PERMANENT RULES
Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.
Purpose: The purpose of these rules is to eliminate technical conflicts between chapters 246-260 and 246-262 WAC, and the federal requirements of the federal Pool and Spa Safety Act. These rules incorporate new antientrapment construction requirements for new pools and spas, and pools and spas remodeled after the effective date of these rules.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 246-262-010, 246-262-060, 246-262-070, 246-260-010, 246-260-031, 246-260-061, and 246-260-081.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 70.90.120.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 10-12-056 on May 27, 2010.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: During the proposed rule comment period, the Consumer Product Safety Commission published an updated interpretation to exclude equalizer lines from the antientrapment equipment requirements. The rules are modified to reflect this change in WAC 246-260-031 (8)(d)(iii) and 246-262-060 (8)(b)(iii)(E).
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 7, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 7, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 7, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: October 5, 2010.
Mary C. Selecky
Secretary
OTS-3154.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 04-18-096, filed 9/1/04,
effective 10/31/04)
WAC 246-260-010
Definitions.
The definitions in this
section apply throughout this chapter unless the context
clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Abbreviations" (technical):
"CPR" means cardiopulmonary resuscitation;
"DE" means diatomaceous earth;
"F" means Fahrenheit;
"fps" means feet per second;
"gpm" means gallons per minute;
"mg/l" means milligrams per liter. When requirements in this regulation specify limits for liquid volume measurements using mg/l or ppm, either may be used depending on the type of testing equipment available;
"ppm" means parts per million. See notation under mg/l for use;
"TU" means turbidity unit as measured by the nephelometric method.
(2) Acronyms:
(a) "ALTI" means Advanced Lifeguard Training International;
(b) "ANSI" means American National Standards Institute;
(c) "APHA" means American Public Health Association;
(d) "ARC" means American Red Cross;
(e) "ASA" means American Standards Association;
(f) "ASHRAE" means American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers;
(g) "ASME" means American Society of Mechanical Engineers;
(h) "ASTM" means American Society for Testing and Materials;
(((h))) (i) "AWWA" means American Waterworks Association;
(((i))) (j) "E&A" means Ellis and Associates;
(((j))) (k) "CPSC" means U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission;
(((k))) (l) "EPA" means U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency;
(((l))) (m) "FINA" means Federation Internationale de
Natation Amateur;
(((m))) (n) "IAPMO" means International Association of
Plumbing and Mechanical Officials;
(((n))) (o) "NAUI" means National Association of
Underwater Instructors;
(((o))) (p) "NSF" means National Sanitation Foundation;
(((p))) (q) "NSPI" means National Spa and Pool Institute;
(((q))) (r) "PADI" means Professional Association of
Diving Instructors;
(((r))) (s) "UBC" means Uniform Building Code;
(((s))) (t) "UL" means Underwriters' Laboratories;
(((t))) (u) "WRF" means water recreation facility;
(((u))) (v) "WRPA" means Washington Recreation and Parks
Association;
(((v))) (w) "WSDA" means Washington state department of
agriculture; and
(((w))) (x) "YMCA" means Young Men's Christian
Association.
(3) Definitions:
"Anti-entrapment system" means a device or system designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa single main drains or single equalizer line outlets, including:
(a) Safety vacuum release system (SVRS) that ceases operation of the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387;
(b) Suction limiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmospheric opening;
(c) Gravity drainage system that utilizes a collector or balancing tank; and
(d) Drain disablement that eliminates the use of suction outlets.
"Approved" means the department or local health officer has stated in writing that the design plans and specifications are in accordance with this chapter.
"Architect" means a registered architect currently licensed under chapter 18.08 RCW in Washington state.
"ASME A112.19.8 standard" means the ASME A112.19.8-2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs standard and the ASME A112.19.8a-2008 Addenda and the ASME A112.19.8b-2009 Addenda.
"Attendant" means a person appointed by the owner or manager meeting the training requirements of this chapter who monitors activities and conditions for the purpose of ensuring bather safety.
"Bathing beach" means a bathing place, together with buildings and appurtenances, on a natural pond, lake, stream, or other body of fresh or salt water that is open to the public for bathing by express permission of the owner, operated for a fee, or openly advertised as a place for bathing by the public.
"Board" means the state board of health.
"Branch line" means suction piping between a junction fitting and a suction outlet.
"Commercial strength ammonia" means ammonia having a strength of twenty-six degrees Baume'.
"Communication system" means any combination of devices permitting the passage of messages between personnel and/or personnel and bathers. Systems can include but are not limited to two-way radios, hard wired intercoms, horns, whistles, hand signals, direct voice, signs, or equivalent.
"Contaminant" means any physical, chemical, or biological substance present in the WRF water which may adversely affect the health or safety of the bather or the quality of the water.
"Cross-connection" means any physical arrangement connecting:
(a) Potable water system directly or indirectly, with anything other than another potable water system; or
(b) WRF pool to any water source capable of contaminating either the WRF pool, its components, or potable water source as a result of backflow.
"Department" means the state department of health.
"Deep water" means water greater than five feet in depth.
"Diving envelope" means the minimum dimensions of an area within the pool necessary to provide entry from a diving board, platform, or pool decking intended for users to dive.
"Engineer" means a registered professional engineer currently licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW.
"Equalizer line outlet" means a suction outlet located on the pool wall below the waterline and connected by pipe to the body of a skimmer to prevent air from being drawn into the pump if the water level drops below the skimmer weir.
"Fall zones" mean the areas under and around play toys where a person playing on them could fall. These areas should be free of obstacles or other equipment so that there's plenty of room. Basic guidelines include the following:
(a) Fall zones should extend a minimum of six feet in all directions from the perimeter of the play toy equipment.
(b) If the height of an adjacent play toy is thirty inches or more, the minimum distance between pieces of play equipment should be at least nine feet.
"General use pool" means any swimming, spa, wading, or spray pool regulated by this chapter not meeting the definition of a "limited use pool."
"Handhold" means a structure not over twelve inches above the water line around the perimeter of the pool wall, affording physical means for the bather to grasp the pool sides.
"Illness or injury report" means the written record of all facts regarding an injury or illness associated with the WRF.
"Innovative design feature" means a design feature, equipment, device, or operative procedure not specifically covered by these rules or chapter 246-262 WAC.
"Junction fitting" means a pipe fitting in the shape of a "T" or a "Y" used to connect suction outlets to a pump or a balancing tank, and provides two branch line connections and one trunk line connection.
"Licensed medical practitioner" includes medical doctor, osteopath, chiropractor, naturopath, and medical therapist currently licensed in Washington state.
"Lifeguard" means a person meeting the training requirements of these rules appointed by the owner or manager to maintain surveillance over the bathers on the deck or in the pool and to supervise bather safety.
"Lifeguard station" means designated work station of a lifeguard.
"Lifesaving equipment" means emergency equipment and barrier protection.
"Lifesaving Society" means the organization in Canada that establishes training requirements and standards for lifeguard training.
"Limited use pool" means any swimming, spa, wading, or spray pool regulated by this chapter at an apartment, boarding home, condominium, fraternity, home owners association, hotel, mobile home park, motel, recreational vehicle park, sorority or rental housing unit for the use of the persons living or residing at the facility and their resident's invited guests.
When organized programs are provided at the facility (including, but not limited to, formal swimming or diving lessons, swim meets, or exercise classes), for users besides those specified under the limited use category, the pool facility shall be considered to be a general use pool during periods of such activity.
"Local health officer" means the health officer of the city, county, or city-county department or district or a representative authorized by the local health officer.
"Main drain" means a submerged suction outlet for transferring water from a swimming pool, spa pool, or wading pool.
"Outlet drain" means a drain for transferring water from a spray pool.
"Owner" means a person owning and responsible for a WRF or their authorized agent.
"Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, copartnership, corporation, company, association, club, government entity, or organization of any kind.
"Physical plant" refers to pool shell, piping, lighting, ventilation, locker rooms, chemical storage rooms, mechanical rooms, or other structural facility components that are not readily modified. It does not include pumps, filters or disinfection systems.
"Play toy" is a water feature added to a pool for use by bathers that provides activity or action that enhances the overall use of the water environment. Such feature may include, but not be limited to, fixed stationary features, inflatable or floatable equipment, or other equipment with the intent to invite bathers to play on or around the feature.
"Pool" means swimming pool, wading pool, spray pool, or spa pool or the like.
"Private club" means a group or organization requiring membership enrollment.
"Radius of curvature" means the radius arc denoting the curved surface from the point of departure from the springline (vertical sidewall) of the pool to the pool bottom.
"Response time" means time between bather distress and initiation of rescue assistance contact by a lifeguard in facilities providing lifeguards.
"Recreational water contact facility" means an artificial water associated facility with design and operational features that provide patron recreational activity which is different from that associated with a conventional swimming pool and purposefully involves immersion of the body partially or totally in the water, and that includes but is not limited to water slides, wave pools, and water lagoons. These facilities are regulated by chapter 246-262 WAC.
"Secretary" means the secretary of the department of health.
"Serious injury" means any injury:
(a) Requiring emergency service response where a person requires medical treatment as determined by the emergency medical response personnel; or
(b) Resulting in a person seeking medical attention at a medical facility, hospital emergency room or admittance to a hospital.
"Shallow water" means water equal to or less than five feet in depth.
"Shallow water lifeguard" means a person appointed by the owner or manager to supervise bather safety in water depths not exceeding five feet who meets the training requirements of this chapter.
"Spa pool" means a pool designed for relaxation or recreational use where the user is usually sitting, reclining, or at rest and the pool is not drained, cleaned, and refilled for each user. The spa pool may include, but not be limited to, hydrojet circulation, hot water, cold water, mineral baths, air induction bubbles in any combination.
"Spray pool" means a pool or artificially constructed depression for use by bathers in which water is sprayed, but is not allowed to pond in the bottom of the pool.
"Springline" means the point where the pool wall breaks from vertical and begins its arc in the radius of curvature (for cove construction) to the bottom of the pool.
"Suction outlet" means a fitting, fitting assembly and related components including the sump or bulkhead fitting, cover and hardware, that provides a localized low pressure area for the transfer of water from a water recreation facility. Types of suction outlets include main drains, equalizer line outlets, and submerged outlet drains.
"Swimming pool" means any structure, basin, chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, relaxation, or recreational bathing and having a depth of two feet or more at any point and including all associated facilities.
"Swim spa" means a type of spa pool used primarily for stationary swimming.
"Trunk line" means suction piping between a junction fitting and a pump or a balancing tank.
"Turnover time" means the minimum time necessary to circulate the entire volume of the pool facility through the treatment system.
"Wading pool" means any artificial pool of water equal to or less than two feet deep and intended for wading purposes.
"Walking surface" means any surface used as a direct access surface for a pool area and the walking surface's change room facilities where the user is barefoot.
"Water treatment operator" means the appointed person operating the physical and mechanical equipment and performing related water quality monitoring and associated record keeping for proper operation of the physical facility.
"Water recreation facility (WRF)" means any artificial basin or other structure containing water used or intended to be used for recreation, bathing, relaxation or swimming, where body contact with the water occurs or is intended to occur and includes auxiliary buildings and appurtenances. The term includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Conventional swimming pools, wading pools, and spray pools;
(b) Recreational water contact facilities as defined under RCW 70.90.110 and regulated under chapter 246-262 WAC;
(c) Spa pools and tubs using hot water, cold water, mineral water, air induction, or hydrojets; and
(d) Any area designated for swimming in natural waters with artificial boundaries within the waters.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.90 and 43.20 RCW. 04-18-096, § 246-260-010, filed 9/1/04, effective 10/31/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-260-010, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-260-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 90-07-010 (Order 042), § 248-98-001, filed 3/12/90, effective 4/12/90; Regulation .98.001, effective 3/11/60.]
(1) Location: Owners shall locate pools to minimize surface drainage and other potential sources of pollution from entering the pool.
(2) Materials: Owners shall use only structure and equipment materials that are nontoxic, durable, inert, and easily cleanable.
(3) Walking surfaces: Owners shall design and maintain walking surfaces:
(a) Sloping away from the pool or pools;
(b) Sloping a minimum of one-fourth inch per foot to drain;
(c) Having a nonslip finish;
(d) Not having an abrupt change in height of greater than one-half inch, a gap no greater than one-half inch in width, or a crumbling surface presenting a potential tripping hazard;
(e) Equipped with sufficient drains to prevent standing water; and
(f) Of easily cleanable, impervious finishes.
(4) Barriers for new construction and remodeling:
(a) Owners shall provide barriers to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to pools. Spray pool facilities without standing water are exempt from barrier requirements of this section.
(b) Barriers at limited use pools must be at least sixty inches high.
(c) Barriers at general use pools must be at least seventy-two inches high.
(d) Barriers, including windows, (see figures 031.1 and 031.2) may not:
(i) Allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere; or
(ii) Have spaces between vertical members greater than a width of one and three-quarter inches if the distance between the tops of horizontal members are spaced less than forty-five inches apart.
(e) Solid barriers may not have indentations or protrusions, other than normal construction tolerances and masonry joints.
(f) Barriers must have self-closing, self-latching gates or doors that provide either:
(i) A mechanism that uses a continuously locked latch, coded lock or other equivalent access control system that always requires a key or code to enter pool area. If the latch is less than sixty inches from the ground, the barrier must have an eighteen-inch radius of solid material around the latch (see figure 031.2) to preclude a child on the outside of the barrier from reaching through the gate or barrier and opening the latch and entering the pool; or
(ii) A latch height of sixty inches or more from the ground.
(g) Restricted area service entrances are exempt from door or gate requirements provided that no public access is available.
(h) Lifeguarded pools are not required to have a self-closing, self-latching gate during the period a pool is in use. Facility gates shall be closed and locked during nonuse periods.
(i) Barrier heights are measured on the side outside the pool enclosure area. Owners shall ensure that surrounding ground levels, structures, or landscaping do not reduce the effective height of the barrier.
Barrier Construction Detail
(a). For a Chain Link Fence:
The mesh size shall not exceed 1 1/4 inches square.
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(6) Pool surface: Owners shall ensure pool surfaces are constructed and maintained to:
(a) Have white or light color finish;
(b) Not cause cutting, pinching, puncturing, entanglement, or abrasion hazard under casual contact; and
(c) Conform to ANSI/NSPI-1 2003 Standards for Public Swimming Pools or ANSI Standard NSPI-@-1999, American National Standard for Public Spas.
(7) Inlets: Owners shall provide pool inlets that are:
(a) Submerged;
(b) Located to produce uniform water and chemical circulation throughout the pool; and
(c) Located on the bottom of swimming and wading pools over twenty-five hundred square feet and spa pools greater than ten thousand gallons.
(8) Outlets:
(a) Except as provided in (f) and (g) of this subsection, owners shall provide pool outlets with:
(i) Overflow and main drain ((grating)) systems each
designed to carry one hundred percent of the total
recirculation filter flow;
(ii) Main drain piping systems designed to carry one hundred percent or more of total recirculation filter flow when a single pump is used or fifty percent or more of total recirculation filter flow when multiple pumps are used; and
(iii) Valving on main drain piping designed to provide required flow.
(b) Owners shall ensure that overflow outlets maintain a minimum of sixty percent of filter recirculation flow at all times.
(c) Overflow outlets must consist of an overflow channel on the perimeter of swimming pools twenty-five hundred square feet or more and spa pools ten thousand gallons or more, to promote uniform circulation and skimming action of the upper water layer with:
(i) A design preventing all matter entering the channel from returning to the pool;
(ii) Dimensions minimizing the hazard for bathers, such as catching arms or feet;
(iii) One one-hundredth of a foot slope per foot or more. However, adequate hydraulic justification from a designer to ensure the overflow system will meet (c)(v) of this subsection may be provided as an alternative;
(iv) Drains sufficiently spaced and sized to collect and remove overflow water to return line and filter, where applicable; and
(v) Size sufficient to carry one hundred percent of the recirculation flow plus the surge flow without flooding the overflow channel.
(d) Overflow outlets must consist of skimmers or overflow channels for pools less than twenty-five hundred square feet, or for spas under 10,000 gallons.
(i) Weirs provided in skimmers must have a normal operation flow rate of three to five gpm per inch of weir;
(ii) Skimmer equipment must be recessed in the pool wall so no part protrudes beyond the plane of the wall into the pool;
(iii) Skimmers must be equipped with a device, such as an
equalizer line, to prevent air lock in the recirculation
suction line. If equalizer lines are used, they must be
protected with ((grates listed by IAPMO or UL)) a suction
outlet that conforms to the ASME A112.19.8 standard;
(iv) Skimmers must be equipped with a removable and cleanable screen designed to trap large solids;
(v) Skimmers shall operate continuously with a minimum displacement rate of fifteen gallons per bather in swimming pools, twenty gallons in spa pools, and seven gallons in wading pools.
(e) Main drains in all pools must:
(i) Be located at swimming and wading pool low points;
(ii) Have piping designed so velocity in piping assuming one hundred percent of the pump recirculation flow does not exceed six fps up to the main drain outlet box;
(iii) Have covers on main drains with maximum flow of one and one-half feet per second;
(iv) Consist of two or more main drains for any pumped water recirculating system designed;
(A) Piping must be manifolded ((to assure the water pumps
from both main drains simultaneously so that no single drain
could be the sole source of suction)) with junction fittings
placed in the middle of branch line piping between main
drains, so that the length of branch line piping is equal on
each side of the junction fitting (see Figure 031.3);
Main Drain Branch Line Piping Detail
 |
(C) ((Piping must be designed so velocity in piping
assuming one hundred percent of the pump recirculation flow
does not exceed six fps up to the main drain outlet box.))
Main drains must conform to the ASME A112.19.8 standard;
(D) Multiple main drains must be designed so that if one main drain becomes blocked, the remaining main drains are rated to at least one hundred percent of the maximum pump flow; see Table 031.4.
Table 031.4
Main Drain Flow Rating Requirements
| Number of Main Drains Per Recirculation System |
||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Main drain rated flow capacity must be at least equal to the percent of maximum pump flow indicated, depending on the number of main drains. | 100% | 50% | 33.3% | 25% |
(iv) Have openings that prevent a sphere greater than one-half inch in diameter passing;
(v) Have mechanically fastened grates designed to withstand the force of users;
(vi) Have the total open area of grates sized to prevent a suction or entrapment hazard dangerous to user; and
(vii) For spa pools, have a design listed by IAPMO or UL to aid in preventing hair entrapment, if the main drains are located on vertical walls of the spas.))
(f) Existing water recreation facilities may be modified to operate without main drains, provided that water quality and water clarity standards established in WAC 246-260-111 are met.
(g) New water recreation facilities may be constructed without main drains, provided that water quality and water clarity standards established in WAC 246-260-111 are met.
(9) Pumps: Owners shall provide and maintain recirculation pumps with adequate capacity to provide design flows for the entire operating and backwash cycles of the filter.
(10) Strainers: Owners shall provide hair and lint strainers for pumps that precede filters.
(11) Pool appurtenances:
(a) Owners shall ensure pools have:
(i) Handholds when the pool deck is greater than twelve inches above the water surface;
(ii) Stairs leading into spa pools;
(iii) Step risers on the exterior of the spa pool shall conform with UBC requirements for risers with nonslip tread finishes, when spas are elevated off the pool floor; and
(iv) Stairs, ladders, or stepholes for access at the shallow end of swimming pools.
(b) Owners shall ensure that stairs, when provided, meet the following construction requirements:
(i) Nonslip tread finish;
(ii) Contrasting color stair tread edges;
(iii) Placement recessed into the side of pools specifically designed for lap or competitive swimming;
(iv) Handrail having leading edges less than eighteen inches beyond and less than eight inches inside (horizontally) the vertical plane of the bottom riser;
(v) Each riser tread shall have a minimum unobstructed, tread depth of ten inches and minimum surface area each of two hundred forty inches;
(vi) Uniform riser heights of seven and one-half inches or less on general use swim pools fifteen hundred square feet or more and spa pools greater than forty feet in perimeter, except the bottom riser may be less than the uniform height; and
(vii) Uniform riser heights of ten inches or less for all other pools, except the bottom riser may be plus or minus two inches of the uniform height.
(c) Ladders or stepholes at swimming pools shall be:
(i) Spaced at a minimum of one for every seventy-five feet of swimming pool perimeter deeper than four feet;
(ii) Provided at both sides of the deep end of swim pools over thirty feet in width; and
(iii) Equipped with handrails.
(12) Valves: Owners shall provide valves to allow isolation and maintenance of equipment.
(13) Balancing tanks: Owners shall provide balancing tanks for pools designed with overflow channels. Balancing tanks must be of adequate size to prevent air lock in the pump suction line and have sufficient capacity to prevent flooding of the overflow channel.
(14) Equipment and chemical storage rooms: Owners shall provide enclosed, locked, lighted, vented rooms for mechanical equipment, with floors sloped to a floor drain and minimum access area three feet wide around equipment. Owners shall provide a separate chemical storage area or room that conforms to manufacturer's requirements for each chemical used in the pool area.
(15) Make-up water: Owners shall ensure an adequate supply of make-up water with associated piping, for each pool:
(a) Sufficient to replace daily pool losses;
(b) From a supply conforming to chapter 246-290 WAC;
(c) Without cross connections; and
(d) If using a pool fill spout, the spout may not project greater than one inch into the space above the water surface and shall be shielded so as not to create a deck hazard.
(16) Filters:
(a) Owners shall equip pools with filtration equipment:
(i) Meeting the applicable standards of NSF (for commercial application) or equivalent;
(ii) With a rate of flow indicator and gauge(s) for monitoring backpressure on filter;
(iii) With a means of discharging filter backwash to waste with a sight glass in a manner not creating a cross connection or a public nuisance;
(iv) With a means to release air entering the filter tank for pressure filters.
(b) If cartridge filters are used, owners shall always possess an extra set of cartridges and may not use cartridge filters with bypass valves.
(17) Disinfection equipment:
(a) Owners shall provide disinfection equipment:
(i) Providing a continuous and effective disinfectant residual;
(ii) Using a disinfectant with an easily monitored residual;
(iii) Having a design feed rate providing effective disinfection levels for peak demand conditions; and
(iv) Conforming to NSF standard 50 if disinfection chemical is other than gas chlorine.
(b) If disinfection equipment has adjustable output rate chemical feed of liquid solutions, the equipment shall:
(i) Feed under positive pressure in the recirculation system;
(ii) Provide a means for dosage adjustment; and
(iii) If the disinfection equipment is above pool water surface level, have provisions to prevent disinfectant solution siphoning when equipment is turned off.
(c) Solid tablets or granules may not be placed in skimmer basket.
(d) Rooms holding chlorine gas equipment must:
(i) Be above ground level;
(ii) Be constructed so all openings or partitions with adjoining rooms are sealed;
(iii) Be located with consideration of prevailing winds to dissipate leaked chlorine away from the pool facility;
(iv) Have door(s) opening only outward to the out-of-doors; and
(v) Have a sign on the door exterior reading DANGER CHLORINE in large enough letters to be read twenty-five feet away.
(e) Chlorine rooms must have mechanical exhausting ventilation that includes:
(i) Air inlets located as far as possible from fan intakes to promote good air circulation patterns;
(ii) A minimum of one air change per minute in the chlorine room when fan is operating;
(iii) A remote switch outside the room or a door-activated switch to turn on fan before entering;
(iv) Suction for fan near the floor;
(v) Exhaust vents located to prevent chlorine contaminated air from being drawn into supply air; and
(vi) Screened chlorinator vents.
(f) Gas chlorine systems must:
(i) Be vacuum injection type, with vacuum-actuated cylinder regulators;
(ii) Provide integral backflow and antisiphon protection at the injector;
(iii) Have taring (net weight of cylinder gas) scales for determining chlorine weight; and
(iv) Have a means for automatic shutoff when water flow is interrupted.
(g) A self-contained breathing apparatus designed for use in chlorine atmospheres caused by chlorine leaks must be available in an area accessible to the operator outside the chlorine room. The apparatus must be maintained in accordance with department of labor and industry standards. If procedures are established for immediate evacuation and the owner has a written agreement with emergency service fire districts or other approved organizations within the area for promptly responding to chlorine leaks, then breathing protection is not required at the pool facility.
(h) Chlorine gas cylinders must:
(i) Be stored only in designated chlorine rooms;
(ii) Have an approved valve-stem cylinder wrench on the valve stem to shut the system down in an emergency event;
(iii) Be properly secured to prevent tipping;
(iv) Be tagged to indicate cylinders are empty or full; and
(v) Not exceed one hundred fifty pounds tare weight per cylinder.
(i) Owners shall ensure that chemical disinfectants are not hand-fed into pools actively in use. Exception, chemical disinfectants may be hand-fed on an emergency basis if no users are in the pool and the pool is tested to meet water quality standards before reentry.
(j) If ozone is provided as a supplemental disinfection process:
(i) When ozone is produced by corona discharge method, the area where the ozone is produced shall meet the requirements of (e) of this subsection, unless field tests demonstrate no hazardous off-gassing of product;
(ii) When ozone is produced by ultraviolet light, it may be allowed in the mechanical room provided there are no levels of off-gassing exceeding 0.05 ppm;
(iii) Provide an ozone detector and alarm with corona discharge ozone generators;
(iv) Provide sufficient contact chambers to prevent excess levels of ozone from entering the pool water; and
(v) Testing equipment must be provided to monitor levels in the water and the atmosphere immediately above the water and the room where the ozone is produced.
(k) If copper or copper/silver is provided as a supplemental disinfection process:
(i) The output rate and method of controlling process levels into the pool facility must be provided;
(ii) The system shall not have a detrimental effect on maintaining proper turnover rates for the pool; and
(iii) Testing equipment provided to monitor levels of copper and silver in the pool water.
(18) Chemical feeding equipment for pH control: Owners shall provide chemical feed equipment for pH control, with a means of automatic shutoff if water flow is interrupted, for:
(a) Swimming pools fifty thousand gallons or greater;
(b) Spa pools ten thousand gallons or greater; and
(c) All pools treated with caustic soda or carbon dioxide.
(19) Ventilation: Owners shall provide adequate ventilation (in conformance with ASHRAE standards for pools and decks) to maintain air quality and to prevent moisture buildup in indoor areas. Design considerations must include maintaining negative pressure in the pool and deck area; providing adequate total airflow for acceptable air distribution; and preventing short-circuiting of fresh air return to exhaust.
(20) Locker room and dressing rooms:
(a) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with locker rooms and dressing rooms having:
(i) Separate facilities for each gender constructed to block line of sight into locker rooms;
(ii) Water impervious nonslip floors properly sloped to drains to prevent standing water;
(iii) Easily cleanable walls, lockers, and benches (if provided);
(iv) Junctions between walls and floors coved for ease of cleaning; and
(v) Properly anchored lockers, (if provided), to prevent tipping.
(b) Owners shall provide limited use pool facilities with locker or dressing rooms meeting the requirements of (a) of this subsection if the pool facilities are located more than one-quarter mile from any served living units.
(c) Owners shall provide general use recirculating spray pool facilities with locker or dressing rooms meeting the requirements of (a) of this subsection if the pool facilities are located indoors.
(21) Restrooms, shower rooms, and plumbing fixtures:
(a) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with
restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing fixture
types and numbers as described in Table ((031.3)) 031.5 of
this section (swim and wading pool bathing loads and spa
bather capacity are additive for determining total bather
load). The pool facility design shall provide users easy
access to restroom and shower facilities with minimum nonuser
cross traffic.
(b) Owners shall provide general use pool facilities with:
(i) Hose bibs with vacuum breakers around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; accessible to each locker room; and within equipment room at facilities fifteen hundred square feet or more;
(ii) A janitor's sink at indoor facilities with a pool of fifteen hundred square feet or more; and
(iii) An operable drinking fountain conforming to ASA requirements at facilities with a pool fifteen hundred square feet or more.
(c) Owners shall provide limited use pool facilities with:
(i) Restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing
fixture types and numbers as described in Table ((031.3))
031.5 of this section, if bathing load exceeds eighty persons;
(ii) Restroom and shower room facilities having plumbing
fixture types and numbers as described in Table ((031.4))
031.6 of this section, if bathing load is eighty persons or
less;
(iii) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet;
(iv) A hose bib accessible to each locker room; and
(v) A hose bib within each equipment room at facilities with a pool of fifteen hundred square feet or more.
Table ((031.3)) 031.5
Restroom Minimum Requirements* for General Use Pools
(Includes swimming, spa, and wading pools**)
| Amount of Fixtures Required for Occupancy Load by Sex | ||
| TYPE OF FIXTURES | MALE | FEMALE |
| Toilets up to 120 | 1/60 | 1/40 |
| From 121-360 | 1/80 | 1/60 |
| Over 360 add | 1/150 | 1/100 |
| Urinal up to 120 | 1/60 | N/A |
| From 121-360 | 1/80 | N/A |
| From 360 add | 1/150 | N/A |
| Showers up to 120 | 1/40 | 1/40 |
| From 121-360 | 1/60 | 1/60 |
| Over 360 add | 1/100 | 1/100 |
| Sinks up to 200 | 1/100 | 1/100 |
| From 201-400 | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Over 400 add | 1/400 | 1/400 |
| Diaper changing station | 1 | 1 |
| * | If sufficient supporting documentation is provided, restroom fixture numbers may be adjusted between the genders based on proposed use of the facility. (E.g., if the designer has experience and justification based on similar type facilities indicating that providing one additional shower for the women and one less for men would provide a sufficient number of fixtures to meet demands, this may be allowed.) |
| ** | If a general use spa or wading pool is the only pool at the facility, then a minimum of only one toilet, shower, and sink is required for each gender. |
| POOLS WITH: | TOILETS | SHOWERS | SINKS | DRESSING ROOMS | DIAPER CHANGING STATION |
| Living units*within 100 feet and less than three stories | - | - | - | - | - |
| Living units > 100 feet but < 500 feet and less than 3 stories | 1 | 1** | 1 | - | 1 |
| Living units within 1/4 mile and/or with three or more stories | 1 | 1 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Living units greater than 1/4 mile | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) | 1(M) |
| 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) | 1(F) |
| * | "Living units" means all the units the facility serves. |
| ** | A shower is required only if a spa is present. |
(i) Separate restroom facilities for each sex containing at least one toilet and handwashing sink;
(ii) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; and
(iii) Additional plumbing fixtures, if indoors,
conforming to the requirements for general use pools described
in Table ((031.3)) 031.5 of this section.
(e) Owners shall provide limited use recirculating spray pool facilities with:
(i) Hose bibs around pool decks at a maximum spacing of one hundred fifty feet; and
(ii) A restroom facility containing at least one toilet and one handwashing sink, if living units served are farther than one hundred feet away from the main pool.
(f) Restroom facilities must be located convenient to, and no further than one hundred feet away from, the main pool. They must have flush toilets provided with toilet tissue in dispensers and handwashing sinks including:
(i) Hot and cold or tempered water delivered through a mixing faucet with a maximum temperature of one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit;
(ii) Single service soap in a nonglass dispenser;
(iii) Single service towels or electric hand dryer; and
(iv) A minimum running water cycle of at least ten seconds if the faucets have self-closing valves.
(g) Shower facilities must be located convenient to, and no more than one hundred feet away from, the main pool. The facilities must have:
(i) A design allowing a full-body shower in the nude;
(ii) A design providing an enclosure confining water to the shower area;
(iii) Nonslip floor impervious to water with sufficient drains to prevent water from standing within the shower areas;
(iv) Running water delivered at a temperature between ninety degrees and one hundred twenty degrees Fahrenheit;
(v) Single service soap in a nonglass dispenser; and
(vi) Wall surfaces impervious to water up to shower head height.
(h) If owners limit the number of bathers within their facility and post and enforce the maximum bather load, owners may base the number of required plumbing fixtures on the posted maximum bather load.
(i) Owners shall dispose of all wastewater in a manner approved by the local health officer.
(22) Diaper changing stations: Owners shall provide a diaper changing station, including a handwashing sink conforming to the requirements in subsection (21)(f) of this section, accessible to all bathers, if children in diapers are allowed in the pool facility and the facility is:
(a) A general use pool facility; or
(b) A limited use pool facility located more than one hundred feet away from living units served.
(23) Lighting: Owners shall design and maintain pool
facility lighting to a minimum level as described in Table
((031.5)) 031.7. Sufficient overhead and underwater lighting
shall be maintained to clearly see the bottom of the pool at
all times pool is in use. Owners shall provide protective
shielding for all lighting fixtures above walking surfaces and
pool areas.
| Location | Minimum Lighting Level |
| Indoor pool surface | 30 foot candles |
| Outdoor pool surface* | 10 foot candles |
| Pool Decks | 10 foot candles |
| Locker rooms and mechanical rooms | 20 foot candles |
| * | Outdoor pool facilities, which are used in daylight hours only (before dusk) are not required to meet this standard. |
(a) Water supply is sufficient to provide the same turnover period specified for recirculation pools;
(b) The source water supply meets acceptable quality requirements and is subject to a disinfection method as described under WAC 246-260-111(3);
(c) The introduction of fresh treated pool water is accomplished by the same type of inlet and outlet design required for recirculation pools; and
(d) The pool water quality complies with WAC 246-260-111.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 05-09-004, § 246-260-031, filed 4/7/05, effective 5/8/05. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.90 and 43.20 RCW. 04-18-096, § 246-260-031, filed 9/1/04, effective 10/31/04.]
(2) The requirements in WAC 246-260-031 (1), (2), (3),
(4), (5), (6), (8) (a) and (b), (d)(iii)((, (d))) and (v), (e)
and (f), (9), (10), (15), (16), (17), and Table ((031.4))
031.6 apply to prefabricated spa pools at limited use
facilities serving less than fifteen living units.
(3) The requirements in WAC 246-260-051 (2)(b), (d), (e), (4), (5)(b), (c), and (e) apply to prefabricated spa pools at limited use facilities serving less than fifteen living units.
(4) Spa pools that are drained, cleaned and refilled between patron use in individual hotel/motel rooms are exempt from these requirements. Spas that are not drained, cleaned and refilled between use shall at least:
(a) Conform with WAC 246-260-031(4) on barriers beyond the room itself, such that the guest room plus any associated lanai or deck may be considered an enclosure unit.
(b) Conform with WAC 246-260-031(17) on disinfection equipment and conform with water quality requirements of WAC 246-260-111 for disinfection and pH.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 05-09-004, § 246-260-061, filed 4/7/05, effective 5/8/05. Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.90 and 43.20 RCW. 04-18-096, § 246-260-061, filed 9/1/04, effective 10/31/04.]
(1) Walking surface. A minimum four-foot wide walking surface shall extend around the perimeter of a spray feature sufficient that the spray will not exceed the walkway area in normal conditions including light wind conditions.
(2) Pool structure. Owners shall ensure each spray pool has:
(a) Pool surfaces with nonslip finishes impervious to water;
(b) Uniform pool floor slopes not exceeding one foot of a slope for every twelve feet of horizontal floor length;
(c) A source of water for the spray feature from an approved potable water supply;
(d) Water drained to waste disposed in a manner approved by local authorities or the department after use in the spray pool, unless it is recirculated with approved treatment as described in WAC 246-260-031; and
(e) The entire volume of water circulated through an approved treatment system every thirty minutes or less if water is recirculated.
(3) Inlets ((and outlets)). Owners shall ensure spray
nozzles at each spray pool are designed and maintained to not
inflict physical damage to bathers. Design and construction
shall include evaluation of forces of the spray nozzle
including velocity, pressure and total force in proximity to
bathers' eyes and other body orifices.
(4) Outlets.
(a) Owners shall ensure outlet drains ((and recirculation
drains)) are designed and maintained to provide sufficient
capacity to prohibit water accumulation in each spray pool.
(b) ((Outlet drains in)) Piping must be designed so
velocity in piping assuming one hundred percent of the pump
recirculation flow does not exceed six fps between the pump
and the outlet drain.
(c) Each spray pool must have two or more outlet drains that:
(i) ((Be)) Are located at the low point of the pool;
(ii) ((Have two or more main drains;)) Are located at
least three feet apart, measured between the centers of the
drain covers; and
(iii) ((Have openings that prevent the passage of a
sphere over one-half inch in diameter;)) Are manifolded with
junction fittings placed in the middle of branch line piping
between outlet drains, so that the length of branch line
piping is equal on each side of the junction fitting, see
Figure 081.1;
Outlet Drain Branch Line Piping Detail
(iv) ((Have drain grates that withstand forces of users;
and
(v))) Have drain ((grates)) covers removable only with
specific tools.
(d) Multiple outlet drains must be designed so that if one outlet drain becomes blocked, the remaining outlet drains are rated to at least one hundred percent of the maximum pump flow; see Table 081.1.
Table 081.1
Outlet Drain Flow Rating Requirements
| Number of Outlet Drains per Recirculation System | ||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Outlet drain rated flow capacity must be at least equal to the percent of maximum pump flow indicated, depending on the number of outlet drains. | 100% | 50% | 33.3% | 25% |
(((c) Outlet drains to each spray pool recirculating
pump, must have)) (e) Outlet drains that are accessible to
pool users and submerged must:
(i) ((A total open grate area sized to prevent a suction
hazard dangerous to users;)) Conform to the ASME A112.19.8
standard; and
(ii) Have a maximum flow of one and one-half feet per
second((, or net grate area of outlet four times or more the
discharge pipe area; and
(iii) Manifolding a minimum of three feet apart where drains are piped directly to a pump)) through the cover.
(f) Outlet drains that are accessible to pool users and not submerged must have:
(i) Openings that prevent the passage of a sphere over one-half inch in diameter; and
(ii) Drain covers that withstand forces of users.
(((4))) (5) Emergency equipment. No later than June 1,
2008, owners of existing pools with single main drains shall
install emergency equipment to shut off all pumps hooked to
the recirculation lines for the pools. This emergency
equipment must be placed within twenty feet of the pool and
marked with an emergency shutoff sign. The shutoff switch
must include an audible alarm which can be heard by those in
the area, or the switch must have an alarm that goes to a
point where staff is always present during the periods the
pool is open.
(a) Pools that include dual main drains meeting the requirements of this section, or other acceptable methods of providing equivalent protection to the emergency shutoff switch, are exempt from this requirement.
(b) The owner shall check the shutoff switch at least twice annually to determine it is properly operating.
(c) The department will develop a guidance document to aid owners and designers in potential options to the emergency shutoff switch and audible alarm.
[Statutory Authority: Chapters 70.90 and 43.20 RCW. 04-18-096, § 246-260-081, filed 9/1/04, effective 10/31/04.]
OTS-3153.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 226B, filed 12/23/91,
effective 1/23/92)
WAC 246-262-010
Definitions.
The definitions in this
section apply throughout this chapter unless the context
clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Advanced first aid" means a course of instruction recognized by the American Red Cross, department of labor and industries, the U.S. Bureau of Mines, or fire services training program.
(2) "ANSI" means American National Standard Institute.
(3) "Anti-entrapment system" means a device or system designed to prevent entrapment by pool or spa single main drains or single equalizer line outlets, including:
(a) Safety vacuum release system (SVRS) that ceases operation of the pump, reverses the circulation flow, or otherwise provides a vacuum release at a suction outlet when a blockage is detected, that has been tested by an independent third party and found to conform to ASME/ANSI standard A112.19.17 or ASTM standard F2387;
(b) Suction limiting vent system with a tamper-resistant atmospheric opening;
(c) Gravity drainage system that utilizes a collector or balancing tank; and
(d) Drain disablement that eliminates the use of suction outlets.
(4) "Approved" means the department or local health officer has stated in writing that the design plans and specifications are in accordance with chapter 246-262 WAC.
(((4))) (5) "ARC" means American Red Cross.
(((5))) (6) "Architect" means a registered architect
currently licensed under chapter 18.08 RCW in Washington
state.
(7) "ASME" means the American Society of Mechanical Engineers;
(8) "ASME A112.19.8 standard" means the ASME A112.19.8-2007 Suction Fittings for Use in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, and Hot Tubs standard and the ASME A112.19.8a-2008 Addenda and the ASME A112.19.8b-2009 Addenda.
(((6))) (9) "ASTM" means American Society for Testing
Material.
(((7))) (10) "Attendant" means a person trained to
operate an attraction and control the users in a safe orderly
manner.
(((8))) (11) "Attraction or ride" means any of the
specific types of recreational facilities involving partial or
total immersion or intentional contact with the water
designated for public recreational use.
(((9))) (12) "Biomechanics" means the study of the human
body as a system operating under the laws of Newtonian
mechanics and the biological laws of life.
(((10))) (13) "Board" means the state board of health.
(((11))) (14) "Boogie or mini-surf board" means any
semirigid device used in a wave pool for flotation or as a
riding device.
(15) "Branch line" means suction piping between a junction fitting and a suction outlet.
(((12))) (16) "Centerline" means the path defined by
geometric midpoints of a component or structure, generally
used in consideration of the slide path in flume rides.
(((13))) (17) "CNCA" means Council for National
Cooperation in Aquatics.
(18) "Communication system" means any combination of devices permitting the passage of or exchange of messages between park operating personnel and between operating personnel and users. Systems can include, but are not limited to, two-way radios, hardwired intercoms, horns, whistles, hand signals, direct voice, signs, or equivalent.
(((14))) (19) "Contaminant" means any physical, chemical
or biological substance present in the RWCF water which may
adversely affect the health or safety of the user and/or the
quality of the water.
(((15) "CNCA" means Council for National Cooperation in
Aquatics.
(16))) (20) "Cross-connection" means any physical arrangement connecting:
(a) A potable water system directly or indirectly, with anything other than another potable water system; or
(b) A RWCF to any potable or nonpotable water source capable of contaminating either the RWCF or potable water source as a result of backflow.
(((17))) (21) "Department" means the department of
health.
(((18))) (22) "Discharge section" means the component or
components making up the exit of the water slide, water tube,
inner tube ride, speed slide, ramp slide, drop slide or drop
tube, or kiddie flume. These components are the elements
controlling the final direction and speed of the user.
(((19))) (23) "Diving envelope" means the minimum
dimensions of an area within the pool necessary to provide
entry from a diving board, platform, or attraction segment
where users enter above pool water level.
(((20))) (24) "Drop slide or drop tube ride" means a
sloped trough, chute, or tube exiting the user above the pool
operating water level.
(((21))) (25) "Engineer" means a registered professional
engineer currently licensed under chapter 18.43 RCW in
Washington state.
(((22))) (26) "Entry access points" means the areas where
users enter an attraction.
(((23))) (27) "Entry rate" means the frequency at which
users are permitted access to the attraction.
(((24))) (28) "Equalizer line outlet" means a suction
outlet located on the pool wall below the waterline and
connected by pipe to the body of a skimmer to prevent air from
being drawn into the pump if the water level drops below the
skimmer weir.
(29) "Ergonomics" means a multidisciplinary activity dealing with the interactions between humans and their environment plus the traditional environmental elements atmosphere, heat, light, and sound, as well as objects with which the user comes in contact.
(((25))) (30) "FINA" means Federation Internationale de
Natation Amaueur.
(((26))) (31) "Flume or tube entry" means the area at
which users enter a water slide, water tube, inner tube ride,
speed slide, drop slide, drop tube, or kiddie flume.
(((27))) (32) "fps" means feet per second.
(((28))) (33) "gpm" means gallons per minute.
(((29))) (34) "IAAPA" means International Association of
Amusement Parks and Attractions.
(((30))) (35) "Injury or illness report" means the
written record of all facts regarding an injury or illness
associated with the RWCF.
(((31))) (36) "Inner tube ride" means an attraction where
users ride inner tube-like devices through a series of chutes,
channels, flumes, and pools.
(((32))) (37) "Innovative recreational water contact
facility" means any type of RWCF currently unregulated.
(((33))) (38) "Intermediate pool" means any pool between
the entry and exit pools in attraction using a series of
pools.
(((34))) (39) "Junction fitting" means a pipe fitting in
the shape of a "T" or a "Y" used to connect suction outlets to
a pump or a balancing tank, and provides two branch line
connections and one trunk line connection.
(40) "Kiddie flume or tube attraction" means a flume, chute, or tube designated for and restricted to use by small children.
(((35))) (41) "Lifeguard" means an individual currently
certified by red cross in advance lifesaving or lifeguard
training, or YMCA senior lifesaver, or equivalent
certification through the royal Canadian lifeguard services.
(((36))) (42) "Lifeguard station" means the designated
work station of the lifeguard.
(((37))) (43) "Local health officer" means the health
office of the city, county, or city-county department or
district or a representative authorized by the local health
officer.
(((38))) (44) "Main drain" means a submerged suction
outlet for transferring water from a recreational water
contact facility.
(45) "mg/l" means milligrams per liter.
(((39))) (46) "Multiactivity pool" means a pool with more
than one type of attraction (i.e., an adult activity pool with
a series of tubes, chutes, cable rides, etc., intended for use
by individuals with specific swimming abilities).
(((40))) (47) "NSF" means National Sanitation Foundation.
(((41))) (48) "NSPI" means National Spa and Pool
Institute.
(((42))) (49) "Operating levels" means water levels
maintained within attractions during use for proper operation
of facility and for controlling safety and sanitation.
(((43))) (50) "Operations" means all aspects of a RWCF,
which must be controlled to make the facility safe, healthy,
and usable for the purpose intended.
(((44))) (51) "Owner" means a person owning and
responsible for a RWCF or authorized agent.
(((45))) (52) "Person" means an individual, firm,
partnership, co-partnership, corporation, company,
association, club, government entity, or organization of any
kind.
(((46))) (53) "Ponding" means a condition where water
fails to drain from walking surfaces.
(((47))) (54) "ppm" means parts per million.
(((48))) (55) "Primary zone of visual coverage" means the
area assigned to a lifeguard or attendant for primary visual
surveillance of user activity.
(((49))) (56) "Radius of curvature" means the radius arc
which denotes the curved surface from the point of departure
from the vertical sidewall (springline) of the pool to the
pool bottom.
(((50))) (57) "Ramp slide" means a slide allowing one or
more users to slide in unison down a straight incline to a
runout or a receiving pool.
(((51))) (58) "Recirculation filter water" means water
which is recirculated by the RWCF for treatment purposes,
i.e., filtration and disinfection.
(((52))) (59) "Response time" means elapsed time between
bather distress and initiation of rescue assistance by a
lifeguard (or attendant where applicable).
(((53))) (60) "RWCF" means recreational water contact
facility which is an artificial water associated facility with
design and operational features that provide patron
recreational activity which is different from that associated
with a conventional swimming pool and purposefully involves
immersion of the body partially or totally in the water and
includes, but is not limited to, water slides, wave pools, and
water lagoons.
(((54))) (61) "Secretary" means the secretary of the
department of health.
(((55))) (62) "Serious injury" means any injury requiring
admission to a hospital.
(((56))) (63) "Speed slide or speed tube" means a sloped
trough, flume, tube, or roller track having long straight
and/or steep drops where users sustain speeds of twenty miles
per hour or more.
(((57))) (64) "Springline" means the point from which the
pool wall breaks from vertical and begins its arc in the
radius of curvature (for coved construction) to the bottom of
the pool.
(((58))) (65) "Suction outlet" means a fitting; fitting
assembly and related components, including the sump or
bulkhead fitting, cover, and hardware that provides a
localized low pressure area for the transfer of water from a
recreational water contact facility. Types of suction outlets
include main drains and equalizer line outlets.
(66) "Surfboard" means a rigid device used in a wave pool for riding.
(((59))) (67) "Tail coverage" means providing insurance
coverage for a given period of time for discovery of claims
made after the policy term for "claims made" type of
insurance.
(((60))) (68) "Total turnover" means the time it takes
for the pool attraction water volume to be recirculated as a
sum of the flows from treatment turnover and attraction
recirculation systems turnover.
(((61))) (69) "Treatment turnover" means the minimum time
necessary to circulate the entire attraction water volume
through the recirculation filter system.
(((62))) (70) "Trunk line" means suction piping between a
junction fitting and a pump or a balancing tank.
(71) "T.U." means turbidity unit as measured by the nephelometric method.
(((63))) (72) "Wading activity pool" means a pool or area
less than twenty-four inches in total water depth with
activities intended for younger children.
(((64))) (73) "Walking surface" means any direct access
surface to the attractions or change rooms where the user will
be in bare feet. Areas set aside for picnicking, sunbathing,
and lounging are excluded.
(((65))) (74) "Water slide or water tube" means a sloped
trough-like flume or tube structure of varying slope and
direction using water as a lubricant and/or method of
regulating the rider speed.
(((66))) (75) "Water treatment operator" means the person
appointed to operate the mechanical equipment and perform
related water quality monitoring for proper operation of the
physical facility.
(((67))) (76) "Wave pool" means a recreational pool
producing waves which usually begin at the deep end and
proceed toward and dissipate at the shallow end.
(((68))) (77) "WWA" means World Waterpark Association.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-262-010, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-262-010, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 88-13-125 (Order 311), § 248-97-020, filed 6/22/88.]
(a) Minimize pollution by dust, smoke, soot, and other undesirable substances;
(b) Eliminate pollution from surrounding surface drainage; and
(c) Ensure pools within the RWCF are more than fifteen feet from any structure, object, or land formation (i.e., pumphouse, tree, etc.), which would provide a user with the opportunity to jump from such a structure into the pool. This does not include any barriers provided to prevent unauthorized access to pool or segments of attractions which enter pool.
(2) Owners shall use only materials in the structure and equipment which are nontoxic, durable, inert, impervious to water, and easily cleaned.
(3) Owners shall design and maintain walking surfaces which are:
(a) Sloped a minimum one-fourth inch per foot;
(b) Of a nonslip finish;
(c) Equipped with sufficient drains to prevent standing water;
(d) Free of resilient coverings, e.g., carpeting; and
(e) At least four feet in width.
(4) Owners shall provide adequate barrier protection to prevent unauthorized access including:
(a) In outdoor facilities, a barrier six feet or more in height with:
(i) Openings, holes, or gaps not to exceed four inches except openings protected by gates or doors; and
(ii) Lockable gates and entrances either regulated during periods of use or provided with a self-closing, self-latching mechanism a minimum of forty-two inches from the ground.
(b) In indoor facilities, suitable barriers to prevent access by unauthorized individuals or pool access by unattended small children.
(5) Owners shall ensure that pools:
(a) Comply with all provisions of chapter 246-260 WAC where pool facilities are a separate attraction;
(b) Have surfaces with:
(i) Materials complying with subsection (2) of this section;
(ii) Watertight and nonabrasive construction;
(iii) Nonslip finish where users are walking; and
(iv) White or light color finish not obscuring the view of objects or surfaces.
(c) Are dimensionally designed to provide for the safety of the user and circulation of the water including, but not limited to:
(i) Absence of protrusions, extensions, means of entanglement, or other obstruction which can cause entrapment or injury;
(ii) Construction tolerances conforming with current ANSI public pool standards;
(iii) Uniform pool floor slopes as follows:
(A) Not exceeding one foot of drop in seven feet of run for pools serving as landing or exiting pools, where total water depth is less than forty-eight inches; and
(B) Providing a maximum slope of one foot of drop in twelve feet of run up to a depth of five and one-half feet in pools where users enter and participate in extended activities.
(iv) Vertical walls for a minimum distance noted in Table 4 of this section, which may be curved (not to exceed allowable radius) to join the floor.
(A) Vertical means walls not greater than eleven degrees from plumb.
(B) Coving or portion of the side wall of a diving area in the pool shall conform as described in subsection (5)(c)(vi) of this section.
(C) In new construction or alterations to existing construction, ledges are prohibited.
(D) Requirements in subsection (5)(c) of this section do not apply to spas.
(v) A maximum intrusion beyond the vertical (as defined in subsection (5)(c)(iv)(A) of this section) with any configuration not to exceed a transitional radius from wall to floor where floor slopes join walls and which:
(A) Has its center of radius no less than the minimum vertical depth specified in Table 4 of this section below the water level;
(B) Has arc of radius tangent to the wall; and
(C) Has a maximum radius of coving (or any intrusion into the pool wall/floor interface) determined by subtracting the vertical wall depth from the total pool depth.
TABLE 4 MAXIMUM RADIUS COVING OR POOL INTRUSION DIMENSIONS BETWEEN POOL FLOOR AND WALL* |
||||||||
| Pool Depth | 2'0" | 2'6" | 3'0" | 3'6" | 4'0" | 4'6" | 5'0" | >5'0" |
| Minimum Slide Wall | ||||||||
| Vertical Depth | 1'6" | 1'10" | 2'2" | 2'6" | 2'10" | 3'2" | 3'6" | >3'6" |
| Maximum Radius | ||||||||
| of Curvature | 6" | 8" | 10" | 12" | 1'2" | 1'4" | 1'6" | **Maxi-mum radius equals pool depth minus the vertical wall depth |
| Note: |
|
(A) A diving envelope of no less than the CNCA standard configuration* noted in Figure 1 of this section in areas where user would enter from deck level, diving board, or platform at a height of less than one-half meter (twenty inches).
| Note: |
|
Minimum dimensions for pools with provision for diving from
deck level or providing boards or platforms at a height less
than one-half meter.
 |
Dimension |
Minimum |
Preferred or Maximum |
|
| A | Height of board above water | 20 in. | |
| B | Board overhang | 2 ft 6in. | 3 ft |
| C | Depth of water at plummet | 9 ft | 10 ft* |
| D | Distance from plummet to start of upslope | 16 ft | 18 ft* |
| E | Inclination of upslope of bottom | 1:3 | |
| F | Depth of water at breakpoint | 4 ft 6 in. | |
| G | Slope of bottom in shallow portion of pool | 1:12 | 1:15* |
| H | Length of shallow section of pool | 8 ft | 14 ft* |
| I | Distance to any overhead structure | 13 ft | 15 ft* |
| K | Board length | 12 ft | |
| L | Length of pool | 40 ft | 50 ft* |
| M | Dimension not less than C minus | 6 in. | |
| Note: |
|
| Note: |
|
FIGURE 2:
Minimum dimensions for pools with boards or platforms at a
height of one-half meter or more.
 |
Dimensions |
SPRINGBOARD |
PLATFORM |
||||||||||||||
| FINA | are in Metres | 1 Metre | 3 Metres | 1 Metres | 3 Metres | 5 Metres | 7.5 Metres | 10 Metres | ||||||||
| DIMENSIONS FOR | LENGTH | 4.80 | 4.80 | 4.50 | 5.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | 6.00 | ||||||||
| DIVING FACILITIES | WIDTH | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.60 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | 2.00 | ||||||||
| Revised to 1st Jan 1987 | HEIGHT | 1.00 | 3.00 | 0.60-1.00 | 2.60-3.00 | 5.00 | 7.50 | 10.00 | ||||||||
| HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | HORIZ | VERT | |||
| A | From plummet BACK TO POOL WALL |
DESIGNATION | A-1 | A-3 | A-1P1 | A-3P1 | A-5 | A-7.5 | A.10 | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 1.80 | 1.80 | 0.75 | 1.25 | 1.25 | 1.50 | 1.50 | |||||||||
| A/A | From plummet BACK TO PLATFORM Plummet directly below |
DESIGNATION | AA5/1 | AA7.5/3/1 | AA10/5/3/1 | |||||||||||
| MINIMUM | 1.50 | 1.50 | 1.50 | |||||||||||||
| B | From plummet to POOL WALL AT SIDE |
DESIGNATION | B-1 | B-3 | B-1p1 | B-3p1 | B-5 | B-7.5 | B-10 | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 2.50 | 3.50 | 2.30 | 2.90 | 4.25 | 4.50 | 5.25 | |||||||||
| C | From plummet to ADJACENT PLUMMET |
DESIGNATION | C-1/1 | C-3/3/1 | C-1/1p1 | C-3/1P1/3p1 | C-5/3/1 | C-7.5/5/3/1 | C-10/7.5/5/3. | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 2.40 | 2.60 | 1.65 | 2.10 | 2.50 | 2.50 | 2.75 | |||||||||
| D | From plummet to POOL WALL AHEAD |
DESIGNATION | D-1 | D-3 | D-1p1 | D-3p1 | D-5 | D-7.5 | D-10 | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 9.00 | 10.25 | 8.00 | 9.50 | 10.25 | 11.00 | 13.50 | |||||||||
| E | On plummet, from BOARD TO CEILING |
DESIGNATION | E-1 | E-3 | E-1p1 | E-3p1 | E-5 | E-7.5 | E-10 | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 5.00 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 3.50 | 5.00 | |||||||||
| F | CLEAR OVERHEAD behind and each side of plummet |
DESIGNATION | F-1 | E-1 | F-3 | E-3 | F-1p1 | E-1p1 | F-3p1 | E-3p1 | F-5 | E-5 | F-7.5 | E-7.5 | F-10 | E-10 |
| MINIMUM | 2.50 | 5.00 | 2.50 | 5.00 | 2.75 | 3.50 | 2.75 | 3.50 | 2.75 | 3.50 | 2.75 | 3.50 | 2.75 | 5.00 | ||
| G | CLEAR OVERHEAD ahead of plummet |
DESIGNATION | C-1 | E-1 | C-3 | E-3 | G-1p1 | E-1p1 | G-3p1 | E-3p1 | G-5 | E-5 | G-7.5 | E-7.5 | G-10 | E-10 |
| MINIMUM | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 5.00 | 3.50 | 6.00 | 5.00 | ||
| H | DEPTH OF WATER at plummet |
DESIGNATION | H-1 | H-3 | H-1p1 | H-3p1 | H-5 | H-7.5 | H-10 | |||||||
| MINIMUM | 3.50 | 3.80 | 3.30 | 3.60 | 3.80 | 4.50 | 5.00 | |||||||||
| J | DISTANCE AND DEPTH | DESIGNATION | J-1 | K-1 | J-3 | K-3 | J-1p1 | K-1p1 | J-3p1 | K-3p1 | J-5 | K-5 | J-7.5 | K-7.5 | J-10 | K-10 |
| K | ahead of plummet | MINIMUM | 5.00 | 3.40 | 6.00 | 3.70 | 5.00 | 3.20 | 6.00 | 3.50 | 6.00 | 3.70 | 8.00 | 4.40 | 11.00 | 4.75 |
| L | DISTANCE AND DEPTH | DESIGNATION | L-1 | M-1 | L-3 | M-3 | L-1p1 | M-1p1 | L-3p1 | M-3p1 | L-5 | M-5 | L-7.5 | M-7.5 | L-10 | M-10 |
| M | each side of plummet | MINIMUM | 1.50 | 3.40 | 2.00 | 3.70 | 1.40 | 3.20 | 1.80 | 3.50 | 4.25 | 3.70 | 4.50 | 4.40 | 5.25 | 4.75 |
| N | MAXIMUM SLOPE TO REDUCE DIMENSIONS beyond full requirements |
POOL DEPTH CEILING HT |
30 degrees 30 degrees |
NOTE Dimensions C (plummet to adjacent plummet) apply for Platform with widths as detailed. For wider Platforms increase C by half the additional width(s) |
||||||||||||
(e) Stairs, ladders, or stepholes with:
(i) Stairs, when provided, meeting the following construction requirements:
(A) Treads of a nonslip finish;
(B) Stair tread edges colored to contrast with the color of the pool and clearly visible to the users;
(C) Recessed in pool areas used for lap swimming or provided with wave action; and
(D) Equipped with handrails extending over the edge of the deck.
(ii) Ladders or stepholes which:
(A) Furnish exit from pools greater than four feet in depth except in landing pools bringing the user toward a shallow area after entering the water;
(B) Are spaced a minimum of one for every fifty feet of pool perimeter greater than four feet deep;
(C) Are provided at both sides of the deep end in pools over thirty feet in width; and
(D) Are equipped with a handrail at the top of both sides extending over the coping or edge of the deck.
(iii) User access at the shallow end of pool.
(6) Owners shall ensure treatment turnover at rates no less than designated as follows:
(a) In receiving pools for water slides, water tubes, inner tube rides, speed slides or tubes, drop slides or tubes, and kiddie flume slides, treatment turnover time can be based on any of the following:
(i) Total attraction volume in one-hour period;
(ii) Treatment turnover equals design peak usage (maximum users per hour) expressed in gpm;
(iii) A rate of one hour for 20,000 gallons per two or less attraction segments. Treatment turnover times may increase proportionately for larger pool volumes per two or less attraction segments;
(iv) Alternative methods where provisions to reduce contaminants are justified to the satisfaction of the department or local health officer; and
(v) Treatment turnover times not to exceed six hours.
(b) For wave pools, a minimum treatment turnover time of two hours; and
(c) For activity pools, a minimum treatment turnover time of four hours.
(7) Owners shall provide pool inlets which are:
(a) Submerged and located to produce uniform circulation of water and chemicals throughout the pool; and
(b) Located on the bottoms of pools greater than two thousand five hundred square feet, unless otherwise justified by the engineer to the satisfaction of the department or local health officer.
(8) Except as provided in (d) and (e) of this subsection owners shall provide pool outlets with:
(a) Overflow and main drain systems with each designed to carry one hundred percent of total recirculation filter flow;
(b) Overflow outlets that have:
(i) Design to maintain a minimum of sixty percent of filter recirculation flow at all times;
(ii) An overflow channel on the pool perimeter to promote uniform circulation and skimming action of the upper water layer for pools greater than twenty-five hundred square feet, with:
(A) Design preventing matter entering channel from returning to the pool;
(B) Dimensions minimizing the hazard for bathers, such as catching arms or feet in an overflow channel;
(C) 0.01 foot slope per foot or more;
(D) Drains sufficiently spaced and sized to collect and remove overflow water to return line to filter where applicable;
(E) Size sufficient to carry one hundred percent of the recirculation flow plus the surge flow equivalent to one-fifth of the balancing tank expressed in gallons per minute.
(iii) Skimmers, when used on pools up to twenty-five hundred square feet, if:
(A) Demonstrated to operate properly under design conditions;
(B) Turbulence is not expected to interfere with operation;
(C) Maximum flow rate through skimmers does not exceed four gpm per inch of weir;
(D) Devices are recessed in the wall of the pool so that no part protrudes beyond the plane of the wall into the pool;
(E) The skimmer is equipped with a device to prevent air lock in the recirculation suction line (i.e., an equalizer line). If equalizer lines are used they must be protected with suction outlets that conform to the ASME A112.19.8 standard; and
(F) The skimmer is equipped with a removable and cleanable screen designed to trap large solids.
(iv) Sidewall channels, when used on pools up to twenty-five hundred square feet, which accept the total recirculation volume of the pool through the upper side of the pool if:
(A) Overall flow through the channel exceeds four times the treatment recirculation rate;
(B) Design of channel prevents entrapment of the user;
(C) Openings of any screens have less than one-half inch slots;
(D) Channel openings do not allow access beyond the pool, except with the use of specific tools requiring their opening;
(E) Open area of ((grates)) screens prevent a suction or
entrapment hazard which could be dangerous to the user; and
(F) The channel provides an action pulling water from the top of the pool to remove floatable debris and oils.
(c) Main drains in all pools ((with)) must:
(i) ((Location)) Be located at the low points of the
pool;
(ii) Have piping that is manifolded with junction fittings placed in the middle of branch line piping between main drains, so that the length of branch line piping is equal on each side of the junction fitting; see Figure 3
FIGURE 3:
Main Drain Branch Line Piping Detail.
(iii) Have a minimum of two main drains spaced ((not
further than twenty feet apart nor closer than six)) at least
three feet ((or spaced as far as possible from each other in
pools less than six feet linear floor distance)) apart,
measured between the centers of the drain covers;
(((iii) Total open area of grates preventing a suction or
entrapment hazard which could be dangerous to user;
(iv) Flat grate drains having:
(A) Maximum flow of 1.5 feet per second; or
(B) Net area of outlet being at least four times the area of the discharge pipe.
(v) Maximum flow of four feet per second in anti-vortex drains;
(vi) Openings not allowing a sphere over one-half inch in diameter to pass;
(vii) Grate design to withstand forces of users;
(viii) Grates removable only with specific tools; and
(ix))) (iv) Conform to the ASME A112.19.8 standard;
(v) Have covers with a maximum flow of 1.5 feet per second;
(vi) Be designed so that if one main drain becomes blocked, the remaining main drains are rated to at least one hundred percent of the maximum pump flow; see Table 5
(vii) Have means to control flow from recirculation pump or balancing tank.
TABLE 5
MAIN DRAIN FLOW RATING REQUIREMENTS
| Number of Main Drains Per Recirculation System |
||||
| 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Main drain rated flow capacity must be at least equal to the percent of maximum pump flow indicated, depending on the number of main drains. | 100% | 50% | 33.3% | 25% |
(e) New recreational water contact facilities may be constructed without main drains, provided that water quality and water clarity standards established in WAC 246-262-050 are met.
(9) Owners shall maintain recirculation flow which:
(a) Does not exceed six feet per second in suction or valved discharge side of pump; and
(b) Does not exceed ten feet per second in open discharge pipes on the pressure side of the pump or filter discharge. This limit does not apply to the return inlet and the last two feet of pipe leading to the inlet.
(10) Owners shall provide a surge chamber or surge area in RWCFs with an entry pool to:
(a) Accommodate at least two minutes of the total turnover; and
(b) Maintain proper water levels for treatment and operation of the attraction.
(11) Owners having RWCFs with overflow channels requiring balancing tanks shall:
(a) Maintain volume equivalent to fifteen times maximum bathing load expressed in gallons; and
(b) Increase capacity as necessary to provide volume for make-up water and to prevent air lock in the pump suction line.
(12) Owners shall have and maintain recirculation pumps with adequate capacity to:
(a) Provide design flows and pressure for recirculation of the RWCF water over the entire operating pressure of the filter;
(b) Allow proper capacity for backwashing of filters when specified; and
(c) Have self-priming capability when installed above the pool water level.
(13) Where pumps precede the filter, owners shall install hair and lint strainers, which shall:
(a) Be located upstream of recirculation pumps;
(b) Be of corrosion-resistant material sufficiently strong to prevent collapse when clogged;
(c) Have an operable cover; and
(d) Provide valving to isolate the strainer when located below pool water level.
(14) Owners shall provide valves at appropriate locations to allow isolation and maintenance of equipment.
(15) Owners shall provide equipment rooms which:
(a) Enclose pumps, disinfection equipment, filters, and other electrical and mechanical equipment and associated chemicals;
(b) Provide adequate working space and access to perform routine operations;
(c) Provide lighting and ventilation of the equipment room; and
(d) Are not accessible to the public.
(16) Owners shall ensure the source of make-up water and associated piping in the RWCF:
(a) Provides sufficient quantity to replace daily losses from the pool;
(b) Comes from a supply conforming with chapter 246-290 WAC; and
(c) Prevents cross-connections using a minimum air gap of two pipe diameters or approved backflow prevention devices between the make-up water source and the RWCF attraction water or waste water.
(17) Owners shall equip RWCFs with filtration equipment which:
(a) Meets the applicable standards of NSF or equivalent;
(b) Uses acceptable types and filter rates described in
Table ((5)) 6 of this section:
TABLE (( FILTER TYPES AND ACCEPTABLE RATES |
|||
| Range of Acceptable Filter Rate Expressed in gpm/sq. ft. |
|||
| Type of Filter | Minimum | Maximum* | |
| Sand | |||
| Rapid & pressure | -- | 3 | |
| Pressure high rate | 10 | 18 | |
| Vacuum high rate | 10 | 18 | |
| DE | Continuous feed |
Manual feed |
|
| Vacuum | 0.8 | 1.0 | 2.0 |
| Pressure | 1.0 | 1.35 | 2.0 |
| Cartridge** | |||
| Applied in | |||
| temperature | |||
| ranges: | |||
| <95°F. | -- | 0.375 | |
| >95°F. | -- | 0.188 |
|
| Note: |
|
(d) Has a flow indicator to measure treatment turnover; and
(e) Has means of discharging filter backwash to waste with:
(i) Discharge in a manner not creating a public nuisance;
(ii) Disposal in accordance with applicable local law or regulation;
(iii) Minimum air gap of two pipe diameters to prevent cross-connection from waste discharge and recirculation system piping;
(iv) Discharge receptor and piping of sufficient size to accept backwash water and prevent flooding; and
(v) Provisions to monitor filter effluent during backwash.
(18) Owners shall provide disinfection equipment which:
(a) Provides a continuous and effective residual of disinfectant in the water;
(b) Uses a disinfectant with a residual that is easily monitored;
(c) Conforms with NSF standards when liquid or solid feed materials are used;
(d) Has a design feed rate which will provide effective disinfection levels when RWCFs are in use;
(e) Meets the following conditions if chlorine gas is used:
(i) Chlorine rooms shall:
(A) Be above ground level;
(B) Be constructed so all openings or partitions with adjoining rooms are sealed;
(C) Be located with consideration of prevailing winds to dissipate leaked chlorine away from the RWCF;
(D) Have door opening outward only and to the out-of-doors.
(ii) Mechanical exhaust ventilation of the chlorine room including:
(A) Air inlet located as far as possible from fan intake to promote good air circulation patterns;
(B) Minimum of one air change per minute in the chlorine room when fan is operating;
(C) A remote switch outside the room or a door-activated switch to turn on fan prior to entering;
(D) Suction for fan near the floor; and
(E) Exhaust for fan and chlorinator vent located to prevent contaminating air intakes or prevent undue hazard for the users of the RWCF.
(iii) Gas chlorine systems which:
(A) Are vacuum injection type, with vacuum actuated cylinder regulators; and
(B) Provide adequate-sized backflow and anti-siphon protection at the ejector.
(iv) Breathing protection available in an accessible area for the operator outside of the chlorine room including:
(A) Instructions about limitations with chlorine concentrations and concentrations of oxygen if chlorine-type canister masks are used; and
(B) Self-contained breathing apparatus designed for use in a chlorine atmosphere as preferred equipment for working with chlorine leaks.
(v) Means for automatic shutoff when the recirculation filter pump is off or flow to the pool is interrupted;
(vi) Chlorine gas cylinders shall:
(A) Be stored only in chlorine rooms; and
(B) Not exceed one hundred fifty pounds tare weight per cylinder; except, wave pools, where one-ton cylinders may be used. Only a single, one-ton cylinder shall be stored on the premise at any time.
(19) Owners applying chemicals other than disinfectant shall provide chemical feed equipment with:
(a) Adequate size and design to allow routine cleaning and maintenance;
(b) Materials resistant to action of the chemicals to be used; and
(c) Means for automatic shut off when the recirculation filter pump is off or flow to the pool is interrupted.
(20) Owners shall have testing equipment to provide means for measuring disinfectant residuals, pH, alkalinity, and any other chemicals used routinely in the RWCF water. In pools where compressed chlorine gas is used, means to detect leaks shall be provided, i.e., use of proper strength ammonia vapor.
(21) Owners shall provide easily accessible change room facilities at all RWCFs with:
(a) Dressing rooms, showers, toilets, urinals, and sinks;
(b) Change room design including:
(i) Separate facilities for both sexes;
(ii) Floors of a nonslip finish with suitable drains;
(iii) Junctions between walls and floors coved for ease of cleaning;
(iv) Adequate ventilation to prevent build-up of moisture in the facility; and
(v) Provisions to minimize cross traffic with nonusers.
(c) Plumbing fixtures as described in Table ((6)) 7 of
this section.
TABLE (( MINIMUM PLUMBING FIXTURE REQUIREMENTS BASED ON MAXIMUM PEAK PERIOD OCCUPANCY |
||||
| Number of Fixtures
Required Per Occupancy Load |
||||
| Type of Fixture | Occupancy/Sex | Male | Female | |
| 1. | Toilets | First 600 | 1/200 | 1/100 |
| Portion | ||||
| exceeding 600 | 1/450 | 1/300 | ||
| 2. | Urinals | First 600 | 1/200 | - |
| Portion | ||||
| exceeding 600 | 1/450 | - | ||
| 3. | Showers | First 300 | 1/100 | 1/100 |
| Portion | ||||
| exceeding 300 | 1/200 | 1/200 | ||
| 4. | Sinks | First 400 | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Next 350 | 1/350 | 1/350 | ||
| Portion | ||||
| exceeding 750 | 1/500 | 1/500 | ||
| 5. | Hose bibs | 1 accessible to change rooms | ||
| 6. | Janitor sink | 1 within the RWCF |
||
(d) Showers:
(i) Delivering water at a temperature range between ninety and one hundred ten degrees Fahrenheit; and
(ii) Providing liquid or powdered soap in nonglass dispensers.
(e) Flush toilets and toilet tissue in dispensers;
(f) Sinks providing:
(i) Tempered or hot and cold running water,
(ii) Liquid or powdered soap in nonglass dispensers, and
(iii) Disposable towels or electric hand dryers.
(g) Sewage disposed of in a manner approved by the department or local health officer; and
(h) Hose bibs with vacuum breakers provided at convenient locations.
(22) Owners shall design and maintain lighting at RWCF attractions or change rooms to:
(a) Illuminate indoor attractions, outdoor attractions used after dusk, or change rooms with a minimum lighting intensity maintained thirty inches above any walking surface, pool deck, or pool area of:
(i) Thirty foot-candles at indoor facilities;
(ii) Fifteen foot-candles at outdoor facilities; or
(iii) Twenty foot-candles in change rooms.
(b) Allow lifeguards or attendants to clearly see every part of pool waters and walking surfaces; and
(c) Meet any additional lighting requirements deemed necessary by the department or local health officer.
(23) Owners shall provide first-aid facilities in every RWCF including:
(a) A twenty-four package first-aid kit per WAC 296-24-065;
(b) Two or more blankets reserved for emergency use;
(c) A telephone with a prominently displayed list of emergency medical service response numbers;
(d) A backboard meeting the specifications of the ARC; and
(e) Sufficient and suitable area to accommodate persons requiring treatment and necessary first-aid equipment.
(24) Owners shall provide signs at RWCF entrances and change rooms. Any combination of words, pictures, or symbols may be used to convey the following conditions:
(a) Prohibition of use by persons with communicable diseases;
(b) Prohibition of use by persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
(c) Requirement for a cleansing shower before entering the attractions;
(d) Warning that persons refusing to obey the attendants are subject to removal from the premises; and
(e) Prohibition of food and drink in pool, change room, or on walking surfaces.
(25) If owners allow or make provision for food service:
(a) Food and beverage sale and consumption areas shall be separate from pool, change room, and walking surfaces;
(b) Trash containers shall be provided; and
(c) No glass containers shall be allowed in the RWCF.
(26) Owners shall prevent users or spectators access to mechanical, electrical, or chemical equipment facilities.
(27) Owners shall provide an operable drinking fountain of the angle jet type design meeting the requirements of the American Standards Association.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-262-060, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-262-060, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 88-13-125 (Order 311), § 248-97-070, filed 6/22/88.]
(2) Owners and manufacturers shall ensure adherence to recognized design and construction standards including, but not limited to:
(a) ASTM F-24 Standards on Amusement Rides and Devices;
(b) "Suggested Health and Safety Guidelines for Recreational Water Slide Flumes" U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, 30333;
(c) "World Waterpark Association Considerations for Operating Safety" published by the World Waterpark Association, 7474 Village Drive, Prairie Village, Kansas, 66208; and
(d) Department recognized or approved guidelines, criteria, or standards.
(3) Owners shall ensure design and construction for water slides or tubes, inner-tube rides, kiddie flumes, or ramp slides meet the following minimum standards:
(a) Flume or tube entry access points shall have:
(i) Means to control unauthorized entrance;
(ii) Handrails or slip-resistant surfaces provided to assist users; and
(iii) Attendant stations which provide:
(A) User entry spacing control;
(B) Attendant line of sight to the attraction; and
(C) Attendant access to a communication system.
(b) Receiving pools shall have:
(i) Clearances and minimum distances as noted in Figure 3 of this section for tube or flume entrances into pools.
FIGURE (( MINIMUM CLEARANCES FOR FLUME OR TUBE ENTRY TO RECEIVING POOLS |
||
| MINIMUM | ||
| VALUE | DISTANCE | DESCRIPTION |
| A | 5 feet | Minimum distance from edge of flume to side of pool. |
| B | 6 feet | Minimum distance between sides of parallel flumes. |
| C | 20 feet | Minimum distance between two flumes or tubes that are not parallel shall be so constructed so that the intersecting lines of each closest side does not intersect for a distance of at least twenty feet from the end of each flume. |
| D | 20 feet | Minimum distance where flume terminates to opposite side of pool. |
 |
(ii) Flume or tube sliding surface ending below the pool
operating water level when users ride unaided or on mats;
(iii) Flume or tube perpendicular for a minimum of ten feet to the wall of entry;
(iv) Handrails, when steps are provided for exiting; and
(v) Attendant and/or lifeguard stations with:
(A) Unobstructed access to users; and
(B) Ready access to communication system for contacting control station attendant and first-aid personnel.
(4) Owners shall design and construct barriers to prevent unauthorized entry or exit from any intermediate pool.
(5) Owners shall ensure design and construction of speed slides meet the following minimum standards:
(a) Entry points conforming with subsection (3)(a) of this section;
(b) Roller- or sled-type slides designed to prevent accidental flipping of the sleds or coasters when entering the water;
(c) Provision of sufficient transition zones for deceleration preventing unsafe user impact; and
(d) Maintenance of critical water operation levels providing proper braking action of the user.
(6) Owners shall ensure design and construction of wave pools meet the following minimum standards:
(a) Walls of wave pools shall be vertical with minimum six inch radius of curvature between wall and pool bottom;
(b) Pool bottom sloped:
(i) Not exceeding one foot of drop in twelve feet of run where pool depths range from zero to three and one-half feet; or
(ii) Not exceeding one foot of drop in nine feet of run where depths range from three and one-half feet to six and one-half feet.
(c) Recessed ladders or step holes with vertical grab bars at depths above three and one-half feet:
(i) For emergency exit only;
(ii) Spaced at intervals of fifty feet or less where pool water depths are greater than three and one-half feet. Pool water depths are measured without wave action.
(d) Deck width of at least ten feet along the shallow end;
(e) A fence or restrictive barrier a minimum of forty-two inches in height and at least two feet out from the pool/deck interface at the side walls of wave pools, with emergency exit openings.
(f) Lifeguard station locations appropriate to prevailing conditions;
(g) A push-button system to shut off the wave-making equipment with:
(i) Shut offs installed on sidewall decks and spaced at intervals no greater than one hundred feet, readily accessible to the lifeguards; and
(ii) Shock hazard protection.
(h) A communication system for use by authorized personnel which is clearly audible to all portions of the pool;
(i) A communication system for interaction between authorized personnel; and
(j) Maximum bathing load (users) not to exceed a value equal to S/12+ D/68 where:
(i) "S" equals surface area in square feet where depth is less than three and one-half feet;
(ii) "D" equals surface area in square feet where pool depth is three and one-half feet deep or greater; and
(iii) Pool depths are measured without wave action.
(7) If inner tubes, boogie boards, or surf boards are used, the owner shall ensure the design and operation of the wave pool provides for such activity, including:
(a) The establishment of rules for use;
(b) Operating and emergency procedures; and
(c) Crowd control.
(8) Owners shall ensure design and construction of any wading activity pool meets the following minimum standards. Wading activity pool areas are:
(a) Built with maximum water depth of two feet;
(b) Constructed with pool walls so that distance from deck to water level is six inches or less for at least seventy-five percent of the pool perimeter;
(c) Equipped with floors uniformly sloped to drain with a maximum slope of one foot of drop in twelve feet of run;
(d) Separated by at least a four foot high barrier when distance to any water area greater than four feet in depth is less than ten feet; and
(e) Protected from water areas greater than two feet by providing:
(i) A float line separating the two areas;
(ii) A six inch contrasting color line on pool bottom and side walls at float line; and
(iii) A transition zone with a maximum floor slope not exceeding one foot of drop in twelve feet of run.
(9) Owners shall ensure design and construction of drop slides or drop tubes meet the following minimum standards:
(a) Entry in accordance with subsection (3)(a) of this section;
(b) Receiving pool envelope:
(i) Conforming to CNCA standards noted in WAC 246-262-060 (5)(c)(vi)(A) if the point of exit is less than one-half meter (or twenty inches);
(ii) Conforming to FINA standards noted in WAC 246-262-060 (5)(c)(vi)(B) if the point of exit is one-half meter (or twenty inches) or greater.
(iii) Increasing in size to ensure user safety if warranted by angle of entry or speed of the user.
(c) Sufficient distance between slides or tubes to prevent collisions of users. Parallel exits are recommended.
(d) Direct line of sight and direct communication between entry access point and receiving pool.
(10) Owners shall provide signs for specific RWCF attractions. Words, pictures, or symbols may be used to convey the following as appropriate:
(a) Prohibition of running, standing, kneeling, tumbling, horseplay, or stopping in the flumes or tubes;
(b) Failure to follow directions of attendant or failure to obey posted rules may result in removal from the RWCF;
(c) Prohibition of diving from flume;
(d) Prohibition of multiple user chains if applicable to ride;
(e) Requirement to leave the landing area promptly after exiting;
(f) Recommended minimum or maximum age or height for using this attraction; and
(g) Prohibition of head first sliding if applicable to ride.
(h) Additional information on wave pools including:
(i) Warning that wave pools can be very tiring;
(ii) Warning for small children and poor swimmers to use personal flotation devices in designated areas;
(iii) Requirement for adult supervision for children;
(iv) Prohibition of diving, jumping, or entering from sides of pool; and
(v) Prohibition of using surf boards during periods of general public use.
(11) If the proposed attraction design is not addressed by or exceeds limitations of standards and guidelines specified by this section, owners shall submit:
(a) Justification to the department or local health officer prepared by an engineer; and
(b) Information on the construction, maintenance, and operation of the proposed attraction.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-262-070, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-262-070, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 88-13-125 (Order 311), § 248-97-080, filed 6/22/88.]