15A NCAC 18A .2516. POOL PROFILE

(a)  The vertical walls of a public swimming pool shall not exceed 11 degrees from plumb.  Corners formed by intersection of walls and floors shall be coved or radiused.  Hopper bottomed pools are prohibited.

(b)  Underwater ledges or protrusions are prohibited; except that underwater stairs, sun shelves, seats and benches may be installed in areas of the pool no more than four feet deep.  Underwater benches shall have a maximum seat depth of two feet from the water surface, protrude no more than 18 inches from the wall and be marked by a two inch contrasting color band on the leading edge.  Underwater protrusions may provide seating at swim-up bars located in offset areas away from swim lanes.  Underwater stairs may adjoin a sun shelf to deeper water provided the depth at the bottom of the stairs is no more than four feet and the stairs meet all provisions of Rule .2521 of this Section.

(c)  The slope of the bottom of any portion of any public swimming pool having a water depth of less than five feet (1.52 m) shall not be more than one foot vertical change in 10 feet (10 cm in one meter) of horizontal distance and the slope shall be uniform.

(d)  In portions of pools with water depths greater than five feet (1.52 m), the slope of the bottom shall not be more than one foot vertical in three feet (33.3 cm in one meter) of horizontal distance.

(e)  Design of diving areas shall be in accordance with Tables 1A and 1B of Rule .2517 of this Section.

(f)  Fountains installed in public swimming pools shall be approved prior to installation and shall comply with the following:

(1)           Fountains shall not be installed in an area with a water depth exceeding 18 inches;

(2)           Fountains shall be recommended by the manufacturer for use in a public swimming pool;

(3)           Fountains shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions;

(4)           Fountains shall be separate from the pool water recirculation system; and

(5)           Fountains shall not release water at a velocity greater than 10 feet per second.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 130A-82;

Eff. May 1, 1991;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2010; February 1, 2004; January 1, 1996.