16 Del. Admin. Code § 4464-5.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025

Section 4464-5.0 - Operational Requirements

5.1 Requirements for the Premises

5.1.1 Location

5.1.1.1 Pools shall not be located in areas which are subject to contamination from dust, soot, fly ash, smoke, improper drainage, a high water table, or other undesirable substances.

5.1.1.2 For outdoor pools, any overhead wiring not inside an electrical conduit shall not pass over any part of the deck or an area within twenty (20) feet of the nearest edge of the pool. If the edge of a pool, extended upward vertically, is located within fifteen (15) feet of a building, building roof or balcony, a protective barrier may be required (discretion of the Division) to prevent diving from the building, roof or balcony.

5.1.2 Design

5.1.2.1 No limits are specified for the shape of pools, however, consideration shall be given to shape from the standpoint of safety and proper water circulation.

5.1.2.2 Pools shall be designed such that: there is even and complete water circulation throughout; safe, sanitary conditions can be maintained at all times; all bathers can be effectively monitored.

5.1.2.3 There shall be no protrusions, extensions, means of entanglement, or other obstructions in the pool which can cause entrapment or injury.

5.1.2.4 Underwater or overhead projections or obstructions except for handholds, steps, ladders, facilities for persons with disabilities or recirculation system fittings shall be prohibited, unless such construction can be justified by engineering design.

5.1.2.5 Underwater seat benches may be permitted in areas where the water depth is five (5) feet or less provided that: the maximum water depth over the seat bench is twenty-four (24) inches;

5.1.2.5.1 the seat bench is completely recessed; the outer edge of the seat bench shall be outlined in contrasting color by a solid marking line at least one (1) inch wide; and

5.1.2.5.2 The seat bench surface is slip resistant.

5.1.3 Construction

5.1.3.1 Pool walls and bottoms shall be constructed of concrete, fiberglass, metal or other nontoxic, impervious and structurally rigid materials approved by the Division, which will provide a watertight basin, smooth, easily cleanable surfaces and a finish without cracks.

5.1.3.2 Sand, earth or wood construction shall be prohibited. The walls and bottom shall be white or light in color for the purpose of insuring contrast to identify objects.

5.1.3.3 Corners formed by the intersections of walls or walls and floors shall be curved (radiused).

5.1.3.4 Surfaces within the pool intended to provide footing for patrons shall be designed to be slip resistant.

5.1.3.5 Offset or safety ledges shall be prohibited.

5.1.4 Walls

5.1.4.1 All pool walls shall be vertical for a minimum depth of two (2) feet six (6) inches in areas less than five (5) feet deep.

5.1.4.2 Exceptions may be made for irregularly shaped pools (e.g. zero depth entry, T, L or Z shapes) in the recessed areas out of the main swimming area.

5.1.5 Floor/Slope

5.1.5.1 All pool floors shall be sloped toward the outlet/drain and all slopes shall be constant.

5.1.5.2 The slope shall not exceed one (1) foot in twelve (12) feet (1':12') where the water depth is five (5) feet or less, shall not exceed one (1) foot in three (3) feet (1':3') where the depth is greater than five (5) feet.

5.1.5.3 Any pool having a transition from the slope in the shallow end to the deep end shall do so through a slope break starting at a depth not less than three and one half (3 1/2) feet and not greater than five (5) feet.

5.1.5.4 At least one (1) foot and not more than two (2) feet on the shallow side of the slope break directly under the safety line, the floor shall be marked with a line of contrasting color that is either: solid and at least two (2) inches wide or intermittent with sections that are at least four (4) inches by four (4) inches and not more than one (1) foot apart on centers.

5.1.6 Shallow End Minimum/Maximum Depth

5.1.6.1 With the exception of diving pools, all pools shall have a minimum depth in the shallow area of three (3) feet and a maximum depth of four (4) feet.

5.1.6.2 Exceptions may be made for irregularly shaped pools (e.g. T, L or Z shapes) with recessed areas out of the main swimming area.

5.1.7 Ladders and Steps

5.1.7.1 All pools shall have at least two entry/exit points (ladders or steps), one (1) for each end.

5.1.7.1.1 Wading and treatment pools may have one entry / exit point (ladders or steps).

5.1.7.2 Any pool with water deeper than five (5) feet shall have at least two (2) ladders in the deep end.

5.1.7.3 Any pool with a perimeter greater than two hundred twenty-five (225) feet shall have one (1) additional ladder or set of steps for each additional seventy-five (75) feet of perimeter or fraction thereof.

5.1.7.4 Ladders shall be constructed of corrosion resistant materials and shall be securely anchored into the pool deck or built into the pool wall.

5.1.7.4.1 All ladders shall have two (2) handrails and at least two (2) slip resistant treads which are at least one and one half (1 1/2) inches deep, with a uniform length of at least twelve (12) inches and a uniform spacing of at least seven (7) inches and not more than twelve (12) inches. The clearance between any ladder and the pool wall shall be at least three (3) inches and not more than six (6) inches.

5.1.7.4.2 Recessed ladders (built into the wall) shall have two (2) handrails and shall have a tread at least five (5) inches in depth, at least twelve (12) inches in width and the uppermost tread shall be within twelve inches of the pool coping top edge or the deck surface.

5.1.7.4.3 All treads shall slope toward the pool.

5.1.7.5 Where steps are provided, they shall either be recessed or located in a corner.

5.1.7.5.1 All steps shall have a minimum tread length of twenty-four (24) inches, a tread depth of at least ten (10) inches and a uniform height of not more than twelve (12) inches, with the exception of either the top or bottom tread which may vary + two (2) inches.

5.1.7.5.2 The top surface edge of each step shall be outlined in contrasting color by a line (painted, tile, etc.) at least one (1) inch wide. Each set of steps shall have at least one (1) handrail per seven (7) feet of tread length.

5.1.7.5.3 If the steps are less than four (4) feet wide the handrail shall be located at the side and if the steps are four (4) feet wide or wider, the handrail shall be located in the center.

5.1.7.5.4 The tread surface shall be slip resistant.

5.1.8 Decks and Walkways

5.1.8.1 Every pool shall have a continuous unobstructed deck at rim level around the entire perimeter.

5.1.8.2 The deck shall be no less than four (4) feet wide at any point, measured from the pool edge.

5.1.8.3 For outdoor pools, the area of the deck shall be at least equal to the area of the pool water surface, and for indoor pools, the area of the deck shall be at least equal to two thirds (2/3) of the pool water surface.

5.1.8.4 A minimum width of four (4) feet shall be provided behind lifeguard stands and the ladders/steps of all diving boards.

5.1.8.5 Walkways shall be provided from the deck to all pool sanitary and bathhouse facilities.

5.1.8.6 In computing the minimum deck area for adjacent pools, no area of the deck shall be considered as serving both pools.

5.1.9 Standing water

5.1.9.1 To prevent standing water, decks and walkways shall have a uniform slope of not less than one quarter (1/4) inch per foot and not more than one half (1/2) inch per foot, away from the pool and toward deck drains or areas where the water will have a free unobstructed flow to points of disposal.

5.1.9.2 The edge of the pool deck at its junction with the pool wall shall be constructed of bullnose coping, or some other acceptable material, which will provide an adequate hand hold around the entire pool perimeter and which is not more than twelve (12) inches above the normal water level.

5.1.10 Wet deck/walkway areas

5.1.10.1 Shall be constructed of concrete or other approved material which has an impervious slip resistant surface, can be easily cleaned and is installed such that there are no hazards to patrons or their bare feet (e.g. tripping, abrasions, splinters, etc.).

5.1.10.2 If expansion joints are provided, the joint shall be filled with a non-rigid material such as mastic which shall not protrude above the deck. Exposed wooden expansion joints shall be prohibited.

5.1.10.3 Carpeting shall be prohibited in wet deck/walkway areas.

5.1.11 Electrical and Lighting Requirements

5.1.11.1 All electrical wiring and equipment associated with the pool shall be in compliance with all appropriate state and local codes and the current edition of the National Electric Code.

5.1.11.2 For indoor pools and all bathhouse facilities, all overhead wiring which is not behind the wall or ceiling shall be inside an electrical conduit.

5.1.12 Artificial lighting

5.1.12.1 Shall be provided at all pools which do not have adequate natural lighting or which are to be used for evening/night swimming. The artificial lighting shall meet all of the following conditions:

5.1.12.1.1 Lighting shall be sufficient such that all areas of the pool, and either of the following are clearly visible without glare from the deck: the main drain(s) and all bottom markings; or a black disk six (6) inches in diameter superimposed upon a white field and placed on the bottom at the deepest point.

5.1.12.1.2 Outdoor pools shall provide at least thirty (30) foot candles and indoor pools shall provide at least fifty (50) foot candles of illumination at the water surface from natural and/or artificial lighting.

5.1.12.1.3 All overhead lights shall be covered with adequate shatter resistant shields and equipped with shatter resistant bulbs.

5.1.13 Hose Bibbs

5.1.13.1 A sufficient number of hose bibs shall be provided and located such that all parts of the deck area, the pump/filter room and the bathhouse facilities are easily reachable with a fifty (50) foot hose, without the hose passing over or through the pool water.

5.1.13.2 Hose bibs shall be located at the edge of the deck such that they do not constitute a tripping hazard and shall be equipped with vacuum breakers or other approved backflow prevention devices.

5.1.14 Trees, Sand Areas and Planted Areas

5.1.14.1 Trees at the pool site prior to construction shall not be permitted inside the pool fence. Sand areas and other nongrass / unsodded areas designed for bather access shall not be permitted inside the pool fence or room.

5.1.14.2 Provisions shall be made so that bathers returning to the pool deck from these areas are routed past a foot rinse shower.

5.1.14.3 Flower beds, shrubs and other similar planted areas may be permitted inside the pool fence or room if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

5.1.14.3.1 There shall be a separation distance of at least ten (10) feet between the edge of the pool and the edge of the planted area

5.1.14.3.2 The planted area shall be designed such that regular maintenance can be easily accomplished

5.1.14.3.3 All planted area drainage shall be conducted away from the pool in a manner that will not create muddy, hazardous, or objectionable conditions.

5.1.14.3.4 The planted area shall be designed to discourage patron entry.

5.1.15 Sanitary/Bathhouse Facilities

5.1.15.1 All pools shall have at least one (1) permanent water closet with lavatory for the lifeguard\attendant, which is accessible when the pool is open and is located contiguous to the pool deck or pool room.

5.1.15.2 All pools, with the exception of those where all patrons' sanitary/bathhouse facilities are within one thousand (1000) feet, shall provide the following permanent sanitary/bathhouse facilities located contiguous to the pool deck or pool room:

5.1.15.2.1 One fixture set for each sex when the pool(s) water surface area is up to 2000 square feet

5.1.15.2.2 Two fixture sets for each sex when the pool(s) water surface is over 2000 to 4000 square feet.

5.1.15.2.3 Three fixture sets for each sex when the pool(s) water surface is over 4000 to 6000 square feet.

5.1.15.2.4 Four fixture sets for each sex when the pool(s) water surface is over 6000 to 8000 square feet.

5.1.15.2.5 For pools greater than eight thousand (8000) square feet, one additional fixture set for each sex shall be provided for each additional four thousand (4000) square feet, or fraction thereof.

5.1.16 Bathhouse facilities

5.1.16.1 All sanitary and bathhouse facilities shall be indoors, enclosed to provide privacy, finished in light colors, well ventilated, in good working order and designed such that good sanitation can be maintained throughout at all times.

5.1.16.2 Floors shall constructed of concrete or other approved material, shall have a smooth slip resistant finish and shall be sloped to floor drains or points of drainage.

5.1.16.3 Carpeting shall be prohibited in all wet deck/walkway areas.

5.1.16.4 Floor and wall junctions shall be curved radius for easy cleaning.

5.1.16.5 Lighting shall provide at least thirty (30) foot candles of illumination at floor level.

5.1.16.6 All lavatories and showers shall have hot and cold water and shall be equipped with tempering valves which provide water at a temperature not exceeding 120 degrees F.

5.1.16.7 All bathhouses shall have soap (liquid recommended), single service towels or hot air dryers, toilet tissue, and waste baskets.

5.1.16.8 All plumbing shall be in compliance with the "State of Delaware Regulations Governing a Detailed Plumbing Code" and new installations shall be inspected and approved by the appropriate authority prior to use.

5.1.16.9 All bathhouse facilities shall be at the same elevation as the pool deck or at an elevation that is accessible with a ramp having a slope that shall not exceed one (1) inch per foot and should not exceed one (1) inch per twenty (20) inches.

5.1.17 Diaper Changing Station

5.1.17.1 All public pools allowing use by diaper-aged bathers shall, upon adoption of this Regulation, have at least one diaper changing station in each male and female bathhouse.

5.1.17.2 An adjacent hand wash sink shall be installed and operational

5.1.17.3 Diaper changing units shall conform to either of the following standards:

5.1.17.3.1 ASTM standard F2285-04:Consumer Performance Standards for Commercial Diaper-Changing Stations, or

5.1.17.3.2 The standards for diaper-changing surfaces in the most current version ofCaring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards: Guidelines for Out-of-Home Child Care Programs.

5.1.17.4 A covered, hands-free, plastic-lined trash receptacle or diaper pail shall be located directly adjacent to the diaper changing unit.

5.1.17.5 An EPA-registered disinfectant shall be provided for maintaining a clean and disinfected diaper changing unit surface before and after each use.

5.1.18 Foot Rinse Shower

5.1.18.1 All outdoor pools, except those where bathers must go through the bathhouse in order to reach the deck, shall have a foot rinse shower at each patron entry point.

5.1.18.2 Any indoor pool with direct bather access to an outdoor sand beach or other unsodded area shall also have a foot rinse shower at the access point. The foot rinse shower shall be located such that bathers must walk past the deck discharge area.

5.1.18.3 In order to prevent standing water, the deck discharge area shall slope toward a drain or an area where the water will have a free unobstructed flow to points of disposal.

5.1.18.4 The foot rinse shower should: be a shower head; be approximately twelve (12) to twenty four (24) inches above the deck; have an automatic shut off valve when released; and point toward the deck at approximately a forty five (45) degree angle.

5.1.18.5 Foot baths (standing water in which patrons rinse their feet) shall be prohibited.

5.1.19 Drinking Fountain

5.1.19.1 At least one (1) sanitary type (guarded angle jet) drinking fountain in good working order shall be provided.

5.1.19.2 The fountain shall be easily accessible and located inside the pool fence.

5.1.19.3 Common drinking cups shall be prohibited.

5.1.20 Food and Beverage Facilities

5.1.20.1 Food and beverage service facilities that are inside the pool fence or room shall not be located within twenty (20) feet of the pool edge. If permitting is required, all such facilities shall be licensed by the Division or the appropriate authority.

5.1.21 Starting Blocks

5.1.21.1 If starting blocks for competitive swimming events are installed, the water depth under the blocks shall be greater than five (5) feet.

5.1.22 Escutcheon Plates

5.1.22.1 All anchor bolts shall be covered by escutcheon plates.

5.1.23 Access for Persons with Disabilities

5.1.23.1 Access for disabled persons shall conform to ADA Standards as approved by the Department of Justice.

5.1.23.2 Facilities designed to accommodate persons with disabilities will be approved within the limits of sound engineering practice and nationally recognized standards.

5.1.24 Swimming Pool Slides

5.1.24.1 The installation of swimming pool slides shall be prohibited.

5.1.25 Diving Area/Diving Pool and Diving Board

5.1.25.1 The dimensions of the diving area/diving pool and the diving board shall be approved by plan review as per Section 3.4.1.

5.1.25.2 Pools with diving boards higher than three (3) meters, and/or pools with diving platforms shall be constructed in accordance with the standards of the FINA, NCAA and USD and these devices shall be labeled "COMPETITIVE DIVING ONLY."

5.1.25.3 Diving boards shall have guardrails on both sides which are at least thirty (30) inches high and extend from the back end of the board to at least one (1) foot past the pool edge. Diving boards which are greater than one (1) meter high shall have handrails on both sides of the ladder/steps and the spacing between them exceed twelve (12) inches.

5.1.25.4 All diving boards shall be level and shall have slip resistant surfaces. All supports, steps, and railings shall be made of material which is of sufficient strength to handle the anticipated load. Trampoline type diving facilities and rope drops shall be prohibited. With the exception of competitive diving, any adjustable fulcrum diving board shall have the fulcrum locked in the maximum forward position.

5.1.25.5 Any diving board in existence on the effective date of these Regulations (April 15, 1990) that cannot comply with the requirements of this Section by being shortened and/or lowered, should be removed. Also, in order for the replacement of any diving board stand, or the replacement of any diving board stand and diving board to be approved, the pool shall be in compliance with the requirements of this Section.

16 Del. Admin. Code § 4464-5.0

19 DE Reg. 309( 10/1/2015) (Final)