Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 511 - RULES OF GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH › Chapter 511-3 - ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH HAZARDS › Subject 511-3-5 - PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SPAS, AND RECREATIONAL WATER PARKS › Rule 511-3-5-.04 - Structural Design

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1)
				Pools shall be constructed of reinforced concrete or impervious and
				structurally sound materials, which provide a smooth, easily cleaned,
				watertight structure capable of withstanding the anticipated loads for full and
				empty conditions, taking into account climatic and hydrostatic considerations,
				and the integration of the pool with other structures. The structural design
				and materials used shall be in accordance with generally accepted structural
				engineering practices.
(2) Pool
				shell construction material may also include fiberglass, stainless steel and
				modular panel systems meeting the requirements of this section and any
				applicable American Society of Testing and Materials standards or state
				building code.
(3) Sand or earth
				shall not be permitted as an interior finish in a swimming pool or
				spa.
(4) The pool or spa shell,
				appurtenances, piping, filter system, pump and motor, and other components
				shall be constructed to facilitate protection from damage due to
				freezing.
(5) Surfaces within the
				pool or spa intended to provide footing for users shall be designed to provide
				a slip-resistant surface that is rigid and resistant to puncture and
				tear.
(6) Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
				membrane systems may be used as an interior finish of a public pool if the
				supporting watertight pool shell to which the system is attached meets the
				structure requirements of the chapter. If the structure complies with the
				chapter, the contractor may permanently attach an approved PVC membrane or
				panel system to all surfaces within the pool. A PVC membrane shall be a minimum
				of 55 mils in thickness.
(7) The
				roughness or irregularity of such surfaces shall not be such as to cause injury
				or discomfort to the feet during normal use.
(8) The color of the interior shall be white
				or light pastel and shall not obscure the presence of a bather on the bottom of
				the pool, or of objects, debris, algae, or surface cracks within the
				pool.
(9) Swimming pools and spas
				and their appurtenances shall be constructed of materials which are nontoxic to
				man and the environment, impervious and enduring, able to withstand design
				stresses, and able to provide a watertight structure with a smooth and easily
				cleaned surface without cracks or joints, excluding structural joints, or to
				which a smooth, easily cleaned surface finish is applied or attached. Materials
				of manufacture for swimming pools and spas shall be capable of fulfilling the
				design, installation, and intended use requirements in these rules. The
				materials of manufacture, components and accessories used in public spas shall
				comply with the following:
(a)
Plumbing.
All plumbing shall be sized, installed, and maintained
				according to applicable State Regulations and local plumbing codes. Written
				evidence shall be provided from a licensed plumbing contractor or the plumbing
				inspector, as required by the local health authority, of compliance with the
				plumbing code.
(b)
Electrical
				Systems.
All electrical wiring, equipment, and installation, including
				the grounding of pool components, shall conform with national, state and local
				electrical codes. Written evidence shall be provided from a licensed electrical
				contractor or electrical inspector, as required by the local health authority,
				of compliance with all electrical codes.
(c)
Recirculation and Treatment Systems
				and other Components.
All recirculation and treatment system equipment
				and all other components such as filters, recessed automatic surface skimmers,
				ionizers, ozone generators, solar heaters, disinfection feeders, chlorine
				generators and sensory deprivation chambers or float pods must be tested and
				approved using the current NSF Standard 50, Circulation System Components and
				Related Materials for Swimming Pool, Spas/Hot Tubs." Written evidence shall be
				provided from the designing engineer that all recirculation and treatment
				systems and all components used in the installation meet these approved
				standards.
(d)
Material
				Surfaces.
All surfaces that come in contact with the user shall be
				finished so that they do not constitute a cutting, pinching, puncturing or
				abrasion hazard under casual contact and intended use. All materials shall be
				maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
(e)
Compatibility
. Combinations
				of different materials shall be chemically and mechanically compatible for
				their intended use and environment. Any pool with a metal-based shell or
				utilizing dissimilar metals shall be provided with sacrificial anodes or other
				approved means to reduce galvanic action and electrolytic corrosion.
(f)
Ventilation.
Mechanical
				ventilation shall be provided for all indoor public swimming pools and pump
				rooms. All systems shall be sized, installed and maintained according to
				applicable state regulations and local codes. Written evidence shall be
				provided by a licensed heating, ventilation and air-conditioning contractor
				certifying compliance with all applicable codes and with the latest ANSI/ASHRAE
				standard 62.1, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality. A written
				statement of commissioning shall be provided to the owner stating that the
				amount of outdoor air meets the performance requirements of the applicable
				codes.