(a) Skimmer. For this section, a skimmer is not considered
to be a suction outlet.
(b) Licensed Engineer. A suction outlet system, gravity
flow system, or return system constructed on or after the effective
date of this subchapter shall be planned and designed by a licensed
engineer.
(c) Submerged suction outlets. Fully submerged suction
outlets (main drains) are not required.
(d) Entrapment protection. A suction outlet system
shall be designed to protect against suction entrapment, evisceration,
and hair entanglement/entrapment hazards in accordance with ANSI/APSP-16,
American National Standard for Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming
Pools, Wading Pools, Spas, Hot Tubs and Catch Basins.
(e) Suction outlets. Suction outlets shall comply with
the following:
(1) Covers, grates, and fittings shall be compliant
with the VGBA.
(2) At least two hydraulically balanced VGBA-compliant
suction outlets shall be provided per pump suction line.
(3) Suction outlets installed in water 4 feet deep
or less shall be unblockable such that its perforated (open) area
cannot be shadowed by the area of the 18-inch x 23-inch Body Blocking
Element as described in ANSI/APSP-16, American National Standard for
Suction Entrapment Avoidance in Swimming Pools, Wading Pools, Spas,
Hot Tubs and Catch Basins.
(4) The distance between hydraulically balanced VGBA-compliant
suction outlets, as measured from center to center of the suction
outlet cover or grate shall be no less than three feet.
(5) The flow rating of balanced suction outlets, including
the cover or grate, shall be in compliance with the ANSI/APSP/ICC-7
in effect at the time of construction or replacement of any component
of a suction outlet.
(6) No means of isolating hydraulically balanced suction
outlets is permitted that could allow one suction outlet to serve
as the sole source of water to a pump.
(7) A single pipe to a pump suction inlet that serves
two or more suction outlets may have a valve to shut off the flow
to the pump.
(f) Flow rate through suction fittings. The flow rate
through a fitting, cover, or grate shall not exceed the approved flow
rate for that fitting, cover, or grate when one suction fitting in
a suction outlet system is blocked.
(g) Closure when cover broken, missing, or loose. If
the cover or grate on a suction outlet including a vacuum outlet is
missing, broken, or loose, the swimming area of the lagoon shall be
closed immediately and remain closed until a proper repair is made
or replacement is installed.
(h) Return inlets. A return inlet shall be designed
so as not to constitute a hazard to the user.
(i) Automatic cleaners. An automatic bottom or side
cleaner that could provide a means of entanglement or entrapment shall
not be operated in a swimming area of the lagoon when the swimming
area is occupied by users.
|