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British Columbia Swimming Pool Design Guideline PDF
British Columbia Swimming Pool Design Guideline PDF
April 2011
Guideline
General
Floors in dressing rooms, shower stalls, toilet areas, pool basins, decks, and other
walking areas, including stairs, should be:
(d) made of durable material which:
(i) is impervious to moisture;
(ii) is designed to minimize bacterial growth;
(iii) allows for thorough cleaning; and
(e) retains a texture which is non-slip (slip-resistant) and causes no discomfort to bare ft;
and
(f) designed to:
(i) slope to drain with a minimum uniform slope of 2 per cent and a maximum slope
of 4 per cent, except for wheelchair (accessible) ramps;
(ii) be free of tripping hazards such as uneven surfaces or changes in elevation; and
(iii) be free from physical hazards that could cause injury to bare ft.
Tiles
Tiles proposed for all pool areas should be:
a) slip-resistant and have a surface which is not conducive to slipping under contact of
bare ft;
b) designated by the manufacturer as suitable for walking surfaces in wet areas or for
use in pool areas, and
c) coved at the wall juncture for ease of cleaning.
Depth Markings
Diving into shallow water can result in spinal injury, head, brain or other traumatic injury
and may result in death. A non-swimmer jumping or falling into deep water may result in
drowning. Clear depth markings at poolside help increase patrons awareness of these
dangers.
Depth markings are to be displayed in metric and imperial measurements.
Guideline
Depth marks for swimming pools should:
a) be visible by swimmers in the pool, as this allows those with limited swimming ability
to make themselves aware that they may be moving into deeper water;
b) indicate the depth of water in metric and imperial units of measurement;
c) be located above the water surface on the pool wall and on the walkway at the pool
edge. For deck level pools, depth markers may be located overhead or on another
structure as long as the markers are in full view from all locations in the pool and at
the pool edge;
d) be located at maximum and minimum depth, at 30 cm (1 ft) depth increments
between the shallow depth and the point of break inclusive, and at other intermediate
points spaced at not more than 7.62 m (25 ft) intervals measured peripherally;
Depth markings may be omitted for hot tubs under 10 m2 (107 sq ft) in surface area
where the intent of the regulation is met by other signage, such as inno diving in signs.
Lighting
Sufficient lighting is essential to ensure:
a) patrons are able to move safely throughout the facility;
b) staff can provide adequate supervision of bathers;
c) first aid can be performed; and
d) that cleaning and maintenance can be performed.
Lighting should be sufficient to illuminate all portions of the swimming pool, including the
pool basin and apron to ensure that all areas of the pool basin and apron are clearly
visible to patrons, the operator, the lifeguards and supervisory personnel. Underwater
lights may be used to help achieve this.
Guideline
For indoor pools and pools used at night, a complete system of artificial lighting is to be
provided, supplying and maintaining at least 200 Lux (15 ft candles) of illumination at all
points 76 cm (30 in) above the water surface, the deck, and in areas of the change
rooms used by bathers.
Illumination drawings should be submitted at the time of application. Once the
construction is complete, the illumination levels should be confirmed and signed-off by
the project electrical engineer.
References
Illuminating Engineering Society, IESNA RP 6.01 - Sports and Recreational Area
Lighting, (2001).
Lifeguard Stands
Consultation with the pool industry, including life guarding agencies, has suggested
lifeguard stands are seldom used and are useful only under certain circumstances, and
therefore are not required by regulation.
Guideline
The need for lifeguard chairs or stands should be based on factors such as facility
design, bather load, patron age and activity. The important outcome is that the pool is
under complete and vigilant surveillance at all times. Whether that is best done from the
pool deck, a lifeguard chair/stand or a combination is a matter of best judgment from an
experienced lifeguard, supervisor and/or pool manager at that facility.
Where they are installed, the number, location and use should be included in the pool
safety plan. Lifeguard chairs or stands may be secured to the pool deck, or moveable
chairs or stands may be used. Lifeguard stands and chairs must be manufactured by
reputable pool equipment companies.
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the pool fence should be 1.5 m (5 ft) away from any objects that could help a small
child climb over the fence (e.g. BBQs, trees, rocks, shrubs, deckchairs);
See Figure 1 Acceptable installation; Figure 2 Unacceptable installation;
Length of the Radius of the Quadrant is equal to the fence height or distance to
the nearest climbable object.
Avoid locating pool barriers so close to uphill slopes that a person could step or
jump onto or over the pool barrier.
Direct access to the pool should be prevented from all buildings including rental units
(hotel room, townhouses etc.). Private courtyards cannot be open to the pool deck:
either the pool area is fenced or each courtyard is equipped with a fence and gate (selfclosing, self-latching.
Solid Barriers
A solid barrier, such as brick, concrete or manufactured rock faces, may be considered
in lieu of a fence. No indentations or protrusions shall be present, other than normal
construction tolerances and masonry joints. The Brick Industry Association has
established a maximum tolerance of .64 cm (.25 in) from plumb in 3.05 m (10 ft). This
tolerance may be applied to fabricated rock walls.
Hedges, Bushes and Plantings
Hedges, or other plant materials, do not constitute a fence or solid barrier; and are not
acceptable in lieu of a fence.
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Where entry gate latches are not at 1.52 m (5 ft) above the floor/deck:
Door and gate latches should be provided with continually locked, key carded or
other equivalent access control system.
Or when doors and gates are constructed of materials that may allow children to
reach through the fence, a solid material at least 46cm in radius should protect the
latch. See Fig.3.
Other Considerations
a) Fencing structures that provide flexible opening should be evaluated to ensure the
dimensions do not exceed standards when light forces are applied to the barrier such
as a child could exert (e.g. tempered glass that flexes on its supports, allowing for
entrapment of arms and legs between glass sheets and support structures or plants,
etc.) The opening cannot exceed 10.16 cm (4 in) when flexed.
b) Other factors influencing the height of a fence or barrier which should be considered
are:
(i) any local by-laws should be consulted to ensure that the minimum local
requirements are met; and
(ii) the majority of local by-laws recommend a fence height of 1.5 m (5 ft) or greater
for backyard (residential) pools. This height may be enforced by the local building
department for commercial pools;
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Pool Basin
The pool basin should be designed to reduce risk of injury to users, and reduce risk of
bacterial growth in the pool by being easy to clean.
Guideline
Pool Basin Structure
A pool basin should be structurally sound and essentially watertight; constructed of
durable, impervious material which will provide a finish free from cracks and open joints.
Slope of Pool Floor
The pool floor should have a uniform slope not greater than:
a) 1:12 where the water depth is less than 1.52 m (5 ft);
b) 1: 2 where the water depth is greater than 1.52 m (5 ft).
Wading pools and spray pools should have a uniform floor with a maximum slope of 1 in
15 and a minimum slope of 1 in 50.
Pool Basin Finish and Surface
A swimming pool basin should have a:
a) smooth bottom surface where the water depth is more than 1.52 m (5 ft); and
b) slip-resistant surface which causes no discomfort to bare ft on the walls and on the
bottom surfaces where the water depth is less than 1.52 m (5 ft);
c) where water depth is less than 1.52 m (5 ft) all surfaces must be non-slip including
lane markers, patterns and other design features;
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Floors in change rooms, shower rooms, toilet areas, pool basins and aprons and
other paved areas, including stairs, should:
be made of durable material which is impervious to moisture.
retain a texture which is slip-resistant to bare wet ft.
cause no discomfort to bare ft.
have a minimum uniform slope to drains of 2 cm per m (3/4 in per ft).
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Hose bibs of not less than 1.91 cm (.75 in) pipe size should be available to enable
thorough hosing down of all walls and floors and appurtenances used by bathers.
Hoses should be a maximum length of 23 m (75 ft) and be recessed where possible
or located away from traffic areas to avoid injury.
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steps;
b)
recessed ladders;
c) at pool wall sections located between the gutter in the floor at beach like edges and
the point on the pool wall where the water reaches 91 cm (3 ft).
Gutter Drains
Gutter drains should be provided at intervals of not more than 4.6 m (15 ft) and should
be at least 5 cm (2 in) in diameter.
Surface Skimming Devices
Surface skimming devices may be used in place of gutters to remove surface water from
a pool if the pool:
a) has a surface area of 170 m2 (1,830 sq ft) or less; or
b) is described by the inSkimmers in section.
If the above applies to a pool, the number of surface skimming devices the pool must
have is the greater of:
a) the number of these devices calculated at the rate of one device for each 42 m2
(452 sq ft) of pool surface area or portion thereof;
b) the number of these devices calculated at the rate of one device for each
115-180 liters/min (25 to 40 imperial gallons per minute) of design flow rate
(c) one skimmer is required if the design flow rate is less than 115 litres/min (25 imperial
gallons per minute).
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Skimmer equalizer lines that end below the water line should be rendered inoperable
in existing pools or otherwise modified to prevent an entrapment hazard (contact
your local health authority to discuss options);
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Surge Capacity
Surge capacity in a pool is achieved through free-board in skimmer pools. In gutter
pools, the gutter, transit piping and the surge tank all contribute to the volume of surge
capacity in the pool. Surge capacity increases the pools ability to maintain a steady
water level in response to sudden changes in pool use. This ensures that gutters,
skimmers, and other water intakes remains below the surface to the water to prevent
loss of effective filtration, or other circulation problems.
Guideline
The surge capacity of pools should be designed for the maximum bathing load.
Gutter Piping
For deck-level pools (as compared to gutter pools with substantial in-pool freeboard), a
minimum of 0.057 m3 (2 ft3) of surge capacity per bather, within the surge tank, should
be provided for each bather (based on the maximum bathing load).
It is preferable to have 0.084 m3 (3 ft3) of surge per bather when all gutters, piping and
surge tanks are considered.
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Gas Chlorination
Many pools use chlorine gas as a disinfectant. When used as intended this provides an
effective disinfectant, however a chlorine gas leak is can cause serious injury or death.
Measures must be taken to ensure chlorine gas is stored and used safely.
Guideline
Protection of workers from chlorine gas falls under the jurisdiction of the WorkSafe BC.
As chlorine leaks can lead to immediate danger for those working with it, attention
should be paid to WorkSafe BC requirements. WorkSafe BCs Chlorine Safe Work
Practice Manual can be found at:
www.worksafebc.com/publications/health_and_safety/by_topic/occupational_hygiene/de
fault.asp.
Chlorine room should be located so that chlorine gas, if released, will not flow into the
pool are or building ventilation systems.
Chlorinator and related equipment are designed to cease operations in conjunction with
shutdown of circulation pumps.
Otherwise storage rooms should be designed in accordance with WorkSafe BC
requirements.
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have regular inspections of wave chamber bars for structural integrity. Inspections
should be documented and the inspection records retained for seven years.
(operational requirement);
g)
have ladders in the deep end for exiting the pool. The ladders must be the recessed
into the wall;
i)
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Play equipment should be evaluated prior to patron use for hazards, and appropriate
adjustments made to make it safe for use. These adjustments may include:
a) developing procedures/rules for proper and safe use ;
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Pool Slides
Guideline
As with any other aspect of pool design, Slides or other pieces of play equipment must
meet the health authoritys approval of the design and location prior to installation and
use.
Slides
Slide design and location should take into consideration:
a) the size of the individual who will use the slide;
b) their trajectory upon sliding in the water;
c) the depth of the water, including slope of the pool basin floor;
d) proximity of pool sides.
Slides should be installed and maintained according to manufacturers specifications.
If a prefabricated slide is from a U.S. manufacturer, the material and construction should
meet with an acceptable health and safety standard in accordance with the Consumer
Product Safety Act of the U.S.
An operator should be stationed at the slide for supervision.
Signage should be provided indicating:
a) one rider at a time;
b) wait until the landing area is clear before entering the slide;
c) slide in the sitting position or on the back only;
d) do not attempt to stop on the slide;
e) leave the plunge area immediately;
f)
users of the slide must be of an age and size to manage the slide.
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Waterslides
Water slides are regulated under the Safety Standards Act -- Elevating Devices Safety
Regulation by the BC Safety Authority, unless it is exempted pursuant to Section 18(2)
of the EDSR.
The CSA Standard Z267-00 is used as a reference in conjunction with this regulation.
Construction and water quality in the following types of slides may, however, be
evaluated against this standard and the Pool Regulation:
a) Water slide landing pools;
b) Water slides less than 3 m (10 ft) high;
c) Water slides less than 30 m (100 ft) long;
d) Water slides with a slope of less than 0.1;
e) Water slides with rider velocity less than or equal to 3.6 m/sec (12 ft/sec).
Water slide circulation systems fall under the jurisdiction of the regulation with respect to
suction and entrapment hazards.
The following should be considered in the design of water slides:
a) the bottom of the slide should be visible from the sliders entry point at the top of the
slide. The use of cameras or controlled access may be considered in achieving this
objective;
b) where 2 deceleration flumes are side by side, there should be at least 12 m (4 ft) of
deck space between flumes so that bathers may exit the pool here in an emergency;
c) flows from water drawn from the pool circulation system for the water slide must be
accounted for in the pool re-circulation design and data. In wall drains built into the
wall a full vault design that vents to the pool deck or atmosphere to break any suction
should be considered.
References
Canadian Standards Association, CAN/CSA-Z267-00 (R2004) Safety Code for
Amusement Rides and Devices.
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Winter Hazards
Outdoor pools operated in cold climates are subject to unique hazards such as ice
formation on decks, steps and ladders. Waterslides may be subject to freezing of water
in the slide which may be sharp enough to seriously cut a person.
Guideline
All pools operating in a location where there is a possibility of water freezing on the deck
or edge of the pool must provide an effective method of heating the deck, access
walkways and stairs to prevent the formation of ice and maintain it in an ice-free
condition.
Consideration should be given to preventing the formation of ice on waterslides of other
structures in the design.
Pools that are shut down in the winter may require special design consideration and
maintenance procedures to prevent damage to the pool during winter.
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Address of Pool:
City/ Town:
Indoor:
Designer:
Outdoor:
Prof. Eng.
Arch.
Address of Designer:
Turnover (L):
Water
Depth (m):
Min.
Deep
Max.
Total:
Flow
L/m at
L/m at
L/m at
L/m at
L/m at
L/m at
TDH
Hydro-Air Pump Make & Model:
Flow
TDH
Other Pumps (Spray Feature, Waterslide Pumps etc) Make & Model:
Flow
TDH
Flow
TDH
Flow
TDH
Flow
TDH
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Sand
D.E.
Pressure
Vacuum
Gravity
NSF Approved:
Number of filters:
Rate of Filtration:
Rate of Backwash:
Yes
No
Number of elements:
Vacuum
Flow Indicator:
Thermometers
Nos.
Range (L/m):
to
Flow: IPM at
m TDH
Hypochlorite
Chlorine Gas
Point of Injection:
Filter Infl.
Chemical
Filter Effl.
ppm.
Slurry
Chemicals used:
Make & Model:
Capacity:
Capacity:
Injection point:
Injection point:
POOL INLETS:
Other:
Type:
Size:
Total No.
at
ft. spacing
MAIN DRAIN:
No.
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No.
Expand and list all drains if more than one pump draws from more than two drains in spaces that follow.
Use additional page if required.
DRAIN:
No.
DRAIN:
No.
DRAIN:
No.
Gutter
Rollout
Deck level
Other
Size (cm)
NSF Approved:
Control:
Manual
Backflow preventer:
Public
Yes
Air Gapped:
No
No
Private
Automatic
Yes
Yes
No
Filter backwash must be separated from the sewer or drainage system by an air gap with a distance of twice the diameter of
the largest discharge pipe.
PIPING:
Copper
Galv.
Plastic
Other:
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PIPING:
Copper
Galv.
PIPING:
Copper
Plastic
Other:
Galv.
Plastic
Other:
The foregoing data is a true statement of facts pertaining to this pool as it is to be constructed.
Signature and Seal (Design Engineer or Architect):
Date:
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