POOL TYPE

SIGNS AND DEPTH MARKINGS

SIGNS REQUIRED LOCATION

POOL OPERATOR’S
HANDBOOK
(WARNING in 4” letters, CHILDREN in 2”) (In 1” letters)

ALL POOLS IN CASE OF SIGN MOUNTED VISIBLY

& SPAS WARNING EMERGENCY
CALL 911
AND SECURELY INSIDE
POOL CLOSURE.
WITH NO NO LIFEGUARD ADDITIONAL SIGN FOR
LIFEGUARD (If phone is not visible)
[265.199 e,f,j ON DUTY TELEPHONE
TELEPHONE LOCATION
REQUIRED OUTSIDE FOR A,
265.205 f7] LOCATION :
CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL B & C POOLS ON THE GATE,
_________________
WITH OUT ADULT SUPERVISION DOOR OR FENCE IF LOCKED

SIGN MOUNTED SECURELY

AND VISIBLY INSIDE POOL
ENCLOSURE
ALL CLASS
C & D POOLS NO (in 4” letters and also a
4” international symbol) ALSO MOUNTED ON ANY
WITH NO PERMANENT STRUCTURE
LIFEGUARD DIVING LIKELY TO BE USED FOR
DIVING WITHIN 5 FT OF
[265.199 e, f] WATER SURFACE

(in 1” letters)
ALL SPAS SIGN MOUNTED
DO NOT USE THE CHILDREN SHOULD EMERGENCY
SPA IF THE WATER NOT USE SPA CUTOFF SECURELY AND
[265.192 m,
TEMPERATURE IS
ABOVE 104°F
WITHOUT ADULT
SUPERVISION
SWITCH VISIBLY INSIDE
LOCATION
205 f7] POOL ENCLOSURE

Sign 1) (Sign 2)

MAXIMUM NUMBER OF DIVING EQUIPMENT: SIGN MOUNTED SECURELY:

USERS IN THIS POOL IS: MFG’S NAME / ADDRESS
POST-10/1/99 BOARD EQUIPMENT LENGTH
BOARD ID: JUMPING or DIVING (Sign 1) INSIDE ENCLOSURE
POOLS & SPAS FIXED FULCRUM SETTING
ANSI / NSPI 1-1991 REFERENCE [265.203 j]
WEIGHT LIMITATIONS

[265.183 b3
DATE OF INSTALLATION (Sign 2) NEAR DIVING EQUIP
SHALLOW DEEP DIVING
265.184 n 15 ft²/ user 25 ft²/ user 300 ft²/ user
[265.186 c10]
(Sign 4)
265.185 e (Sign 3) ON FILTER OR TANK
(Sign 3) BACKWASH INSTRUCTIONS: [265.188 f]
265.186 c10
1. Clean Filter Pressure: _____ psi
265.188 f FILTER AND SEPARATION TANK 2. Normal operating pressures (Sign 4) NEAR FILTER
265.203 j INSTRUCTIONS: ______________ 3. Pressure differentials that indicate
______________ the need for filter cleaning
[265.183 b3]
265.205 f7]

(In 4” letters) SIGN MOUNTED TO

POOLS WITH TELEPHONE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTERIOR HOUSING
CHLORINE
DANGER DOOR. DOOR MUST
NUMBERS: HAZMAT AGENCY
GAS CHLORINE CHLORINE DEALER HAVE A WINDOW
[265.198 e, f6] OR A PORT
(In 1” letters)
SIGN MOUNTED ON EXTERIOR OF
ALL POOLS GATE IF PUMP IS NOT OPERATING A Simplified Version of the
& SPAS POOL CLOSED CONTINUOUSLY. HOWEVER,
CLARITY AND DISINFECTANT
[265.203 C2a] LEVEL MUST BE MAINTAINED

STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC

POOL TYPE MARKINGS REQUIRED LOCATION

DEPTH MARKINGS:
1. ON DECK
2. DEPTHS ARE MEASURED 3’ OUT FROM WALL
SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS
1. 4” PERMANENT LETTERS 3. PLACED EVERY 25‘ OR LESS APART, FOR EVERY (TAC, Title 25, Part 1, Chap 265 General Sanitation,
2. SLIP-RESISTANT 2’ CHANGE OF DEPTH, AND ALSO AT 5’ DEPTH
3. CONTRASTING COLOR 4. WITHIN 24” FROM AND FACING WATER EDGE
Subchap L, Section 265.181 to 265.208)
ALL POOLS 4. IN FEET OR METERS and FRACTION 5. ON VERTICAL WALLS, 4.5 INCHES FROM TOP, Texas Department of State Health Services
& SPAS AND 50% OF LETTERS ABOVE WATER LEVEL
www.dshs.state.tx.us
[265.186 c7C
FLOOR MARKINGS: 1. 4” FLOOR LINE IN CONTRASTING COLOR 1. ON POOL FLOOR AT 5’ TRANSITION POINT
2. 1” STEP LINE IN CONTRASTING COLOR 2. ON STEP EDGES
265.186 c10C Prepared for
265.199b]
1. ON DECK
LETTER MARKINGS: NO DIVING : 2. AT 6’ OR LESS DEPTHS, MINIMUM 2/ POOL
GRAYSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
(Same letter qualities as above) 3. 25’ OR LESS APART
4. 4” LETTERS & SYMBOL READ FACING WATER
Rev 6/05
 GLOSSARY

AVS: Atmospheric vent system designed to reduce entrapment by suction outlets

CONTENTS BACKWASH: Process of cleaning filters by reversing the water flow into the wastewater drain
BREAKPOINT: Combined chlorine destroyed by increasing free chlorine to 10 times that level
DEPTH: Shallow (less than 5 ft) Deep (5 ft or more)
Training p.1 FREE AVAILABLE CHLORINE: Total chlorine minus combined chlorine
POOL: Post 10/1/99 (constructed on or after 10-1-99) / Pre-10/1/99 (constructed before 10-1-99)
Safety p.2 Class A - For accredited competitive aquatic events and recreation
Class B - For public recreation and general public
Class C - For hotels, motels, apartments, condominiums, mobile home parks,
Water Quality, Testing p.3 property owners associations, clubs, schools etc.
Class D - A wading pool with a maximum depth of 24”
Circulation p.4, 5 Spa - Hot tub, whirlpool, hydrotherapy pool, mineral bath, air induction bubbles,
hydrojet circulation, etc., at least 2 feet deep, and having a maximum
2
surface area of 250 ft or maximum volume of 3250 gal, and is not drained
Maintenance p.6 after each use
Therapeutic Pool – Pool/spa operated exclusively for medical or therapeutic purposes.
Troubleshooting p.7 These pools are inspected under Texas Health and Safety Code 341.064.
SKIMMER WEIR: Adjustable door, flap etc. that moves with small changes in water level to
assure a steady continuous flow to draw floating debris.
Pool Closing p.8 SRVD: Safety vacuum release device (a mechanical or electrical system to reduce
entrapment risk by suction outlets)
Glossary Inner back cover SUCTION OUTLET: Opening(s) which drains water to the filter under negative pressure. A
skimmer is not a suction outlet.
SUPERCHLORINATE (Shock): Add chlorine to pool water to a level 10 times the amount of
Signs, Markings Outer back cover
combined chlorine in the water. Shocking is successful when the breakpoint has
been reached (see breakpoint above).
TURNOVER: Circulation of one volume of pool water equal to the total pool capacity
WATER
ASSEMBLING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PAMPHLET FORMAT (8½” X 5½”) QUALITY: Total Chlorine - all the chlorine in the pool water
Free Chlorine - that portion of total chlorine that actually destroys germs
1. Download the six sheets of this booklet. Combined Chlorine – undesirable chlorine that combined with ammonia, nitrogen,
2. Print only the odd sheets, 1, 3, & 5. Invert these and return to printer. or with human products such as sweat, saliva, urine, skin, lotions etc. Also
3. Print the even sheets 2, 4, & 6 on the back sides so that sheet 1 is on the back of sheet 2. called chloramine. Chloramine causes eye burn, has a strong chlorine odor
and can be removed by superchlorinating. Combined chlorine is equal to total
4. Place the 3 double-sided sheets in proper order, fold, and staple.
chlorine minus free chlorine.
pH - a value expressing acidic or basic properties. Chlorine is most effective at a
pH between 7.0 and 7.8 in water.
Stabilizer – (cyanuric acid) it protects chlorine from the damaging effects of U.V.
Purpose: in sunlight. It is not effective indoors. Bromine cannot be stabilized.
This publication has been prepared for public swimming pool operators Temperature - pool temperature is most critical in spas. (See p.3)
Turbidity (water clarity) - is the cloudy condition of water caused by the presence
and sanitarians to assist in making recreational waters as safe as
of fine particulate matter that interferes with the passage of light. Clear water
possible. It is in a condensed version for easy use and has italicized is vital during emergencies.
codes for quick reference to the more comprehensive rules in TAC Title Total Alkalinity - a measure of water’s ability to resist change in pH. It consists
25 §265 General Sanitation, Subchapter L, Texas Department of State mainly of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides.
Health Services. The latter takes precedence for compliance purposes. TDS (total dissolved solids) - the amount of dissolved matter in water, such as
calcium, magnesium, carbonates, metallic compounds. NOTE:: Adding
Acknowledgements: chemicals to pool water always increases TDS.
Hardness - the amount of calcium, magnesium, or other salts in water. Low
Compiled by D. B. Rubiano, R.S. using Standards for Public Swimming Pools and Spas, Texas
Department of State Health Services, 2005 rev, Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 341, 757
hardness is corrosive. High hardness causes scaling.
and TAC 337, Pool Operator’s Manual, Washington State Public Health Association and Washington Heavy Metals - copper, iron, manganese; may cause colored water, stains, or
State Environmental Health Association, 1997, Aquatic Technology Newsletter, US Filter’s Stranco green hair.
Products Aquatic Division, Bradley, IL, and The Proper Management of Pool and Spa Water, by Algae - one celled chlorophyll-containing plants that can thrive in water. They are
Mitchell P. Kirk, Hydrotech Chemical Corporation (Great Lakes Chemical Corporation) 1988. undesirable because they reduce water clarity, cause offensive odors, and
harbor germs. Algae can be controlled by proper chlorine levels.
 TRAINING
CLOSING POOLS CONDITIONS REQUIRING CLOSURE
OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT.
F Personnel responsible for the operation of the disinfection agent and other potentially hazardous
SUCTION
1. OUTLETS: chemicals shall be properly trained. Protective equipment and clothing, including rubber gloves and
goggles, and any other protective gear and safety information shall be provided;
Main Drain Grate Covers or grates missing, broken, or loose (1) Trained personnel shall be provided to comply with §265.197(b)(3) of this title (relating
Anti-Vortex Cover [265.187 a,189 a, and 265.190 b] to Disinfecting Equipment and Chemical Feeders for Post-10/01/99 and Pre-10/01/99
Pools and Spas);
Any Cover or Grate (2) Two persons trained in the performance of routine chlorination operation and
emergency procedures shall be readily available during normal operating hours;
(3) Pool personnel shall be informed about leak control procedures; only trained
DISINFECTANT Inadequate level, especially too low designated personnel shall operate the chlorinator and change chlorine cylinders; and
(4) Required operator certification for certain types of post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools
LEVEL [265.204 a, 207 a] and spas. Post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 Class A or B pools and Class D pools
operated in conjunction with a Class A or B pool shall be maintained under the
supervision and direction of a properly trained and certified operator who is responsible
The presence of fecal material from humans or for the sanitation, safety, and proper maintenance of the pool or spa, and for
maintaining all physical and mechanical equipment and records. Training and
FECAL MATERIAL animals requires immediate closure regardless certification can be obtained by completion of one of the following courses or their
of the disinfectant level [265.203, 204, 207, 341.064] equivalent:
(a) NRPA, "Aquatic Facility Operator" (A.F.O.);
(b) NSPF, "Certified Pool-Spa Operator" (C.P.O.);
(c) YMCA, "Pool Operator on Location" (P.O.O.L.);
WATER CLARITY Bottom and main drain are not clearly visible in (d) NSPI, "Professional Pool & Spa Operator" (P.P.S.O.); or the
ASPSA, "Licensed Aquatic Facility Technician" (L.A.F.T.).
the deepest part of the pool or spa [265.203 b,c,d,e]
F INSTRUCTIONS FOR POST-10/01/99 POOLS AND SPAS. Upon completion of construction of a
post-10/01/99 pool or spa, the owner shall obtain from the pool or spa builder complete written
operational instructions for the pool or spa. Written instructions shall include items such as
Regulatory authority determines that the procedures for filtration, backwash, cleaning, and operation of all chemical feed devices and
general maintenance of pool or spa. In addition, the following are required:
OTHER HAZARDS operation or maintenance of the pool or spa (1) Labeling of valves
constitutes a serious health or safety hazard (2) Labeling of exposed pipes
[265.207 a, c, 341.064] (3) Clean filter pressures, normal operating pressures, and pressure differentials that
indicate the need for filter cleaning

F LIFEGUARD PERSONNEL STANDARDS at post-10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools. Post-

All pools and spas shall have a current and 10/01/99 and pre-10/01/99 pools shall comply with the following lifeguard requirements:
OPERATING PERMIT valid operating permit issued by the (1) Lifeguards shall hold a current ARC "Lifeguard Training" certificate or the equivalent
regulatory authority [265.183 a, other ordinances] certification from an aquatic safety organization, which also includes training in ARC "Adult, Infant,
and Child CPR" and "Community First Aid" or their equivalent;
(2) An additional lifeguard, or second responder who is monitoring and readily available at the
pool, and who has a minimum training in (ARC) "Adult, Infant, and Child CPR" and "Community
For pools not in use for extended periods of First Aid" or equivalent training, shall also be in the pool area when the pool is in use;
OFF SEASON time, clarity shall be maintained, algae growth (3) All lifeguards and second responders shall receive training in the application of effective pool
CLOSURE prevented, and no objectionable odors, emergency procedures for events such as submersions, suspected spinal injury, medical
emergencies, missing persons, bad weather, etc. Such training will be reviewed as necessary and
insect breeding conditions, or other nuisance kept current;
or safety hazard shall be present [265.203 d,e] (4) Pool facilities shall provide alertness/response drills and other training including
documentation of the following:
(a) a pre-season training program
PUMP NOT A pool pump may operate for less than 24 (b) a continual "in-service" training program for all lifeguards, and other aquatic
personnel totaling a minimum 60 minutes per week
OPERATING hours a day if a pool closed sign is installed (c) performance "audits" as recommended by the ARC or YMCA or equivalent aquatic
CONTINUALLY on every gate and clarity and disinfectant safety organization
are maintained. [265.203c2] (d) an emergency action plan similar to the one outlined by the ARC or YMCA or
equivalent aquatic safety organization
(e) management at each facility shall maintain a current file with each staff person's
RE-OPENING A CLOSED POOL OR SPA [265 208e] current certification including expiration dates

Operation of a closed pool or spa may be resumed only by the explicit F MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS): Manufacturer’s description of the significant
hazard information and shall be maintained for every chemical used and must be available for
authorization of the regulatory authority. A reinspection may be required. emergency responders upon request. Information in the MSDS sheets shall include: storage,
labeling, protective equipment for operators, safety, and first aid treatment.
8
1
 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TROUBLE
CAUSE CORRECTION
SHOOTING
LIFEGUARDS (1) Required at Class A, B, and C (with diving board or unlocked slide)
[265.199 g] (2) Minimum number for adequate supervision (see Training P.1)
High combined chlorine Superchlorinate (shock)
(1) Required at Class A, B & C visibly within 20’ of pool
RING BUOY (2) U.S. Coast Guard approved, 15 to 24” diam Chemical imbalance Correct pH, alkalinity, hardness
[265.199 i] (3) Attached to a 1/4 to 3/8 inch rope, 2/3 pool width
(4) 1 ring. One additional ring & pole if over 2000 ft2 water surface CLOUDY Clogged filter Backwash
WATER
(1) Required at Class A, B & C visibly within 20’ of pool High TDS Add coagulant or partial pool drain
REACHING POLE (2) Light weight, strong, non-telescopic, 12 ft min
[265.199 i] (3) Fiberglass or non-conducting; body hook with blunted ends
(4) 1 pole. One additional pole & ring if over 2000 ft2 water surface High cyanuric acid Total or partial pool drain
D.E. spill, or floc overuse Repair filter septum, use cationic floc
(1) Both required at Class A & B pools, either required at Class C
FLOAT LINE or (2) Placed at 5 ft depth, 1 to 2 ft on shallow side
FLOOR MARKING (3) Floats spaced 7 ft max apart EYE BURN High combined chlorine Superchlorinate (shock)
(Over 5 ft depth) (4) Sufficient size and strength for handhold support SKIN IRRITATION
[265.199 b] (5) Side wall attachments are corrosion resistant and non-projecting CHLORINE ODOR Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
when rope is detached.
(6) Floor marking is 4” wide in contrasting color Low pH Add soda ash or caustic soda

(1) Required at Post 10/1/99 pools/spas if depths exceed 42” and GREEN HAIR OR Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
there is no seatbench/swimout/lounge below water perimeter COLORED WATER
(2) May include rope, ladder, ledge, deck, coping (2” or less) etc. Low hardness Add calcium chloride
HANDHOLDS (3) Located along immediate top edge of pool, no more than 9”
[265.186 b7,8 and 199 a] above design water level, 4” min horizontal width, slip-resistant Reduce copper algaecide or use a
(4) Handrails must be provided if lifeguards are required. Access Copper or other non-copper type. Also, chemicals for
to pool’s edge and stairs must comply with ADA and fair housing. minerals present treating pool water may not be iron
free. It is also possible that minerals in
Pool Type Fence Opening Height Gates (open outward)
the make-up water are over 1.0 ppm.
Class A, B Max 1¼” (>1½”) 6 ft (7ft) Supervised or locked
ENCLOSURES Under Chap 757 Max 1¾ “ 4 ft Self-closing, latching* Build-up of body oils, Superchlorinate (shock)
[265.200, 757]
Class C, D Max 4” 4 ft Self-closing, latching*
cosmetics, other Enforce showering prior to pool use
EXCESSIVE
*3½ ft above deck FOAM, FILM
Chain link only permitted for fences installed on or after 9-1-04 for pre-10/1/99 pools OR SCUM
QAC algaecide excess Use non-foaming algaecide
SPA EMERGENCY Required for all spas, 5 ft or more away (except for air switches), in 1” Low disinfectant Superchlorinate (shock)
SHUTOFF [265.192 m] letters, within sight of spa (or a sign stating the location of the switch).
High pH Add muriatic acid
ELECTRICAL Required for all pools, a disconnecting means of all hot wires of
DISCONNECT [265.192eh] pool equipment, located within sight of pool. Also, GFI required. Low total alkalinity Add soda ash or bicarbonate
LIGHTING Required if operated during low illumination: underwater (0.5 watts SCALE High hardness Add sodium hexametaphosphate or
2
per ft water surface); overhead (0.5 foot candles per deck surface) DEPOSITS
[265.192e,199 k] partial pool drain
with no bottom glare. Also, GFI required.
High heavy metal Chelation treatment
TELEPHONE [256.199 i] Required for all pools and spas (within 200 ft, no locked doors/gates)
Low pH or tot alkalinity Add soda ash or caustic soda
FIRST AID KIT [265.205 f] Required at Class A, B & others w / lifeguards. Standard OSHA 24 unit. METAL PARTS
CORRODING Low hardness Add calcium chloride
THERMOMETER Required at all spas. Must be unbreakable type. Also, a visible
[265.205 f] clock is recommended near each spa. Low chlorine Superchlorinate (shock, non-stabilized form)
Also, treat water with QAC algaecide.
DEPTH MARKINGS See outer back cover
ALGAE High cyanuric acid Total or partial pool drain
SUCTION OUTLET COVER See Circulation p.5
2 High phosphorous Add lanthium carbonate or apply spot
BATHER LOAD The maximum user load shall not exceed one person per 9 ft of
[265.185 e] water surface, (see required sign on outer back cover).
treatment with calcium hypochlorite
2 7
 WATER TESTING
MAINTENANCE ACTION REQUIRED REQUIREMENTS [265.204] FREQUENCY
QUALITY
Too Low: Add disinfectant to feeder
DISINFECTANT Too High: Add sodium thiosulfate Required every 2 hrs
Pools Spas for Class A, B or D/spa
pH Too low: Add soda ash or caustic soda (located at A or B), or
Too high: Add muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate Free chlorine 1 to 8 2 to 8 daily for auto systems

TOTAL Too low: Add soda ash or sodium bicarbonate DISINFECTANT Free bromine* 2.5 to 12 4.5 to 12 Recommended every
ALKALINITY Too high: Add muriatic acid (ppm) 2 hrs for Class C or
Combined chlorine 0 0 D/spa (located at C), or
SHOCKING (superchlorination): Add sufficient chlorine to burn (total minus free) daily for auto systems
away (or oxidize) all products formed when chlorine combines with
human waste such as sweat, urine, skin, lotions, etc. ORP (Oxidation-Reduction 650 MV min— 650 MV min— NOTE: RECORDS MAY BE
Potential) REQUIRED IF INSPECTIONS
INDICATE NON-COMPLIANCE.
WHEN TO SHOCK: —
Readings may be affected by pH or cyanuric acid SAVE FOR 2 YRS [265.204 e,]
(1) Whenever combined chlorine is detected on tests:
pH 7.0 to 7.8 “
Example: total chlorine 1.5
free chlorine (subtract) 1.0 CYANURIC ACID 100.0 max (none for bromine) As necessary to assure
combined chlorine 0.5 (ppm) proper chemical control
(2) Whenever eye or skin irritation, sharp chlorine odor, flat
COMBINED hazy water, or algae is noted, or TEMPERATURE Spas 104°F max ”
CHLORINE (3) Daily Monthly Weekly
Spas Pools Pools if water temperature is over 85 WATER Pool bottom and the main drain at the “
CLARITY deepest part of pool are clearly visible
HOW TO SHOCK:
(1) Remove all bathers. If indoors, open doors/windows, fans on. TOTAL ALKALINITY 60 to 180 (Recommended) ”
(2) Measure the combined chlorine. Multiply that by 10 or 12. (ppm)
(3) Increase the free residual chlorine to that level, as follows:
TDS (ppm) 5000 max (Recommended) “
Example:
HEAVY METALS None (Recommended) “
X 7.5 X ÷ 1,000,000 X 12 =
HARDNESS 150 to 1000 (Recommended) “
pool volume (lb/gal) combined (ppm) gal of beach*
chlorine
ALGAE/BACTERIA None (Recommended) “
*If other shock treatments are used in lieu of bleach, be sure to divide
this number by the % hypochlorite. For instance, divide the number
by 0.65 when using calcium hypochlorite (65%). This is in pounds.
TEST KIT [265.204 b,c,d]

(4) Re-open pool when combined chlorine is finally zero ppm. 1. A reliable means of testing the above is required. Check expiration dates often.
2. Proper storage according to manufacturer’s recommendations is required.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN WORKING WITH CHEMICALS *3. If a DPD chlorine test kit is used for bromine, multiply test result by 2.25.

PERSONNEL Always wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves. Use only COMMON TEST KIT ERRORS
EPA registered chemicals and according to manufacturer’s instructions.
ERROR CAUSE COMMENT
Ö Acids and bases EXAMPLE: muriatic acid and sodium hydroxide
DPD kit: false High disinfectant Normal pink color is bleached (flash off) by excess
Dry organic and inorganic chemicals such as: yellow or clear color disinfectant. Dilute new sample with distilled water.
DO ORGANIC INORGANIC Retest. If in normal range, lower pool disinfectant.
NOT Ö Dichlor Sodium carbonate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, pH kit: false Limited range Add distilled water to pool water and retest. If new
MIX Trichlor hydroxide, thiosulfate, Calcium hypochlorite yellow or red color of phenol red pH is in normal range, pool water pH is wrong.
Ö Water into chemicals. Instead, always add chemicals to water. pH kit: purple color High disinfectant Phenol red is reacting with the excess disinfectant.
Lower the disinfectant.
Ö Chemicals directly into skimmers. Children often play here.
Total alkalinity: High disinfectant Normal green-to-red shift is bleached out by excess
STORAGE Store chemicals in a dry, well ventilated, isolated area. Remove petroleum blue-to-green color disinfectant. Resample, add chlorine neutralizer
products. Cover chemicals and be sure labels are readable. (e.g. thiosulfate) to the sample, then retest.
6 3
 Every suction line shall have a minimum of 2 hydraulically-
CIRCULATION REQUIREMENTS
balanced suction outlets 3 to 20 feet apart from cover
STEP ONE: DETERMINE AVERAGE POOL DEPTH edges. Water velocity shall not exceed the following:
Add deep end depth (ft) ____ + shallow end depth (ft) ___ ÷ 2 = avg. depth (ft) _____ Velocity Location
Outlets 6 ft/sec In pipes
Pool STEP TWO: DETERMINE POOL VOLUME 1½ ft/sec Thru a 24” diagonal grate
Flow rate stamped on cover Thru a A112.19.8M cover
Sizing Rectangular pools:
Length (ft) ___ x Width (ft) ___ x Avg. Depth (ft)___ x 7.5 = GAL Also, for 4 ft max depth pools with grates less than 24”, an atmospheric
vent system (AVS) or safety release vacuum system (SRVS) is required.
Round pools: Sump clearance = the lesser of 1½ X suction pipe diameter or 8”.
Long Short Avg
Diameter (ft)___ x Diameter (ft) ___ x Depth (ft) ___ x 5.9 = GAL
Suction Every suction outlet shall have an ASME/ANSI approved
Outlets cover stamped with 112.19.8M and gallons per minute. Also,
[265.190]
Pool Type Turnover Rate
a replacement spare cover on-site is required. As an
Spa ½ hour Covers alternative, an approved grate with a minimum diagonal
Wading 1 hour measurement of 24” may be substituted for the approved
Post-10/1/99 pool <4ft avg depth (x 1.5) 4½ hours cover. If used, all fasteners must be stainless or brass
Turnover Post-10/1/99 pool ≥4 ft avg depth 6 hours removable only with a tool.
[265.187 b,c] Pre-10/1/99 pool (heavy bather load) 6 hours
Pre-10/1/99 pool (normal load) 8 hours Pre-10/01/99 pools or spas must comply as follows: [265.190 e]
NOTE: Generally, wading pools, spas, and heavier loads require faster DEPTH (4 ft or less) DEPTH (over 4 ft)
turnover rates since more organic substances such as sweat, urine, feces, Upgrading Dual hydraulically balanced Dual hydraulically balanced
skin, etc. are expected to be present. outlets 3 to 20 ft apart with outlets 3 to 20 ft apart with
HOW TO CALCULATE THE FLOWMETER READING: (by 1-1-05) either (1) approved covers or approved covers or grates, or
grates and an AVS or SVRD,
or (2) 24” grates, or
Pool Volume = GPM
Turnover Rate x 60 Single outlet with a 24” grate Single outlet with approved cover
and an AVS or SVRD or grate and an AVS or SVRD
Examples: Pool Volume (gal) Reading (GPM)
1,000 Wading 16.6 Exemption A Pre-10/1/99 pool or spa, less than 3 feet deep which meets
1,000 Spa 33.3 [265.190 e 1C] the required turnover and feeds directly into another pool
10,000 27.8 having a main drain, is not required to have a main drain.
15,000 41.7
20,000 55.5 Skimmers Weirs shall be present.
20,000 Pre-10/1/99 pool 41.6 Vacuums Automatically closes & latches, must be closed and latched when pool is open.
May be permanently sealed.
Flowmeters WHEN FLOWMETER READINGS ARE TOO LOW
[265.187 b9, c7] (1) Filter clogged, backwashing may be necessary Equalizers Approved covers or permanently sealed.
(2) Skimmers, screens, strainers may need cleaning
(3) Flowmeter itself may need cleaning. It may also be installed HOW TO BACKWASH [265.188 h]
incorrectly (see below).
(4) Pump malfunction (1) Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
(2) If instructions are not available, backwash when the pressure between
CORRECT INSTALLATION OF A FLOWMETER
the inlet and the outlet of the filter is 10 to 12 psi., as follows:
(1) Match flowmeter with pipe size and flow direction arrow ( )
Filter with 1 pressure gauge: First backwash completely and
(2) Flowmeter shall read at least 1½ times design flow rate.
record the cleaned filter pressure; this is the reference pressure for a clean filter.
(3) Install flowmeter after the filters to avoid clogging flowmeter.
Later, when the gauge measures 10 to 12 psi above the reference pressure, then
(4) Install it on a straight pipe at a minimum distance from all
backwashing is necessary.
elbows, tees, or reducers using the following rule:
(10 times pipe diameter upstream and 4 times downstream. Filter with 2 pressure gauges: Backwash when the difference
to avoid flowmeter inaccuracies due to internal turbulence) between the two gauges measures 10 to 12 psi.
Examples: 10 X 4X (3) NOTE: Backwashing should not be done too frequently since freshly backwashed filters
Pipe Size Upstream (from filter) Downstream (to pool) are not very efficient. However, efficiency increases as the pressure nears 10 to 12 psi.
1” 10” 4”
1½” 15” 6” (4) Flowmeter reading may be reduced noticeably when filter begins to clog.
2” 20” 8” (5) Instructions for backwashing, filtration, cleaning, operation, and general maintenance shall
2½” 25” 10” be available.
4 5