearing is made, the Secretary
or his designated representative shall hold a hearing within
fifteen days after receipt of the request. The Department shall
notify the petitioner by certified mail of the date, time and
place of the hearing. In the hearing, the burden of proof shall
be upon the petitioner.
G. Hearings shall be held at an appropriate Department
filed office unless mutually agreed by all parties to be held
elsewhere.
H. If the petitioner requests, the hearing shall be
recorded at the cost of the petitioner. Transcript costs shall
be paid by those persons requesting transcripts.
I. In hearings, the rules of civil procedure and the
technical rules of evidence shall not apply, but the hearings
shall be conducted so that all relevant views, arguments and
testimony are amply and fairly presented without undue
repetition. The Secretary shall allow the Department and the
petitioner to call and examine witnesses, to submit written and
oral evidence and arguments, to introduce exhibits and to cross-
examine witnesses.
J. Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, the
Secretary shall sustain, modify or reverse the action of the
Department. The action taken shall be by written order within
five days following the hearing. The order shall contain the
same information as that required for the Department in Section
110.C. A copy of the order shall be sent to the petitioner.
111. - 199. [RESERVED]
SUBPART II
POOLS AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES
200. PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS. Any person owning or operating a
public swimming pool shall design, construct, equip, operate and
maintain the pool to ensure safe, clean and sanitary conditions,
both of the pool and premises, and shall ensure the following
requirements are met:
A. Bath houses.
1. Floors. Floors in toilets, dressing rooms,
walkways, and runways shall have a slope between one-quarter and
one-half inch per foot to floor drains. Floor finish shall be
non-skid portland cement, tile, or other impervious material.
Floors may not have indoor-outdoor carpeting.
2. Heating facilities. All natural gas, alternative
energy sources, and liquefied petroleum installations shall
comply with all state and local laws, codes, regulations, and
ordinances governing such installations.
3. Lavatories. Lavatories in the ratio of one
lavatory to each two toilet facilities shall be provided.
4. Showers. Showers in sufficient number shall be
provided with hot and cold water and soap. For men and women,
the minimum number of baths per sex shall be one for every forty
men or women or a fraction thereof for the bathing load design.
Access to the pool or bath shall be only through the shower room.
The hot water heater shall be of adequate capacity to provide hot
water for all bathers using the showers.
5. Toilet facilities. The minimum number of water
closets to be provided per sex shall be one for every forty men
or women or a fraction thereof. However, urinals may be
substituted, not to exceed one-third of the total number of water
closets required.
6. Ventilation. Good ventilation shall be provided to
minimize condensation and odors. Ventilation should be a minimum
of two air changes per hour and a maximum of ten air changes per
hour.
B. Bathing load. The maximum number of bathers permitted
within the pool water surface area at any one time shall not
exceed one bather for each twenty-five square feet of water
surface of the pool. There shall be an allowance of three
hundred square feet for each diving board or platform in addition
to the amount needed for swimming purposes. A sign shall be
posted at the entrance of the pool stating the design bathing
load capacity of the pool. The pool owner shall be responsible
for seeing that the maximum capacity is not exceeded.
C. Color. The pool walls and floor surface shall be a
light color.
D. Coving. The inside wall surface of a pool shall be
vertical, except where coved construction is used between the
side walls and bottom of pool. In coved construction, the radius
of curvature in the area less than five feet deep shall not
exceed six inches at a depth of three feet six inches and shall
not exceed two feet at a depth of five feet. There shall be a
uniform transition in the cove throughout. There shall be a
minimum three-foot vertical wall section in the deep and of the
pool.
E. Cross-connections. There shall be no physical
connection between a pool and a water supply or sewers. All
plumbing and piping shall be arranged so as to prevent back-
siphonage. Cross-connections shall be prohibited.
F. Curbs. No elevated curbs shall be used within the pool
area. Permanent starting blocks are allowed if there is adequate
protection from the blocks when not in use.
G. Fill spout. There shall be a fill spout or approved
vacuum breaker located so as to constitute a minimum hazard to
persons in the pool area. If a fill spout is used, the discharge
end of the fill pipe shall have a minimum effective air gap of
six inches above the overflow level.
H. Filtration.
1. All swimming pool water shall be recirculated
through rapid sand, high rate sand, cartridge-type of diatomite
filters. The filter rate shall not exceed the National
Sanitation Foundation approved rate. All filters shall bear the
Seal of Approval of the National Sanitation Foundation.
2. Pump and motor units for recirculation shall be
selected for performance and will meet the conditions of quantity
required for filtering and cleaning the filters with the total
dynamic head developed by the complete system. The requirements
for filtration shall be based upon the maximum head loss
developed immediately prior to washing the filters. Pump
performance curves for the unit to be installed shall be provided
with the plans for approval.
3. Filters shall be piped for effective backwashing,
excluding disposal cartridge-type filters. If rapid sand filters
are used, a minimum of three filters shall be provided. The
backwash rate shall meet National Sanitation Foundation approved
backwash rate.
4. Provisions shall be made for disposing of material
cleaned from filters, backwash water and pool contents in a
manner which will not create a nuisance. The backwash water,
pool and filter contents shall be disposed of in accordance with
applicable local regulations, to a sewer, storm drain or dry
well; or where space and conditions permit and where approved by
the Department, water may be disposed of by surface or subsurface
elimination.
5. The disposal of a diatomaceous earth to a sewer
must be made in such a manner that no solids are contained in the
discharge. This may be done by using a separation tank,
receiving chamber, or any other method approved by the
Department.
6. Non-permanent media filters shall also have
suitable provision for adding feed chemicals or filter media.
7. A lint and hair catcher shall be provided on all
swimming pools.
8. All pools shall be equipped with a rate of flow
meter.
I. Indoor facilities.
1. Floor surfaces. All floor surfaces of dressing
rooms, toilet rooms, passageways, walkways and runways of every
indoor pool shall be:
a. constructed of impervious material;
b. have no holes or places for water to stand;
c. provided with a non-skid surface;
d. maintained in a clean condition;
e. rinsed daily with chlorine solution having not
less than one thousand parts per million of chlorine, or other
acceptable disinfecting solutions; and
f. floor surfaces may not have indoor-outdoor
carpeting. All new floor surfaces shall have a slope between
one-quarter and one-half inch per foot to drains.
2. Ventilation. Good ventilation should be provided
to minimize condensation and odors. A minimum of four air
changes per hour and a maximum of eight air changes per hour
should be maintained within the indoor pool area. The pool area
should be vented to the outside without returning air to the
central heating system or air may be circulated through a de-
humidifying system. The pool area should be maintained at a
slightly negative pressure to prevent moisture from escaping.
The building ventilating system should be designed to preclude
air in the pool room from drifting into other areas.
J. Inlets. Inlets shall be located to produce uniform
circulation of water and to facilitate the maintenance of a
uniform disinfectant residual throughout the entire pool to
minimize existence of dead spots. Inlets from the recirculation
system shall be submerged at least twelve inches below the water
level. Inlets in the pool bottom shall be flush with the pool
bottom. All inlets shall be adjustable to obtain the desired
rate and direction of water flow. All pools shall have a minimum
of one return inlet for each fifteen thousand gallons or fraction
thereof. Where the distance across any portion of the swimming
pool is more than thirty feet, multiple inlets must be provided
on opposite ends.
K. Lighting. Where underwater lighting is used and night
swimming is permitted, area lighting shall be provided for the
deck areas and directed toward the deck areas away from the pool
surface, insofar as practical, in a total capacity of not less
than fifteen foot candles. Where underwater lighting is not
employed and night swimming is permitted, area and pool lighting
combines shall be provided in an amount of not less than thirty
foot candles. Where underwater pool lighting is provided, such
lights shall be so installed as to create no hazard to bathers.
L. Main drains. There shall be a main drain at the
deepest part of pools. Where the pool width is greater than
twenty-five feet, multiple outlet drains shall be provided.
Drains shall be covered with an anti-vortex grate. A maximum
grate size opening shall conform with the U.P.C.
M. Overflow systems and skimmers.
1. Overflow systems shall be provided around the
entire perimeter of pools. Overflow system drains shall not
exceed fifteen feet on centers. Water from overflow systems may
be either recirculated through the filters or discharged to the
sewer. If a sewer is used, there shall be an air gap as
specified in the U.P.C. between the overflow system drain line
and the top rim of the sewer manhole or drain box. Enclosed
pipeless gutters shall be provided with cleanout covers at a
maximum of fifteen feet intervals and shall have a slope of not
less than one-eighth inch per foot.
2. Skimmers may be used in lieu of overflow systems
providing the following minimum requirements are met:
a. Skimming devices shall bear the National
Sanitation Foundation seal of approval;
b. A skimmer shall be provided for each five
hundred square feet of surface area or fraction thereof;
c. The skimmer weirs shall be automatically
adjustable and shall operate freely with continuous action to
variations in water level over a range of at least three inches.
Skimmers shall be designed for flow-through rate of not less than
thirty gallons per minute and the total capacity of all skimmers
in any pool shall be at least eighty percent of the required
filter flow of the recirculation system;
d. Each skimmer shall be equipped with an adequate
equalizer line or other device to prevent air lock in the suction
line should the water of the pool drop below the weir level; and
e. Each skimmer shall be equipped with a strainer
basket.
N. Piping. All plastic pipe shall be approved by the
National Sanitation Foundation. All piping shall conform with
U.P.C. standards.
O. Plumbing drains. The drainage system, including the
backwash filter line, from a pool, shall be constructed with an
air gap as specified in the U.P.C. to prevent sewage or other
waste from siphoning, flooding or otherwise discharging into the
pool. Drains shall be covered with a grate.
P. Prevention of disease.
1. Shower. A cleansing shower with soap shall be
required of all bathers entering or re-entering the enclosed
barrier area.
2. Persons excluded. No person having a communicable
disease shall be employed at a pool. All bathers known to be
afflicted with an infectious disease, suffering from sores, or
wearing bandages shall be excluded from all bathing places.
3. Foot baths. Foot baths shall not be used for
pools.
Q. Runways.
1. A runway at least four feet wide constructed of
concrete or other impervious material shall completely surround
the pool. The runway shall have a slope between one-fourth and
three-eighths inch per foot away from the pool. It shall be an
integral part of the pool walls or it shall overlap the walls.
Unless drainage is to the surrounding area, either deck drains or
collecting troughs covered with grates shall be provided. Deck
drains shall be in the ratio of not less than one per two hundred
square feet of runway, provided that they shall not exceed
twenty-five feet on centers. The drainage from runways shall be
discharged to the sewer or to the area outside the paved runway
around the pool.
2. An air gap as specified in U.P.C. shall be provided
between the drains for the runway area and the sewer to prevent
the possibility of sewage backing up into the runway area drains.
Runway drains shall not be interconnected with scum gutter drain
lines.
3. Indoor-outdoor carpeting may be used on runways of
outdoor pools, provided the slope is between three-eighths inch
per foot and one-half inch per foot.
R. Safety precautions.
1. First aid kit and supplies. A first aid kit,
comparable to the American Red Cross twenty-four unit kit, shall
be provided at all times. An American Red Cross resuscitation
chart, or equivalent chart shall be posted conspicuously in the
bathing area.
2. Telephone. The premises on which a pool is located
shall have an operational telephone and telephone numbers of one
or more physicians, ambulances, hospitals, police departments,
fire departments and sheriff departments for emergency use.
3. Glass containers. Glass and rigid plastic
containers shall not be permitted in shower rooms or the enclosed
area of any bath.
S. Slope. The slope of the bottom of any part of the pool
where the water is less than five feet deep must be not more than
one foot in each twelve feet. There shall be no sudden changes
of slope within the area where the water depth is less than five
feet. All portions of the pool bottom shall slope toward the
pool drains.
T. Suits and towels.
1. Laundering of suits and towels. Provision shall be
made for laundering, rinsing and drying of all suits and towels
supplied by the management. All suits and towels owned by the
management shall be laundered with a detergent or soap by one of
the following methods: in one-hundred-sixty-degree Fahrenheit
water for fifteen minutes; in one-hundred-seventy-degree
Fahrenheit water for eight minutes; in two-hundred-twelve-degree
Fahrenheit water for three minutes.
2. Storing of clean suits and towels. Clean suits and
towels shall be kept separate from those which have been used.
U. Vacuum cleaners. A vacuum cleaning system shall be
included. It should be either a portable type or it should be an
integral part of the recirculation system.
201. CLASS A POOLS. In addition to the requirements of Section
200, any person owning or operating a Class A pool shall ensure
that the following requirements are met:
A. Barrier. The pool shall be completely enclosed by a
barrier at least forty-eight inches high. Provision shall be
made to prevent the drainage of materials from lawns or
landscaped areas from getting onto the pool decks or into the
pool. Drainage shall be conducted away from the pool runway in a
manner that will not create muddy, hazardous or objectionable
conditions.
B. Bath house.
1. Dressing rooms. Sanitary dressing rooms shall be
provided, with sufficient privacy and space for persons to change
clothes for bathing.
2. Drinking fountains. At least one sanitary drinking
fountain utilizing the slanting jet principle with surrounding
guard, non-submergible opening, and supplied with water under
adequate pressure, shall be provided at a convenient point.
C. Depth markings. Permanent depth markings of a dark
color and of sufficient size to be clearly visible across the
pool shall be placed in pairs, one of each pair being on either
side of the pool on the vertical wall near the water level, and
permanent depth markings at least four inches in size shall be
placed on the pool deck near the pool edge. A pair of markings
shall be placed at each successive one-foot increment of depth,
except depth markings shall not be required to be placed less
than four feet apart. In addition, the minimum and maximum
depths shall be so designated. Also, the five-foot depth shall
be so marked.
D. Diving area. The area of a pool where diving is
permitted shall be in the case of a rectangular pool at one end
or may be in a restricted area forming one of the legs of a T, L,
Z, or a free-form-shaped pool. In any design, the diving area
shall be separated from the main swimming area (section of pool
where water is five feet deep of less) by a lifeline, or the
diving area may be a wholly separate structure. Whenever diving
boards are to be used, the dimensional requirements under the
following section shall apply in order to have adequate area and
depth of water for safe diving.
E. Diving boards. Diving boards and platforms shall be
installed to provide the maximum safety for the diver. The
following requirements are those points for critical safety
requirements.
1. The distance from the plummet back to the pool wall
shall be "A" in Section 204.A, wherein "A" shall be:
a. six feet for one and three meter boards;
b. four feet for one and three meter platforms;
c. five feet for five and seven-and-a-half meter
platforms; or
d. six feet for a ten meter platform.
2. The distance from the plummet to pool wall at side
shall be "B" in Section 204.A, wherein "B" shall be;
a. ten feet for a one meter board;
b. seven-and-a-half feet for a one meter platform;
c. twelve feet for a three meter board;
d. nine-and-a-half feet for a three meter
platform.
e. fourteen feet for a five meter platform;
f. fifteen feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. seventeen feet for a ten meter platform.
3. The distance from plummet to adjacent plummet shall
be "C" in Section 204.A, wherein "C" shall be:
a. ten feet for all one, three, five and seven-
and-a-half meter boards or platforms and combinations thereof; or
b. twelve feet for all ten meter platforms and
combinations thereof.
4. The distance from the plummet to the pool wall or
five-foot depth ahead shall be "D" in Section 204.A, wherein "D"
shall be:
a. twenty-nine feet for a one meter board;
b. twenty-six feet for a one meter platform;
c. thirty-four feet for a three meter board;
d. thirty-one feet for a three meter platform;
e. thirty-four feet for a five meter platform;
f. thirty-six feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. forty-five feet for a ten meter platform.
5. Clear distance from board to ceiling overhead shall
be "E" in Section 204.A, wherein "E" shall be;
a. sixteen feet for one and three meter boards;
b. ten feet for one and three meter platforms;
c. eleven feet for five and seven-and-a-half meter
platforms; or
d. sixteen feet for a ten meter platform.
6. The depth of water at the plummet shall be "H" in
Section 204.A, wherein "H" shall be:
a. twelve feet for a one meter board;
b. eleven feet for a one meter platform;
c. thirteen feet for a three meter board;
d. eleven feet for a three meter platform;
e. thirteen feet for a five meter platform;
f. fifteen feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. seventeen feet for a ten meter platform.
7. The following shall pertain to deck level diving
board installations:
a. An area which is a minimum of four feet square,
with a depth of not less than eight-and-a-half feet, shall be
provided in the diving portion of the pool. The four-foot-square
area shall be in line with the diving board and the nearest edge
of the square area shall be eight feet from the deep end of the
pool (See Section 204.B);
b. The unobstructed area above the diving board
shall be so constructed that there is no possibility of collision
by the diver with any overhead construction;
c. The projection of the diving board over the
pool's surface shall be a minimum of tow feet and a maximum of
four feet. The centerline of the board shall be a minimum of
eight feet from the side wall of the pool or another board; and
d. The diving portion (section of pool where water
is over five feet deep) shall be a minimum of eighteen feet in
length with the centerline of the deepest part of the pool being
not less than ten feet from the deep end of the pool. (See
Section 204.B.)
F. Food and refreshments. No food or refreshments shall
be permitted in the immediate enclosed bathing area of a pool.
G. Operating and accident records.
1. Daily operating records which will be supplied by
the Department, for a pool, shall be kept and shall include the
following:
a. date;
b. the total number of bathers accommodated;
c. the maximum number of bathers any time;
d. starting and stopping time of the filters;
e. time of backwashing;
f. disinfectant residual test results;
g. pH of pool water;
h. kinds and quantities of chemicals added;
i. the name of the pool operator;
j. visibility of pool bottom; and
k. name of lifeguard on duty.
2. Accidents shall be recorded and such records shall
be made available to the Department upon request.
H. Recirculation. The filtration system shall be operated
at a rate sufficient to assure a complete recirculation of the
pool water through the filters within a period not to exceed six
hours.
I. Safety precautions.
1. Lifeguard. A lifeguard shall be on duty in the
enclosed barrier area at all times the pool is in operation. The
lifeguard should have appropriate identification.
2. Lifeline. A lifeline, the minimum diameter of
which shall be one-half inch, shall be provided two feet toward
the shallow portion from the break in grade between the shallow
and deep portions of the pool with its position marked with
colored floats at no greater than five feet intervals. The
lifeline shall be of a contrasting color and be securely fastened
in wall anchors of corrosion resistant material and of the type
which will be resistant and have no projection which will
constitute a safety hazard. Any restricted areas or restricted
areas in pools which are set aside for the use of children, shall
be separated from the pool proper by means of a lifeline
supported by buoys and attached to the side walls.
3. Ring buoys. At every pool, there shall be provided
two or more U.S. Coast Guard approved or equivalent throwing ring
buoys having a maximum outside diameter of eighteen inches with
one-fourth inch line attached, the length of which shall be not
less than one-half the pool width plus ten feet, placed on racks
at strategic intervals about the pool.
4. Poles or life hooks. One or more light but strong
poles, with blunt ends not less than twelve feet in length, shall
be provided.
J. Skimmers. If skimmers are used, a minimum of two
skimmers shall be provided.
K. Spectators. Except during recognized organized aquatic
programs, person not dressed in bathing attire shall not be
allowed in the enclosed barrier of public pools.
L. Steps. Steps for entering and leaving the pool shall
be a minimum of four feet wide, unless corner steps are used. If
corner steps are used, the maximum radius of the bottom steps
shall be forty-two inches. Ladders shall be located at one or
both sides of the deep end of the pool. If the distance from the
bottom of the pool to the runway at the shallow end is more than
two feet, a ladder or steps shall be placed at the shallow end of
the pool. Treads of ladders or steps shall be non-slop material.
A hand rail shall be provided down the center of all steps. All
steps shall be recessed and shall not protrude into the pool
proper.
M. Striping. Dark contrasting stripes, a minimum of four
inches wide, shall divide the pool into longitudinal lanes five
to eight feet wide. The terminal ends of the striping shall be
five to seven feet from the pool ends.
202. CLASS B POOLS. In addition to the requirements of Section
200, any person owning or operating a Class B pool shall ensure
the following requirements are met:
A. Barrier. The pool shall be completely enclosed by a
barrier at least forty-eight inches high. Provision shall be
made to prevent the drainage of materials from lawns or
landscaped areas from getting onto the pool decks or into the
pool. Drainage shall be conducted away from the pool runway in a
manner that will not create muddy, hazardous or objectionable
conditions.
B. Bath house. Facilities provided in separate lodging
units or shower and restroom facilities may be used.
C. Depth markings. Permanent depth markings of a dark
color and of sufficient size to be clearly visible across the
pool shall be placed in pairs, one of each pair being on either
side of the pool on the vertical wall near the water level, and
permanent depth markings at least four inches in size shall be
placed on the pool deck near the pool edge. A pair of markings
shall be placed at each successive one-foot increment of depth,
except depth markings shall not be required to be placed less
than four feet apart. In addition, the minimum and maximum
depths shall be so designated. Also, the five foot depth shall
be so marked.
D. Diving area. The area of a pool where diving is
permitted shall be in the case of a rectangular pool at one end
or may be in a restricted area forming one of the legs of a T, L,
Z, or a free-form-shaped pool. In any design, the diving area
shall be separated from the main swimming area (section of pool
where water is five feet deep or less) by a lifeline, or the
diving area may be a wholly separate structure. Whenever diving
boards are to be used, the dimensional requirements under the
following section shall apply in order to have adequate area and
depth of water for safe diving.
E. Diving boards. Diving boards and platform shall be
installed to provide the maximum safety for the diver. The
following requirements are those points for critical safety
requirements.
1. The distance from the plummet back to the pool wall
shall be "A" in Section 204.A, wherein "A" shall be;
a. six feet for one and three meter boards;
b. four feet for one and three meter platforms;
c. five feet for five and seven-and-a-half meter
platforms;
d. six feet for a ten meter platform;
2. The distance from the plummet to pool wall at side
shall be "B" in Section 204.A, wherein "B" shall be;
a. ten feet for a one meter board;
b. seven-and-a-half feet for a one meter platform;
c. twelve feet for a three meter board;
d. nine-and-a-half feet for a three meter
platform;
e. fourteen feet for a five meter platform;
f. fifteen feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. seventeen feet for a ten meter platform.
3. The distance from plummet to adjacent plummet shall
be "C" in Section 204.A, wherein "C" shall be:
a. ten feet for all one, three, five and seven-
and-a-half meter boards or platforms and combinations thereof; or
b. twelve feet for all ten meter platforms and
combination thereof.
4. The distance from the plummet to the pool wall or
five-foot depth ahead shall be "D" in Section 204.A, wherein "D"
shall be:
a. twenty-nine feet for a one meter board;
b. twenty-six feet for a one meter platform;
c. thirty-four feet for a three meter board;
d. thirty-one feet for a three meter platform;
e. thirty-four feet for a five meter platform;
f. thirty-six feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. forty-five feet for a ten meter platform.
5. Clear distance from board to ceiling overhead shall
be "E" in Section 204.A, wherein "E" shall be;
a. sixteen feet for one and three meter boards;
b. ten feet for one and three meter platforms;
c. eleven feet for five and seven-and-a-half meter
platforms; or
d. sixteen feet for a ten meter platform.
6. The depth of water at the plummet shall be "H" in
Section 204.A, wherein "H" shall be:
a. twelve feet for a one meter board;
b. eleven feet for a one meter platform;
c. thirteen feet for a three meter board;
d. eleven feet for a three meter platform;
e. thirteen feet for a five meter platform;
f. fifteen feet for a seven-and-a-half meter
platform; or
g. seventeen feet for a ten meter platform.
7. The following shall pertain to deck level diving
board installations:
a. An area which is a minimum of four feet square
shall be provided in the diving portion of the pool. This area
shall not be less than eight-and-a-half feet in depth. This area
shall be in line with the diving board and the nearest edge of
this minimum four feet square area shall be eight feet from the
deep end of the pool. (See Section 204.B.1.)
b. The unobstructed area above the diving board
shall be so constructed that there is no possibility of collision
by the diver with any overhead construction.
c. The projection of the diving board over the
pool's surface shall be a minimum of two feet and a maximum of
four feet. The centerline of the board shall be a minimum of
eight feet from the side wall of the pool or another board.
d. The diving portion (section of pool where water
is over five feet deep) shall be a minimum of eighteen feet in
length with the centerline of the deepest part of the pool being
not less than ten feet from the deep end of the pool. (See
Section 204.B.2.)
F. Food and refreshments. The operator of a pool is
allowed to provide food and drink service within the enclosed
barrier area provided that non-breakable eating and drinking
utensils and containers shall be utilized.
G. Recirculation. The filtration system shall be
operated at a rate sufficient to assure a complete recirculation
of the pool water through the filters within a period of not to
exceed six hours.
H. Safety precautions.
1. Lifeguard. A lifeguard shall be on duty in the
enclosed barrier area at all times a pool with a capacity in
excess of 100,000 gallons is in operation.
2. Lifeline. A lifeline, the minimum diameter of
which shall be one-half inch, shall be provided two feet toward
the shallow portion from the break in grade between the shallow
and deep portions of the swimming pool with its position marked
with colored floats at no greater than five foot intervals. The
lifeline shall be of a contrasting color and be securely fastened
in wall anchors of corrosion-resistant material and of the type
which will a safety hazard. Any restricted areas, or restricted
areas in swimming pools which are set aside for the use of
children, shall be separated from the pool proper by means of a
lifeline supported by buoys and attached to the side walls.
3. Poles or life hooks. One or more light but
strong poles, with blunt ends not less than twelve feet in
length, shall be provided.
4. Responsible person. A responsible person shall
be on the premises at all times a pool is open to swimmers; and
if no lifeguard is on duty, a child or children under the age of
twelve must be accompanied by an adult within the barrier area.
If regulation lifeguard service is not provided in the pools, a
sign shall be posted clearly stating: WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD
SERVICE IS PROVIDED. ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE MUST
BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT WITHIN THE BARRIER AREA. IN CASE OF
AN EMERGENCY, CONTACT . . . .
5. Ring buoys. At every pool, there shall be
provided two or more U.S. Coast Guard approved or equivalent
throwing ring buoys having a maximum outside attached, the length
of which shall be not less than one-half the pool width plus ten
fee, placed on racks at strategic intervals about the pool.
I. Skimmers. If skimmers are used, a minimum of two
skimmers shall be provided.
J. Spectators. Spectators may be allowed inside the
barrier area.
K. Steps. Steps for entering and leaving the pool
shall be a minimum of four feet wide, unless corner or circular
steps are used. If corner or circular steps are used, the
maximum radius of the bottom step shall be forty-two inches.
Ladders shall be located at one or both sides of the deep end of
the pool. If the distance from the bottom of the pool to the
runway at the shallow and is more than two feet, a ladder or
steps shall be placed at the shallow end of the pool. Treads of
ladders or steps shall be of non-slip material. A hand-rail
shall be provided down the center of all steps. The maximum
projection of the steps shall be limited to three-and-a-half feet
but no projections shall create a safety hazard.
L. Striping. For pools greater than thirty feet in
width, dark contrasting stripes, a minimum of four feet in width,
dark contrasting stripes, a minimum of four inches wide, shall
divide the pool into longitudinal lanes five to eight feet wide.
The terminal ends of the striping shall be five to seven feet
from the pool ends.
203. CLASS C POOLS. In addition to the requirements of Section
200, any person owning or operating a Class C pool shall ensure
the following requirements are met:
A. Barrier. A barrier at least forty-eight inches high
shall be provided to separate a Class C pool from other pools or
public baths.
B. Food and refreshments. No food or refreshments shall
be permitted in the immediate enclosed bathing area.
C. Recirculation. The filtration system shall be operated
at a rate sufficient to assure a complete recirculation of the
pool water through the filters within a period not to exceed two
hours. It is recommended that a direct route be provided by
valves or similar arrangement from the main drain in a manner
that will enable the wading pool water to be completely emptied
to waste.
D. Responsible person. A responsible person shall be on
the premises at all times the pool is open to swimmers; and if no
lifeguard is on duty, a child or children under the age of twelve
must be accompanied by an adult within the barrier area. If
regulation lifeguard service is not provided in the pools, a sign
shall be posted clearly stating: WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD SERVICE
IS PROVIDED. ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF TWELVE MUST BE
ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT WITHIN THE BARRIER AREA. IN CASE OF AN
EMERGENCY, CONTACT . . . .
E. Steps. Steps shall be so constructed to minimize
danger of accidents. Treads of ladders or steps shall be made of
non-slip material.
204. CRITICAL DIMENSIONS FOR CLASS A AND B POOLS.
A. Depth and set-back requirements for 1, 3, 5, 7.5, and
10-meter boards and platforms.
1. Illustration of parameters; lateral section.
![[Lateral section image]](dwcsb\sp_fig1.gif)
2. Illustration of parameters; cross section.
![[Cross section image]](dwcsb\sp_fig2.gif)
3. Table of dimensions, in feet, for diving boards and
platforms.
DIVING HEIGHT A B C D E D
1 meter board 6 10 10 29 16 12
1 meter platform 4 7'6" 10 26 10 11
3 meter board 6 12 10 34 16 13
3 meter platform 4 9'6" 10 31 10 11
5 meter platform 5 14 10 34 11 13
7.5 meter platform 5 15 10 36 11 15
10 meter platform 6 17 12 45 16 17
B. Deck level diving board requirements.
1. Area of minimum depth.
![[Area of minimum depth image]](dwcsb\sp_fig3.gif)
2. Depth and set-back requirements.
![[Depth and set-back requirements image]](dwcsb\sp_fig4.gif)
205. - 299. [RESERVED]
SUBPART III
PUBLIC BATHS AND SUPPORTING FACILITIES
300. PUBLIC BATHS. Any person owning or operating a public bath
shall design, construct, equip, operate and maintain the bath to
insure safe, clean and sanitary conditions, both of the bath and
premises, and shall ensure the following requirements are met:
A. Barrier. The bath area shall be completely enclosed by
a barrier at least forty-eight inches high.
B. Bath house.
1. Dressing rooms. Sanitary dressing rooms shall be
provided with sufficient privacy and space for persons to change
clothes for bathing.
2. Floors. Floors in toilets, dressing rooms,
walkways, and runways shall have a slope between one-quarter and
one-half inch per foot to floor drains. Floor finish shall be
non-skid portland cement, tile or other impervious material.
Floors may not have indoor-outdoor carpeting.
3. Heating facilities. All natural gas, alternative
energy sources, and liquefied petroleum installations shall
comply with all state and local laws, codes, regulations and
ordinances governing such installations.
4. Lavatories. Lavatories in the ratio of one
lavatory to each two toilet facilities shall be provided.
5. Showers. Showers in sufficient number shall be
provided with hot and cold water and soap. For men and women,
the minimum number of baths per sex shall be one for every forty
men or women or a fraction thereof for the bathing load design.
Access to the pool or bath shall be only through the shower room.
The hot water for all bathers using the showers.
6. Toilet facilities. The minimum number of water
closets to be provided per sex shall be one for every forty men
or women or a faction thereof. However, urinals may be
substituted, not to exceed one-third of the total number of water
closets required.
7. Ventilation. Good ventilation shall be provided to
minimize condensation and odors. Ventilation should be a minimum
of two air changes per hour and a maximum of ten.
C. Coving. The inside wall surface of a pool shall be
vertical, except where coved construction is used between the
side walls and bottom of a bath.
In coved construction, the radius of curvature in the area
less than five-and-a-half feet and shall not exceed two feet at
the depth of five feet. There shall be a uniform transition in
the cove throughout. There shall be a minimum of three feet
vertical wall section in the deep end of the bath.
D. Cross-connections. There shall be no physical
connection between a public bath and a water supply or sewers.
All plumbing and piping shall be arranged so as to prevent back-
siphonage. Cross-connections shall be prohibited.
E. Curbs. No elevated curbs shall be used within the
public bath area.
F. Depth of water. If the depth of the bath at any point
exceeds four feet, depth markings of a dark color and of
sufficient size to be clearly visible across the public bath
shall be placed in pairs, one of each pair being on either side
of the bath on the vertical wall near the water level.
G. Fill spout. There shall be a fill spout or approved
vacuum breaker so located as to constitute a minimum hazard to
persons in the public bath area. If a fill spout is used, the
discharge end of the fill pipe shall have a minimum effective air
gap of six inches above the overflow level.
H. Filtration.
1. All bath water shall be recirculated through rapid
sand, high water sand, cartridge-type or diatomite filters. The
filter rate shall not exceed the National Sanitation Foundation
approved rate. All filters shall bear the Seal of Approval of
the National Sanitation Foundation.
2. Pump and motor units for recirculation shall be
selected for performance and will meet the conditions of quantity
required for filtering and cleaning the filters with the total
dynamic head developed by the complete system. The requirements
for filtration shall be based upon the maximum had loss developed
immediately prior to washing the filters. Pump performance
curves for the unit to be installed shall be provided with the
plans for approval.
3. Filters shall be piped for effective backwashing,
excluding disposable cartridge-type filters. If rapid sand
filters are used, a minimum of three filters shall be provided.
The backwash rate shall meet National Sanitation Foundation
approved backwash rate.
4. Provisions shall be made for disposing of material
cleaned from filters, backwash water of bath contents in a manner
which will not create a nuisance. The backwash water, bath
contents, and filter contents shall be disposed of in accordance
with applicable local regulations, to a sewer, storm drain or dry
well; or where space and conditions permit and where approved by
the Department, water may be disposed of by surface or subsurface
elimination.
5. The disposal of diatomaceous earth to a sewer must
be made in such a manner that no solids are contained in the
discharge. This may be done by using a separation tank,
receiving chamber, or any other method approved by the
Department.
6. Non-permanent media filters shall also have
suitable provision for adding feed chemicals or filter media.
7. A lint and hair catcher shall be provided on all
baths.
8. All baths shall be equipped with a rate of flow
meter.
9. The filtration system shall be operated at a rate
sufficient to assure a complete recirculation of the bath water
through the filters within a period not to exceed one hour.
10. In those fill-and-draw baths where recirculation
filtration is not applied, Items 1 through 9 shall not apply.
The bath shall be used exclusively for one usage after which the
bath shall be drained, the walls scrubbed and disinfected and
then refilled.
11. In those flow-through baths where recirculation
filtration is not applied, Items 1 through 9 shall not apply.
The fresh water shall be added at a rate of not less than 1,000
gallons per hour for each twenty bathers during that hour.
12. In addition, fill-and-draw and flow-through baths
will normally be limited to one bather per five hundred gallons
of bath water or a fraction thereof. In flow-through baths where
fresh water input exceeds fifty gallons an hour per bather, the
bather capacity shall be determined by the formula of Q = 6.25 T2
where Q = quantity of water per bather and T = bath turnover
period in hours.
I. Food and refreshments. The operator of a bath is
allowed to provide food and drink service within the enclosed
barrier area provided that non-breakable eating and drinking
utensils and containers shall be utilized.
J. Indoor facilities.
1. Floor surfaces. All floor surfaces of dressing
rooms, toilet rooms, passageways and decks, walkways and runways
of every indoor bath shall be:
a. constructed of impervious material;
b. have no holes or places for water to stand;
c. provided with a non-skid surface;
d. maintained in a clean condition;
e. rinsed daily with a chlorine solution having
not less than one thousand parts per million of chlorine, or
other parts per million of chlorine, or other acceptable
disinfecting solutions; and
f. floor surfaces may not have indoor-outdoor
carpeting.
2. Ventilation. Good ventilation should be provided
to minimize condensation and odors. A minimum of four air
changes per hour and a maximum of eight air changes per hour
should be maintained within the indoor bath area. The pool area
should be vented to the outside without returning air to the
central heating system or air may be circulated through a
dehumidifying system. The pool area should be maintained at a
slightly negative pressure to prevent moisture from escaping.
The building ventilating system should be designed to preclude
air in the bath room from drifting into other area.
K. Inlets. Inlet shall be located to produce uniform
circulation of water and to facilitate the maintenance of a
uniform disinfectant residual throughout the entire public bath
to minimize existence of dead spots. Inlets from the
recirculation system shall be submerged at least twelve inches
below the water level. Inlets in the bath bottom shall be flush
with the bath bottom. All inlets shall be adjustable to obtain
the desired rate and direction of water flow. All baths shall
have a minimum of one return inlet for each fifteen thousand
gallons or fraction thereof. Where the distance across any
portion of the bath is more than thirty fee, multiple inlets must
be provided on opposite ends.
L. Main drains. There shall be a main drain in all public
baths. Where the bath width is greater than twenty-five feet,
multiple outlet drains shall be provided. Drains shall be
covered with an anti-vortex grate. A maximum grate size opening
shall conform with U.P.C.
M. Overflow system.
1. Overflow systems shall be provided around the
entire perimeter of baths. Overflow systems drains shall not
exceed fifteen feet on centers. Water from overflow systems may
be either recirculated through the filters or discharged to the
sewer. If sewer is used, there shall be an air gap as specified
in U.P.C. between the overflow system drain line and the top rim
of the sewer manhole or drain box. Enclosed pipeless gutters
shall be provided with cleanout covers at a maximum of fifteen
feet intervals and shall have a slope not less than one-eighth
inch per foot.
2. Skimmers may be used in lieu of scum gutters
providing the following minimum requirements are met:
a. Skimming devices shall bear the National
Sanitation Foundation seal of approval;
b. A skimmer shall be provided for each five
hundred square feet of surface area or fraction thereof;
c. Each skimmer shall be equipped with a strainer
basket.
3. In those fill-and-draw and flow-through baths where
recirculation filtration is not applied the number of bathers and
required water replacement will be limited as set out in Section
300.H.10, 11 and 12.
N. Piping. All plastic pipe shall be approved by the
National Sanitation Foundation. All piping shall conform with
U.P.C. standards.
O. Plumbing drains. The drainage system, including the
backwash filter line, from a bath shall be constructed with an
air gap as specified in the U.P.C. to prevent sewage or other
waste from siphoning, flooding or otherwise discharging into the
bath. Drains shall be covered with a grate.
P. Prevention of disease.
1. Shower. A cleansing shower with soap shall be
required of all bathers entering or re-entering the enclosed
barrier area.
2. Persons excluded. No person having a communicable
disease shall be employed at a bath. All bathers known to be
afflicted with an infectious disease, suffering from sores, or
wearing bandages shall be excluded from all bathing placed.
3. Foot baths. Foot baths shall not be used for
baths.
Q. Runways.
1. A runway at least four feet wide constructed of
concrete or other impervious material shall be provided at the
access to an in-ground bath. The runway shall have a slope
between one-fourth and three-eights inch per foot away from the
bath. It shall be an integral part of the bath walls or it shall
overlap the walls. Unless drainage is to the surrounding area,
either deck drains or collecting troughs in the ratio of not less
than one per two hundred square feet of runway, provided that
they shall not exceed twenty-five feet on centers. The drainage
from runways shall be discharged to the sewer or to the area
outside the paved runway around the bath.
2. An air gap as specified in U.P.C. shall be provided
between the drains for the runway area and the sewer to prevent
the possibility of sewage backing up into the runway area drains.
Runway drains shall not be interconnected with scum gutter drain
lines.
3. Indoor-outdoor carpeting may be used on runways of
outdoor baths, provided the slope is between three-eighths inch
per foot and one-half inch per foot away from the bath.
R. Safety precautions.
1. First aid kit and supplies. A first aid kit,
comparable to the American Red Cross twenty-four unit kit, shall
be provided at all time. An American Red Cross resuscitation
chart, or equivalent chart, shall be posted conspicuously in the
bathing area.
2. Telephone. The premises on which a bath is located
shall have an operational telephone and telephone numbers of one
or more physicians, ambulances, hospitals, police departments,
fire departments and sheriff departments for emergency use.
3. Glass containers. Glass and rigid plastic
containers shall not be permitted in shower rooms or the enclosed
area of any bath.
4. Areas around an in-ground public bath not provided
with runways shall be provided with a hand grab rail.
S. Slopes. The slope of the bottom of any part of a bath
where the water is less than five feet deep must be not more than
one foot in each twelve feet. There shall be no sudden changes
of slope within the area where the water depth is less than five
feet. All portions of the bath bottom shall slope toward the
pool drains.
T. Steps. Steps shall be so constructed to minimize the
danger of accidents. Treads of ladders or steps shall be made of
non-slip material.
U. Suits and towels.
1. Laundering of suits and towels. Provision shall be
made for laundering, rinsing and drying of all suits and towels
supplied by the management. All suits and towels owned by the
management shall be laundered with a detergent or soap by one of
the following methods: in one hundred degree Fahrenheit water for
fifteen minutes; in one hundred seventy degree Fahrenheit water
for eight minutes; in two hundred twelve degree Fahrenheit water
for three minutes.
2. Storing of clean suits and towels. Clean suits and
towels shall be kept separate from those which have been used.
301. - 399. [RESERVED]
SUBPART IV
WATER QUALITY
400. WATER SUPPLY. Any person owning or operating a pool or
public bath shall ensure that the water used to fill or add to a
pool or public bath shall be from a supply properly located,
protected and operated. Water shall be easily accessible,
adequate, and of a safe, sanitary quality. Bacteriological
quality shall be maintained in the pool as follows:
A. Class A pools and baths. At least one sample
containing one hundred milliliter portion shall be collected on
each routine inspection, or as often as necessary as determined
by the Department and submitted to the New Mexico Scientific
Laboratory System during the time that the pool is in operation.
If a non-conforming sample is obtained, additional samples shall
be submitted as soon as possible. Two consecutive non-conforming
samples may constitute grounds for suspension and revocation of
the operating permit as provided in Section 109 unless evidence
of correction of this deficiency is provided.
B. Class B and C pools. Samples containing one hundred
milliliter portions shall be collected as often as necessary as
determined by the Department when the pool is in operation and
submitted to an appropriate laboratory. If a non-conforming
sample is obtained, additional samples shall be submitted as soon
as possible. Two consecutive non-conforming samples may
constitute grounds for suspension and revocation of the permit as
provided in Section 109 unless evidence of correction of this
deficiency is provided.
C. Water. Water in a Class C pool shall be disinfected to
maintain a disinfectant residual fifty percent greater than
specified in Section 401.
401. CLARITY, DISINFECTION, AND HANDLING OF TOXIC MATERIALS.
Any person owning or operating a public pool or public bath shall
ensure that the following conditions are met:
A. Clarity. All water in the pool or bath at times of use
shall be sufficiently clear to permit a black disc six inches in
diameter on a white field, when placed on the bottom of the pool
at the deepest point, to be clearly visible from the runway
around the deep area. Failure to meet this requirement shall
constitute grounds for immediate closing of the pool.
B. Disinfection.
1. Pool or bath water shall be disinfected through the
use of chlorine, hypochlorites or other equally effective
disinfectant;
a. If chlorination is used, the chlorine residual
shall not be less than 0.4 ppm and normally not greater than 1.5
ppm of free available chlorine at all times the pool is in
operation.
b. If chlorinated cyanurate chlorination is used,
the residual shall not be less than 1.0 ppm and normally not
greater than 4 ppm of free available chlorine at all times the
pool is in operation.
c. The maximum permissible concentration of
cyanuric acid is 100 ppm.
d. If iodine is used, the iodine residual shall be
not less than 0.5 ppm at all times the pool is in operation; or
normally not greater than 1.5 ppm; or
e. If other disinfectants are used, the Department
shall determine proper dosage and residual.
A pool not meeting this requirement may be closed immediately
until the disinfection deficiency is corrected.
2. The disinfection residual in a swimming pool shall
be checked immediately prior to being opened to swimming.
Frequent checks shall be made on the amount of disinfectant
residual during periods of heavy bather load and during periods
of high intensity of sunlight.
3. A chlorine comparator testing kit, preferably of
the color disc type, to read 0.1, 0.4, 0.6 and 1.0 ppm shall be
provided.
4. If chemicals other than chlorine are used, an
acceptable testing kit shall be provided for testing the residual
of these chemicals.
5. The pH of the water in the pool shall be maintained
between 7.2 and 8.0. A pH comparator testing kit, preferably of
the color disc type, to read from 6.8 to 8.4 with at least two
intermediate readings, shall be provided. When the pH drops
below 7.0 in the pool water, it shall be closed to bathers.
6. Hand dosing of disinfectant or the introduction of
disinfectant into the skimmers or main drain is not permitted,
except in stabilized (i.e., chemically conditioned) pools for the
purpose of super-chlorination or for bringing the residual up to
required levels when the pool is closed. No swimmers will be
permitted to use a pool or bath until the chlorine residual has
dropped to 4.0 ppm or below.
7. The provisions for disinfection shall apply to
fill-and-draw and to flow-through baths where practicable. In
instances where the standard practice of disinfection is not
desirable or cannot be applied for reasons such as due to the
nature of the water source, hot springs, etc., the number or
bathers and required water replacement will be limited as set out
in Section 300.H.10, 11, and 12.
8. If gas chlorination is used, provision for suitable
equipment for feeding chemicals to maintain the required pH shall
be included. All material used for such equipment and piping
shall be resistant to the action of chemicals to be used therein.
C. Handling of toxic materials.
1. Gas chlorinators and chlorine gas cylinders shall
be housed in an enclosure separated from the swimming pool,
corridors, dressing rooms and other space used by bathers by a
tight partition wall. The floor of the enclosure will not be
below grade. Heat sources will not pose any hazard to the gas
chlorinators and chlorine gas cylinders. In the room where the
chlorine gas is stored, a door to the outside shall be provided.
The device feeding gaseous disinfectants shall not be readily
accessible to the public room. Such room shall be provided with
a supply and exhaust ventilation system to remove contaminated
air and replace with fresh air. The exhaust fan intake shall be
located near the floor level and the fan shall cause four (4)
complete air changes per minute and discharge directly to the
outside air.
2. Emergency pull chains which activate the exhaust
fans and shut down the comfort ventilation system in the area
shall be installed and located outside of the near the entrance
to the chlorination room.
3. Chlorine cylinders shall be secured so that they
cannot fall. A valve stem wrench (no longer than six (6) inches
on ton containers) shall be maintained on the chlorine cylinder
at all times so the supply can be quickly shut off in case of an
emergency. The valve protection hood shall be kept in place
except when the chlorine cylinder is connected. The chlorine
feeding device shall be designed so that during accident or
interruption in the water supply, leaking chlorine gas will be
vented to the outside of the building.
4. Respiratory protection apparatus designed for use
in a chlorine atmosphere approved by National Institute of
Occupational Safety and Health shall be provided at each location
or to each employee which has been properly fitted and adjusted
and plainly marked with his name. Replacement canisters shall be
provided and a record shall be easily accessible and located
outside of the room in which the chlorinator is housed. Use of
respiratory protection shall conform to Occupational Health and
Safety Regulations.
5. In cases where elemental chlorine is supplied, a
water-operated gas chlorinator will be used which controls and
regulates the flow of the gas. This unit will provide an
automatic shut-off of gas when water pressure fails and will vent
leakage to the outside atmosphere.
6. Mechanical disinfection feeding equipment including
hypochlorinators or other adjustable output rate chemical feeding
equipment shall comply with the National Sanitation Foundation
Standards related to Adjustable Output Rate Chemical Feeding
Equipment for Swimming Pools.
402. - 499. [RESERVED]
SUBPART V
MISCELLANEOUS
500. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of application of this Part
is held invalid, the remainder, or its application to other
situations or persons, shall not be affected.
501. AMENDMENT AND SUPERSESSION OF PRIOR REGULATIONS. This Part
shall be construed as amending and superseding the Regulations
Governing Public Swimming Pools and Public Baths, EIB 76-1, filed
March 25, 1976, as amended. All references to the Regulations
Governing Public Swimming Pools and Public Baths in any other
rule shall be construed as a reference to this Part.
502. SAVING CLAUSE. Supersession of the Regulations Governing
Public Swimming Pools and Public Baths shall not affect any
administrative or judicial enforcement action pending on the
effective date of this Part.
503. COMPLIANCE WITH OTHER REGULATIONS. Compliance with this
Part does not relieve a person from the obligation to comply with
other applicable state and federal regulations.
504. - 599. [RESERVED]
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