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-.01 - Definitions

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation
				 and enforcement of this chapter.
(1)
				"Abandoned Pool" means a public pool that has not been permitted or not in
				operation for at least four calendar years.
(2) "Abrasion Hazard" means a sharp or rough
				surface that would scrape the skin by chance during normal use.
(3) "Accessible" means easily exposed for
				inspection and for the replacement of materials or parts with the use of
				tools.
(4) "Active Area" means
				those water areas in pools which are three feet or less in water
				depth.
(5) "Air Induction System"
				means a system whereby a volume of air (only) is induced into a hollow duct in
				a spa floor, bench or other location. The air induction system is activated by
				a separate air power blower.
(6)
				"Air Pump Assist Backwash" means the compression of air in the filter effluent
				chamber (by means of an air compressor or by the water pressure from the
				recirculating pump) which, when released, rapidly decompresses and forces water
				in the filter chamber through the elements in reverse, dislodging the filter
				aid and accumulated dirt, carrying it to waste.
(7) "Alkalinity" means the amount of
				bicarbonate, carbonate or hydroxide compounds present in water solution. See
				also "Total Alkalinity."
(8)
				"Aquatic Facility" means a physical place that contains one or more public
				swimming pools and support infrastructure.
(9) "Aquatic Feature" means an individual
				component within a public pool. Examples include slides, structures designed to
				be climbed or walked across by bathers, and structures that create falling or
				shooting water.
(10) "Automated
				Controller" means a system of at least one chemical probe, a controller, and
				auxiliary or integrated component that senses the level of one or more water
				parameters and provides a signal to other equipment to maintain the parameters
				within a user-established range.
(11) "Backwash" means the process of
				thoroughly cleansing the filter medium, elements, and the contents of the
				filter vessel by the reverse flow of water through the filter.
(12) "Barrier" means a fence, safety cover,
				wall, building wall or a combination thereof, which completely surrounds or
				covers the swimming pool or spa and obstructs access to the swimming pool, spa
				or recreational water park.
(13)
				"Bather" means any person who uses a swimming pool, spa, or recreational water
				park, or adjoining deck areas for the purpose of water sports, recreation,
				therapy, or related activities.
(14) "Booster or Jet Pump System" means a
				system whereby one or more hydrotherapy jets are activated by the use of a pump
				which is completely independent of the filtration and heating system of a spa.
				It may also mean a device used to provide hydraulic support for certain types
				of equipment such as cleaning systems, gas chlorinators and solar
				systems.
(15) "Breakpoint
				Chlorination" means the conversion of inorganic chloramine compounds to
				nitrogen gas by reaction with free available chlorine. The point at which the
				drop occurs is referred to as the "breakpoint". The amount of free chlorine
				that must be added to the water to achieve breakpoint chlorination is
				approximately ten times the amount of combined chlorine in the water.
(16) "Brominator" means a device to apply or
				to deliver a bromine disinfectant to water at a controlled rate.
(17) "Cartridge" means a pleated or
				surface-type filter component with fixed dimensions that is designed to remove
				suspended particles from water flowing through the filter.
(18) "Chemical Feeder" means a mechanical
				device for applying chemicals to pool or spa water.
(19) "Chloramine" means a compound formed
				when chlorine combines with nitrogen or ammonia that causes eye and skin
				irritation and has a strong, objectionable odor.
(20) "Chlorinator" means a device to apply or
				to deliver a chlorine disinfectant to water at a controlled rate.
(21) "Chlorine Generator" means equipment
				that generates chlorine, hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite on site for
				disinfection and oxidation of water contaminants.
(22) "Circulation Equipment" means the
				mechanical components that are part of a circulation system in a pool or spa.
				Circulation equipment includes, but is not limited to, pumps, hair and lint
				strainers, filters, valves, gauges, meters, heaters, surface skimmers,
				inlet/outlet fittings, and chemical feeding devices. These components may have
				separate functions, but when connected to each other by piping, perform as a
				coordinated system for purposes of maintaining pool and spa water in a clear,
				sanitary and desirable condition.
(23) "Circulation System" means an
				arrangement of mechanical equipment or components, connected by piping to a
				pool or spa in a closed circuit. The function of a circulation system is to
				direct water from the pool or spa, causing it to flow through the various
				system components for purposes of clarifying, heating, purifying and returning
				the water back to the original body of water.
(24) "Clarifier" means a chemical that
				coagulates and neutralizes suspended particles in water, such as inorganic
				salts of aluminum or iron and water-soluble organic polyelectrolyte polymers.
				Also called coagulant or flocculent.
(25) "Contact Concentration" means the
				concentration of a chemical in a flow of water. This concentration depends on
				the rate of addition, the flow rate of the water and the efficiency of the
				mixing. It is calculated using the equation (assumes complete mixing): Amount
				of Chemical (gpm)/Water Flow Rate (gpm) x 4.41 = Contact Concentration
				(mg/L).
(26) "Combined chlorine"
				means the reaction of free chlorine with ammonia and nitrogen compounds to form
				chloramines.
(27) "Contamination
				Response Plan" means a plan for handling contamination from formed-stool,
				diarrheal-stool, and vomit.
(28)
				"Coping" means the cap on the pool or spa wall that provides a finishing edge
				around the pool or spa, whether formed, cast in place, pre-cast concrete, or
				pre-fabricated from metal or plastic materials.
(29) "Country Club" means a location with
				facilities for outdoor sports and social activities for which members pay a
				membership fee other than a daily fee, periodically for the use of facilities
				and services by them and their guests. Fraternal organizations may be included
				in this definition.
(30) "Cove"
				means the radius between the pool or spa wall and the pool or spa
				floor.
(31) "CT Value" means a
				representation of the concentration of the disinfectant (C) multiplied by time
				in minutes (T) needed for inactivation of a particular contaminant. The
				concentration and time are inversely proportional; therefore, the higher the
				concentration of the disinfectant, the shorter the contact time required for
				inactivation. The CT value can vary with pH or temperature change so these
				values must also be supplied to allow comparison between values.
(32) "Cyanuric Acid" means a chemical that
				helps reduce the excess loss of chlorine in water due to the ultraviolet rays
				of the sun. It is also called stabilizer, isocyanuric acid, conditioner or
				triazinetrione.
(33) "Decks" means
				those areas immediately adjacent to or attached to a pool or spa that are
				intended for bathers to sit, stand, or walk upon. It connects the pool to
				adjacent amenities, entrances, and exits. This area is expected to be regularly
				trafficked and made wet by bathers.
(34) "Deep Areas" means water depths in
				excess of five feet.
(35)
				"Department" means the Georgia Department of Public Health.
(36) "Diatomite" means the filtering medium
				of a diatomaceous earth filter composed of microscopic fossil skeletons of the
				"diatom," a tiny freshwater marine plankton.
(37) "Disinfectant" means an agent used to
				kill undesirable or pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms that have a
				measurable residual at a level adequate to make the desired kill.
(38) "Diving Board" means a recreational
				mechanism for entering a swimming pool, consisting of a semi rigid board that
				derives its elasticity through the use of a fulcrum mounted below the board.
				This term includes, without limitation, a "jump board" with a coil spring, leaf
				spring or comparable device located beneath the board which is activated by the
				force exerted in jumping on the board, and a "stationary diving platform" used
				for diving and constructed or located on site, including natural or artificial
				rocks, pedestals or other items.
(39) "DPD (Diethyl-p-phenylene Diamine)"
				means a reagent and test method that specifically measure bromine or free
				available and total chlorine, producing a series of colors from pale pink to
				dark red.
(40) "Effective Filter
				Area" means total surface area through which the designed flow rate will be
				maintained during filtration.
(41)
				"Effluent" means the water that flows out of a filter, pump or other
				device.
(42) "EPA Registered" means
				all products regulated and registered under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,
				and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA
				registered products will have a registration number on the label which can be
				verified by using the EPA National Pesticide Information Retrieval
				System.
(43) "Equipment Room" means
				a space intended for the operation of pool pumps, filters, heaters and
				controllers.
(44) "Feet of Head"
				means a basis for indicating the resistance in a hydraulic system, equivalent
				to the height of a column of water that would cause the same resistance (100
				feet of head equals 43 pounds per square inch).
(45) "Filter" means a device that removes
				undissolved particles from water by recirculating the water through a porous
				substance (a filter medium or element).
(46) "Filter Element" means a device within a
				filter tank designed to entrap solids and conduct water to a manifold,
				collection header, pipe, or similar conduit and return it to the pool or spa. A
				filter element usually consists of a septum and septum support or a
				cartridge.
(47) "Free Available
				Chlorine (FAC)" means the portion of the total available chlorine that is not
				"combined chlorine" and is present as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or hypochlorite
				ion (OCl-) and will react chemically with undesirable or pathogenic
				organisms.
(48) "Flume" means the
				riding channels of a waterslide which accommodate riders using or not using
				mats, tubes, rafts, and other transport vehicles as they slide along a path
				lubricated by a water flow.
(49)
				"Handhold/Handrail" means a device that can be gripped by a user for the
				purpose of resting or steadying him/herself. It is not limited to but may be
				located inside or outside the pool or spa or as part of a set of steps or
				deck-installed equipment.
(50)
				"Hardness" means the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in water;
				measured by a test kit and expressed as parts per million (ppm) of equivalent
				calcium carbonate.
(51) "Health
				Authority" means both the Georgia Department of Public Health and the County
				Board of Health - Environmental Health Office.
(52) "Hydrotherapy Spa or Spa" means a unit
				that may have a therapeutic use but which is not drained, cleaned, or refilled
				for each individual. It may include, but not be limited to, hydrotherapy jet
				circulation, hot water/cold water mineral baths, air induction bubbles or any
				combination thereof. Industry terminology for a spa includes, but is not
				limited to,"therapeutic pool," "hydrotherapy pool," "whirlpool," and "hot
				spa."
(53) "Imminent Health Hazard"
				means a product, practice, circumstance, event or condition that requires
				immediate correction or cessation of operation in order to prevent a
				significant threat of danger or death, injury or illness.
(54) "Increased Risk Public Pool" means a
				public pool which, due to its intrinsic characteristics and intended users, has
				a greater likelihood of microbial contamination. An increased-risk public pool
				includes spray pads, wading pools, and others designed for children less than
				five years old.
(55) "Influent"
				means the water entering a filter or other device.
(56) "In ground Swimming Pool" means any pool
				where the sides rest in partial or full contact with the earth.
(57) "Lifeguard" means an individual who has
				successfully completed a recognized lifeguard training course, holds a current
				certificate for such training, has met the pre-service requirements, and is
				participating in continuing in-service training requirements of the
				facility.
(58) "Modification" means
				changes or repairs to equipment, interior finishes, or fixtures on a public
				swimming pool that will not disturb or remove any portion of the plumbing,
				decking, or watertight shell structure.
(59) "Monitoring" means the regular and
				purposeful observation and checking of systems or facilities and recording of
				data, including system alerts, excursions from acceptable ranges, and other
				facility issues. Monitoring includes human or electronic means.
(60) "Multi-port Filter-Control Valve" means
				a multiport valve having a number of control positions for various filter
				operations that combines in one unit the function of two or more single
				valves.
(61) "Non-swimming Area"
				means any portion of a pool where water depth, offset ledges, or similar
				irregularities prevents normal swimming activities.
(62) "Organic Matter" means perspiration,
				urine, saliva, suntan oil, cosmetics, lotions, dead skin, and similar debris
				introduced to water by users and the environment.
(63) "Orthotolidine (OTO)" means a colorless
				reagent that reacts with chlorine or bromine to produce a series of
				yellow-to-orange colors which indicate the amount of chlorine or bromine in
				water.
(64) "Oxidation Reduction
				Potential" means a measure of the tendency for a solution to either gain or
				lose electrons; higher (more positive) oxidation reduction potential indicates
				a more oxidative solution.
(65)
				"Overflow System" means a system for the removal of pool/spa surface water
				through the use of overflows, surface skimmers and surface water collection
				systems of various design and manufacture.
(66) "Patron" means a bather or other person
				or occupant at a public pool who may or may not have contact with water either
				through partial or total immersion. Patrons may not have contact with the
				water, but who might still be exposed to potential contamination from the
				facility's air, surfaces, or aerosols.
(67) "Peninsula / Wing Wall" means a
				structural projection into a pool intended to provide partial separation within
				the body of water.
(68) "pH" means
				the negative log of the concentration of hydrogen ions. As pH is raised, more
				ionization occurs and chlorine disinfectants decrease in
				effectiveness.
(69) "Pool" means
				any artificial water holding structure with a closed-loop circulation of water
				through a water treatment system with a return to the structure.
(70) "Private Pool" means any constructed
				pool, permanent or non-portable, that serves a single-family dwelling and is
				used only by the residents of that dwelling and their guests.
(71) "Public Swimming Pool" means any
				structure, chamber, or tank containing an artificial body of water shared and
				used by the public for swimming, diving, wading, recreation or therapy,
				together with buildings, appurtenances and equipment used in connection with
				the body of water, regardless of whether a fee is charged for its use. The term
				includes municipal, school, hotel, or motel pools, and any pool to which access
				is granted in exchange for payment of a daily fee. The term shall also include
				pools and spas operated by or serving camps, churches, day care centers, group
				home facilities of twelve or more clients, institutions, parks, state agencies,
				condominiums, mobile home parks, recreational vehicle parks, associations,
				health clubs, special purpose pools, and recreational water parks. Public
				swimming pools are divided into the following classifications:
(a) Class "A" means a pool intended for use
				for accredited competitive swimming events such as Federation Internationale De
				Natation (FINA), USA Swimming, USA Diving, National Collegiate Athletic
				Association (NCAA) and National Federation of State High School Associations
				(NFHS) and other governing bodies. The use of such a pool is not limited to
				competitive events.
(b) Class "B"
				means a pool intended for general public recreational use.
(c) Class "C" means a pool operated solely
				for and in conjunction with lodging and housing such as hotels, motels,
				campgrounds and multi-residential housing.
(d) Class "D" means special purpose pools
				(see special purpose pool types).
(e) Class "E" means pools or spas used for
				instruction, play, or therapy, and having a water temperature above 90
				degrees°F (32 degrees °C).