(a) Operational standard for all pools and spas. Pools
and spas must be required to meet the operational standard that is
most applicable to their respective use. For example, a pool or spa
that is being operated as a Class C pool or spa but is generally or
for specific occasions made available to the public, with or without
a fee, must meet Class B operational standards.
(b) Required operator certification. All Class A, Class
B, and Class C pools and spas must be maintained under the supervision
and direction of a properly trained and certified operator.
(1) The operator is not required to be on-site when
the pool or spa is open.
(2) The operator may be responsible for multiple pools
and spas.
(3) The trained and certified operator's name and contact
information must be made available to on-site staff, such as lifeguards,
and to property management companies or property managers, and must
be made available at the request of DSHS or a local regulatory authority.
(c) Operator responsibilities. The trained operator
must ensure that the staff is properly trained in day-to-day operations
of the pool and spa circulation system, as defined in the International
Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and that the circulation system is being
maintained in good operating condition in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions.
(d) Operator training and certification. Operator training
and certification can be obtained by completion of one of the following
courses or the equivalent:
(1) the NRPA, "Aquatic Facility Operator;"
(2) the PHTA, "Certified Pool Operator;"
(3) the ASPSA, "Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician;"
or
(4) an equivalent course which requires testing and
provides certification and that is approved by the local regulatory
authority.
(e) Documentation required for pools and spas.
(1) Documentation for all pool and spa suction outlets
confirming compliance with ANSI/APSP-16 or any successor standard,
whether the suction outlet is manufactured or field fabricated, must
be kept on-site at all times the pool or spa is open for use or must
be made available within five business days upon request by a regulatory
official.
(2) Documentation of compliance with ASME/ANSI A112.19.17,
ASTM F 2387, or any successor United States Consumer Product Safety
Commission approved standard for manufactured pool and spa Safety
Vacuum Release Systems and Automatic pump shut-off systems must be
kept on-site at all times the pool or spa is open for use or must
be made available within five business days upon request by a regulatory
official.
(f) Proper use and protection from chemicals in pools
and spas. Personnel in charge of maintaining a pool or spa, whether
it is the trained and certified operator or someone assigned to maintain
a pool or spa when the trained and certified operator is not on-site,
must be properly trained in accordance with §265.193 of this
subchapter (relating to Water Quality at Pools and Spas).
(1) The use of chemicals at pools and spas must be
according to the chemical manufacturer's directions.
(2) No chemical may be used in a way that violates
the manufacturer's instructions for the chemical feed system or NSF
50 certification of that chemical feed system.
(g) Pool and spa equipment access. Pool and spa circulation
equipment, mechanical spaces, and chemical storage spaces, whether
indoors or out-of-doors, must be inaccessible to pool and spa users
or other unauthorized persons. A warning sign against unauthorized
entry must be posted on the entry door or gate to the pool and spa
equipment room, building, or area.
(h) Water clarity standards for pools and spas. When
the pool or spa is open and available for use the water must be of
sufficient clarity that the bottom of the pool or spa is clearly visible
while the water is static. Visual occlusion by sediment or other matter
must be checked before opening and periodically, as necessary, while
the pool or spa is in use. The pool or spa must be open for use only
if the bottom and the submerged suction outlets, when present, are
clearly visible.
(i) Off-season water quality. When an outdoor pool
or spa is not in use for an extended period of time, such as off-season,
clarity must be maintained, and algae growth must be prevented; however,
other water quality parameters as required in §265.193 of this
subchapter do not need to be maintained. Other methods may be used
to maintain pools and spas during extended periods of non-use if approved
by local regulatory officials in writing and water clarity is maintained.
(j) Pool and spa closure. When a pool or spa is not
in use, such as after seasonal operation, while under construction,
renovation, or for any reason, entry to the pool yard or spa yard
by users or other unauthorized persons must not be allowed. A sign
must be posted on the entry gates indicating the pool and spa are
closed. The pool and spa and facility, when closed, must not give
off objectionable odors, become a breeding site for insects, or create
any other nuisance conditions or hazards.
(k) Domestic animals prohibited at pools and spas.
Domestic animals and other pets must not be allowed within a pool
or spa enclosure area or in the pool or spa except as required by
28 CFR §36.302(c) and, if applicable, 24 CFR §100.204. Animals
permitted under 28 CFR §36.302(c) and 24 CFR §100.204 must
be allowed on the deck and within the pool and spa yard, but not in
the pool or spa.
(l) Wave pools constructed or renovated on or after
the effective date of this subchapter. The wave pools must have a
minimum of two emergency shutoff switches capable of immediately stopping
wave generation, one on each side of the wave pool, clearly marked
as emergency shutoffs and readily accessible to lifeguards.
(m) Surf pools constructed or renovated on or after
the effective date of this subchapter. The surf pools must have a
minimum of two emergency shutoff switches capable of immediately stopping
wave generation, one on each side of the surf pool, clearly marked
as emergency shutoffs and readily accessible to lifeguards.
(n) Actual water level at pools and spas. The actual
water level in pools and spas must be maintained within the designed
operating water level range of the rim, gutter, or skimmer system.
When the water level is below the operating water level range of the
pool or spa rim, gutter, or skimmer system, the pool or spa must be
closed.
(o) Use of personal floatation devices (PFD). No person
may be prohibited from the use of a USCG-approved PFD in a pool or
spa.
(p) Food and beverages. Food and beverages may be consumed
in the pool or spa only if it is privately owned and operated. Consumption
of food and beverages in a pool or spa that is not privately owned
and operated is prohibited.
(q) Glass containers prohibited. Food and beverages
in the pool or spa or in the pool yard or spa yard must be in non-breakable
containers. Glass containers and glass furniture must not be allowed
on a deck, in the pool or spa, or anywhere within the pool yard or
spa yard.
(r) Covered trash receptacles required. Covered trash
receptacles must be provided where food and beverages are allowed
or served.
(s) Standing water on decks. Decks must not have standing
water and deck drains must be cleaned and maintained to prevent water
accumulating on a pool or spa deck.
(t) Slime and biofilm. Slime and biofilm layers must
be removed from all accessible pool and spa surfaces including steps
and ladders, sidewall tile, depth markers, and from all aquatic features
such as slides, climbing walls, and diving boards.
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