Engineering Design

GUIDELINES
P L U M B I N G SYSTEM
REVISION 2019
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. GENERAL
1.1 DESIGNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES 3
1.2 CODES AND STANDARDS COMPLIANCE 3
1.3 DESIGN AND TECHNICAL SUBMISSIONS 3
1.4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION 3
2. WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION 4
2.1 GENERAL 4
2.2 METERING 4
2.3 WATER QUALITY 4
2.4 WATER QUANTITY 4
2.5 WATER TREATMENT 5
3. SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS 6
3.1 DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK 6
3.2 DOMESTIC HOT WATER STORAGE TANK 6
3.3 HOT WATER SUPPLY IN KITCHEN 6
3.4 HOT WATER SUPPLY IN LAUNDRY 7
3.5 NON-POTABLE WATER 7
3.6 HOT WATER HEATERS 7
3.7 WATER PUMPS 7
4. PIPING MATERIAL AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES 8
4.1 VALVES 8
4.2 PIPES 8
4.3 INSULATION 9
4.4 AIR CHAMBERS / SHOCK ARRESTORS 9
5. PLUMBING FIXTURES 10
5.1 GUEST BATHROOM PLUMBING FIXTURES 10
5.2 PUBLIC RESTROOM PLUMBING FIXTURES 10
6. GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM 11
6.1 GENERAL 11
6.2 DESIGN CRITERIA 11
6.3 GAS METERING 12
6.4 COMMISSIONING AND TESTING 12

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7. SWIMMING POOL AND WATER FEATURE SYSTEM 13
7.1 CODES AND STANDARDS 13
7.2 DESIGN CRITERIA 13
7.3 POOL SAFETY 15
7.4 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS 16
7.4.1 NEW POOLS 16
7.4.2 EXISTING POOLS 17
7.4.3 CASE OF EMERGENCY 17
7.5 WATER TREATMENT AND WATER RECIRCULATING SYSTEM 18
7.5.1 SWIMMING POOL PUMP AND FILTERING SYSTEM 18
7.5.2 POOL WATER HEATING 18
7.5.3 INDOOR POOL WATER HEATING 19
7.5.4 POOL DISINFECTION 19
7.5.5 POOL pH LEVEL CONTROL 20
7.5.6 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION 20

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1 GENERAL

1.1 DESIGNER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

 Engineers who design systems on behalf of the owner must fully understand their
obligations to familiarize themselves with all relevant standards and codes
 Design Engineer has to minimize impacts on aesthetics, architectural features and
interior designs of the facility.
 Engineer has to consider what types of engineering systems, devices, materials and
products will be required to properly support and integrate the overall design
 Items associated with engineering systems which may be specified by an interior
designer, architect or operator. Engineer has responsibilities to review all of those items
and bring to the attention of the concerns if any items that do not fit the quality or
function of the design for the hotel

1.2 CODES AND STANDARDS COMPLIANCE

 The design must comply with all applicable local standards and, where the local
standards are considered insufficient, with applicable international standards as a
minimum
 Design Engineers must verify that the Codes and Sections they are using are the latest
applicable

1.3 DESIGN AND TECHNICAL SUBMISSIONS

 The designers are required to submit the technical document to Best Western office for
review.
 The technical documents required for submission are;
o Design concept – Engineers may submit the concept and diagram of the main
system to ensure that the systems are compliant with Best Western Standards
before develop the full design package
o Full package M&E drawings and technical document – when complete
 Best Western will check for compliant with Best Western Standards and in relation to
operation condition.
 It still remains the designers responsibility in case of any variations may be occurred and
required rectification at the designers cost

1.4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

 All materials and equipment used shall generally have an expected life of 25 years
 All services must be located in positions that are easily accessible for maintenance
without causing disruption to the normal operation of the hotel.
 No material shall be used or specified which are harmful to human health or the
environment, either during their installation or during long term disposal or
degradation.

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2 WATER SUPPLY AND DISTRIBUTION

2.1 GENERAL
 Water supplies to the hotel must come from a reliable source and sufficient to
accommodate daily total consumption and the instantaneous peaks
 Water pressure at the inlet of fixtures shall be constantly maintained at 1.5 bar +/- 0.5
bar.
 Hot water shall be available at fixtures in less than 5 seconds.
 If unsatisfactory water determined and provided, water treatment and select
appropriate piping materials are required
 Fire water requirements are to be considered when sizing water storage facilities. This
has to be based on local codes as minimum
 In particular, all current ASPE, ASHRAE, local codes and World Health Organization
(WHO) requirements for system design and prevention of Legionella must be complied
with as a minimum
 Concept design and diagram shall be submitted for review to BW.

2.2 METERING
 The incoming water service shall have a meter of a type and in a location that meets the
requirements of the local water authority
 Each incoming utility services (potable, fire protection, irrigation, cooling tower make
up, etc.) shall have a separate service meter
 Gas requirements are the same, but the meter location and specifications shall comply
with local gas authority
 Individual retail including rented spaces, food and beverage, laundry and other system
that significantly consumes the water shall have sub metering to allow for the
monitoring of usage in the individual spaces
 The meters shall have a local readout as well as the ability to be monitored at the hotel’s
BMS

2.3 WATER QUALITY

 Potable water which complies to WHO standard shall be supplied throughout the hotel
areas
 Both hot and cold water supply shall be chemically neutral (neither corrosive nor scaling)
as computed by the Langelier Saturation Index
 Water supply shall have chlorine residual of 0.1 mg/1.

2.4 WATER QUANTITY

 Use the fixture count method together with the maximum instantaneous/consecutive
demands at 100% guestroom occupancy to establish peak flow rates
 Base on following consumption guidelines for design
Source Total (H+C)/Person Hot Water

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 Guest 230 litres/day 80 litres/day
Per bed 115 litres/day 40 litres/day
Resorts & Japan 350 litres/day 140 litres/day
Tropical countries 300 litres/day 100 litres/day
Employee 50 litres/day 16 litres/day
Restaurant / Function 9 litres/person 4 litres/person
Laundry
- without recovery 25 litres/kg linen 4 litres/kg linen
- with recovery 15 litres/kg linen 2 litres/kg linen
- typical production 7.5 kg linen
/occupied room/day

2.5 WATER TREATMENT

 Analysis of supply water is required for designing necessary treatment system
 Water supply to building shall be neither corrosive nor scale forming
 Base on water analysis if filtration system is needed Engineer shall design the
appropriate filter to remove suspended solids, odor and bacteria from the water
 The following hardness levels shall be achieved:

Kitchens: 0 ppm for dish or glass washing machine, coffee machines

Laundry/Kitchens: 50 ppm for last two rinse cycles in laundry washing
machines
Cooling Towers: 120 ppm
Boilers: 0 ppm
Hot water systems:
Depending on Langelier index which should be slightly positive on a scale –2 to
+2
or Ryznar index = 7 on a scale 0 to 14.

 If the hardness level does not meet the required value, water softeners with
regenerating facilities shall be provided properly
 Laundry effluent shall be treated to maintain specified parameters: pH, alkalinity and
temperature in accordance with local codes
 Water that is containing a TDS of 1000 mg/l is acceptable for potable use. The TDS must
be evaluated in terms of the impact to equipment and piping systems.
 RO plants if provide, shall be equipped with an economizer to reduce electricity
consumption by app. 30%
 Provide continuous monitoring and treatment facilities
 For irrigation system, where untreated water would be suitable, consider separate
pumps and controls utilizing cistern supply directly

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3 SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS

 By general, the components used in the plumbing system shall be determined by

Mechanical engineer. However the selection must be based on engineering calculation,
international standards, local codes
 List of equipment with relevant details shall be submitted to BW for review

3.1 DOMESTIC WATER STORAGE TANK

 Provide a minimum two-compartment cistern to store water. The compartment shall
have separate inlet and outlet pipes along with balancing pipe and valve that will suit for
maintenance with no interruption of water supply
 Storage capacity must be sufficient to enable Hotel to operate under normal conditions
for three days based on history of previous frequency of service interruptions.
 Storage capacity shall be based on following parameter;
o For moderate climate
 560 litres/guest/day if with laundry
 410 litres/guest/day if without laundry
o For tropical
 900 litres/guest/day if with laundry
 750 litres/guest/day if without laundry
 Provide dedicated water for Fire Protection (refer to local codes and NFPA)

3.2 DOMESTIC HOT WATER STORAGE TANK

 Water shall be heated to 60°C to eliminate Legionella and must not be lower than 52°C
at storage tank
 Water Source Heat pumps are preferred to produce hot water however other
centralized Water Heating System is acceptable
 Water stored shall be maintained at the WHO recommended temperatures and be
treated prior to storage and again prior to being distributed to the facility
 Storage accumulator requirements for guestrooms are 30 liters/room
 Circulating pumps shall maintain temperature throughout the system
 Hot water temperature at water tap of fixture must not lower than 49°C. Thermostatic
mixer may be used to prevent hot water scalding
 Hot water shall be treated via treatment after it leaves the storage tank

3.3 HOT WATER SUPPLY IN KITCHEN

 The hot water should be heated to 66°C and blended to provide 60°C water
 Hot water for dishwashers and glass washers requires softened water that is zero
degrees hardness
 Booster heater shall be used to heat up hot water to 82°C that is required for
dishwashers and glass washers

3.4 HOT WATER SUPPLY IN LAUNDRY

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 The hot water supply for laundry washing machine shall be 60°C

3.5 NON-POTABLE WATER

 Non-potable water may be sourced from a deep well or collected from storm-water.
Where a non-potable system is utilized, subject to Local Authority approval
 For LEED buildings, the use of non-potable, recycled or treated water can only be
considered for WC’s, urinals and irrigation systems and requires prior written from local
authorities
 No accessible taps should be connected to non-potable water system.
 Non-potable water must be completely and separately piped with no interconnections
to potable water system and all piping needs to be clearly identified

3.6 HOT WATER HEATERS

 As a minimum, each heater shall be equipped with the following:
o Service hole
o Vacuum breaker (if copper lined)
o Pressure relief valve
o High temperature alarm actuated when water temperature exceeds 66°C. Wired
to the Engineer’s alarm panel.

3.7 WATER PUMPS

 One or combination of pumps shall be capable to achieve determine pressurization
 Booster pumps
o the system shall include minimum of three pumps rated at approximately 25%,
50% and 50% of required capacity
o VSD type controller which maintains constant pressure is preferred.
 Automatic control and alarm of all pumps are required.
 The centralized remote monitoring system that indicates the status of pumps may be
required as to facilitate maintenance engineer

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4 PIPING MATERIAL AND ASSOCIATED DEVICES

4.1 VALVES
 Provide individual stop valves for each plumbing fixture
 Provide isolation gate valve for each cold water supply riser
 Provide isolation gate valve one on the supply riser and one on the return piping
 Provide flanged connection control valves for all riser equipment at the locations that is
accessible for maintenance and repair
 Provide drain valves for each riser as for the entire piping system can be drained.
 Provide check valves and vacuum breakers on all connections serving potentially
submerged inlets.

4.2 PIPES
 Avoid exposed piping in public areas and guestrooms, but if necessary exposed pipes
shall be selected to match finishes or other hardware as instructed by the Architect or
Interior Designer
 The materials used in the various piping systems shall be as follows:
o Hot and Cold Water Piping
 Copper Tube - Seamless drawn or extruded tubing with lead-free solder
joints and mechanical joints
 Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC) - Rigid, unplasticized, normal impact pipe,
with welded, push-fit or mechanical joints
 Polypropylene Random Copolymer Pipe (PPR) - Use with PPR fittings that
are equipped for fusion welding
o Sanitary piping
 Cast Iron Water Pipe (CIWP) - Mechanically jointed, the piping and fitting
are suitable for burial below ground
 Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC) - Rigid, unplasticized, normal impact pipe,
with welded, push-fit or mechanical joints
 Steel Pipe (Stl.) - Steel pipes and malleable iron screwed fittings of
medium weight, hot dipped galvanized shall be covered in water-proof
wrappings if buried below ground, to inhibit corrosion
 Stainless Steel Pipe (SS) - Stainless steel pipework and fittings may be
used where high quality finishes are required. Push fit or mechanical
joints shall be suitable for pressures to be imposed on the system.
 Sizing
o Pipe size must be determined in accordance with ASPE
o For supply outlets likely to impose continuous demands, estimate the continuous
supply separately and add to the total demand for fixtures
o For fixtures not listed, weights may be assumed by comparing the fixture to a
listed one, using water in similar quantities and at similar rates
o Where both hot and cold water are supplied to a fixture, the weights for
maximum separate demands may be taken as 75% of the listed demand for the
supply

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 o Simultaneous flow of bath tubs and showers if located over the bathtubs must be
considered
o Ignore demands for service (cleaners) sinks, except for hot water supply, and that
for the cold water branch to the fixture itself. Other fixtures, used out of hours,
may be treated similarly.
o Pipework must be sized to give adequate flow rates to the fittings

4.3 INSULATION
 Insulation shall be installed by Contractors specializing in this type of work
 Materials shall have fire retardant non-toxic qualities
 All insulation jackets, facings, membrane, adhesives, mastics, coatings and accessory
materials shall be non-hazardous, non-flammable and durable.
 The ratings for insulation with factory applied jackets or facings shall be on a composite
basis of insulation, jacket or facing, and the adhesive used to adhere the jacket or facing
to the insulation
 Hot pipe insulation may be fastened with staples, but all cold pipes must include vapor
barrier and be sealed
 Cold piping, insulation shall be sealed off at valves, fittings, flanges and at each 6 meters
0.02w/m°K of continuous run
 Insulation shall be fiberglass, minimum of density
 Pre-molded fittings shall be used, or if unavailable, mitered sections or built-up blanket
insulation shall be used
 Hot service application may utilize insulating cement
 On cold water applications, continuous vapor barrier is required.
 Insulation shall be fastened in concealed locations with aluminum bands or soft
annealed wires and shall be fastened in exposed locations with aluminum bands,
300mm o.c.
 For cold pipes, insulation must be carried through or around hangers and sealed the
space around hanger
 Insulation exposed to weather must be additionally protected with weatherproof
jacketing
 Equipment, such as tanks, shall be insulated with fiberglass board and finished with
open weave glass cloth and finish coats of adhesive
 Thickness of applied insulation must conform to local energy codes.

4.4 AIR CHAMBERS/SHOCK ARRESTORS

 Provide at the upper terminals of all upfeed risers
 Provide at branch piping supply to fixtures from riser
 Provide at each individual fixture, except in water closet cisterns where velocity is less
than 0.90m/sec
 Provide sufficient cushion capacity against shock, stress, strains caused by the operation
of any valves in the water network

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5 PLUMBING FIXTURES
 Design and style of Plumbing fixtures and fittings shall be selected and specified by the
Architects or Interior Designers and approved by Best Western
 Selections shall be of recognized manufacturers
 The design engineer is responsible to check to ensure the selected materials and devices
are compatible and integrate well into the design

5.1 GUEST BATHROOM PLUMBING FIXTURES

 Water Closet
o The unit may be either wall hung or floor mounted, depending on the model, and
shall be made of vitreous china
o The preferred operation is flush tank with a dual flush 3/6 liters
 Vanity unit
o The vanity fittings shall comprise a hot and cold water mixing valve with pop-up
waste
 Shower unit
o The shower areas may be with cubicle shall be provided with thermostatic mixing
valves
o Shower head is adjustable with a hand held sprayer
o With volume regulator of 3.5 gpm / 13.2 lpm
o A Rain shower head is preferable to include
 Bathtub
o The bathtub fittings shall comprise a bath/shower thermostatic mixing valve,
diverter, over-rim bath spout, pop-up waste and adjustable shower head
including a 3.5 gpm or 13.2 lpm volume regulator

5.2 PUBLIC RESTROOM PLUMBING FIXTURES

 Water Closet
o The vitreous china floor mounted unit is preferred
o Either flush valve or flush tank operation is acceptable but toilets for function
rooms and high traffic areas shall be flush valve operation
 Vanity unit
o Sensor operated faucet is preferable
 Urinal
o With sensor operated flush

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6 GAS SUPPLY SYSTEM

6.1 GENERAL
 The system must be designed to conform to the rules and requirements of the local
authority and to NFPA. Standards for all gas installations including ventilated risers,
combustion gas emissions, and combustion air and safety precautions must be followed
 Incoming gas supply enters to the property shall be in unobstructed access location for
utility company and in a back of house location
 Bulk storage of LPG, Butane or Propane may be used where piped natural gas is not
available
 Stationary LPG receiving tanks must bear approval label from the authorities. Where
such authorities have no labeling requirements, the tanks must be A.P.1. -ASME
pressure vessels or approved equivalent

6.2 DESIGN CRITERIA

 Storage capacity shall be based on local logistic and local regulations and shall
sufficiently supply throughout the regular redelivery period and at minimum of seven
days full consumption
 Refer to LPGA Code of Practice No. 1 Part 4:1999 or NFPA 58.
 The entire system shall be in compliance with NFPA requirements
 The main gas supply valve shall automatically shut-off in case of a fire alarm
 Automatic shut off must also be provided on supplies to all kitchens
 There shall be a manual shut-OFF valve for the main supply
 LPG installation to be above grade, with secure and lockable access.
 LPG piping system within the building to be designed to convey only vaporized natural
gas
 An automatic fresh water sprinkler system to provide a fine mist is required if cylinders
installed in the maximum ambient temperature at 40°C or higher. The system must
comply with NFPA 58 and any other local authority requirements
 In cold climates, if heating is required to boost up the pressure in the cylinders. It must
be followed local codes and the practices
 Connection from small cylinders to manifold to be made by flexible hose reinforced with
stainless mesh or equal
 Vaporizers must be non-direct fired type. All electrical components must be protected
by weather and dust proof enclosures to IP66 classification with lockable cover and
sufficient earthing
 Primary pressure reducing valves, shut off valves, safety relief valves, gauges and similar
devices to be located outside of the building
 Gas piping must avoid hazardous areas such as electrical rooms, locked store rooms,
computer electronics and communication rooms or areas subject to mechanical
vibration or atmosphere detrimental to the piping material
 Gas piping must avoid running into any sleeping area and areas of public assembly
 Gas piping within the building must not be run in concealed or suspended ceilings or
plenums

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 Distribution manifolds must be mounted a minimum 150 mm above floor
 Gas pressure shall not exceed 14” W.C.
 Pipe to be welded for entire run through such areas
 All horizontal runs must be pitched slightly towards a condensation pocket equipped
with a small pet cock
 Each kitchen and all other areas, where gas is consumed, must have a clearly marked
and easy to operate emergency manual shut-OFF valve
 Gas detection heads must be installed at all gas usage and distribution points and be
integrated into the fire alarm system with automatic shutdown
 Pressure regulators must be provided to suit the kitchen equipment requirement
 Gas cooking appliances requiring shifting for cleaning purposes to connect to the gas line
by means of a stainless steel reinforced hose, limited to a maximum length of 1.20 m.
 Each gas appliance connection to be provided with a lubricated stop cock and an
independent pressure reducing regulator
 The storage tanks must also be electrically earthed as protection against accumulation
of static electricity

6.3 GAS METERING

 Main incoming meters by Utility Company
 Preferably be located outside the building. If indoor, area must be naturally ventilated
 Secondary meters must be provided for each profit center that requires it
 Meters must be located in the same areas as the primary meters

6.4 COMMISSIONING AND TESTING

 Gas distribution piping to be designed and tested at a minimum 2.5 times working
pressure, and not less than 5 bar and deemed adequate when air pressure test is
maintained without observable pressure loss for a period of one hour
 Pipework must be purged with an inert gas such as nitrogen prior to filling the system
with gas
 Where required by the local regulation, specialist shall do the test and certified

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7 SWIMMING POOL AND WATER FEATURE SYSTEM

7.1 CODES AND STANDARDS

 Pools must be designed in compliance with the following international codes and
standards:-
o ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 (Suction fittings for swimming and wading pools, spas, hot
tubs and whirlpool bathtub appliances)
o ANSI/ASME A112.19.17-2002 (Manufactured safety vacuum release systems
(SVRS) for residential and commercial pool, spa, hot tub and wading pool suction
systems)
o ASTM F 2387-04 (Standard specifications for manufactured safety vacuum
release systems, swimming pools, spas and hot tubs)
o IAPMO SPS-4 2000 (Special use suction fittings for swimming pools, spas and hot
tubs)
o NFPA 70-2005 (National Electrical Code, Article 680, Swimming pools, fountains
and similar installation)
o ANSI/APSP-7 2006 (The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals to avoid suction
entrapment risk)
o EN 13451-1 (European Standards for Swimming Pool)
o CJJ122-2008 (Technical specification for water supply and drainage engineering
of swimming pool)

7.2 DESIGN CRITERIA

 The swimming pool system must be a pumped circulation system with a turnover rate of
not less than once every six hours.
 Turnover rates for other kinds of pools must be as follows;
Pool Type Turnover Period
Leisure water bubble pools 5–20 minutes
Teaching pool 0.5–1 hour
Waterslide splash pools 0.5–1 hour
Leisure waters up to 0.5m deep Max 0.5 hour
Leisure water 0.5m to 1m deep 0.5–1 hour
Leisure waters 1m to 1.5m deep 1–1.5 hours
Leisure pools over 1.5m deep 2–2.5 hours
Lap pool with less than 1m depth 3 hours
Lap pool with more than 1m depth 4 hours

 Pool water temperatures must be as follows:

Pool Type Temperature Range
Leisure Pool 27°C to 29°C
Wading/Paddling Pool 28°C to 30°C
Diving/Competition Pool 26°C to 27°C
Plunge Pool - Adjacent Saunas 16°C to 20°C

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 Re-circulation inlets must be submerged and be located to produce uniform circulation
of water throughout the pool without any dead spots. They must also be designed to
carry pool bottom deposits to the outlets
 Pool recirculation systems must be the overflow type (gravity feed system)
 Quality of the pool water must be maintainable at acceptable levels. All critical chemical
parameters must be monitored and maintained automatically within the range +/- 10%.
 The swimming pool water quality must be as follows:

Parameter Ideal Acceptable Range

PH 7.4 to 7.6 7.2 to 7.8
Alkalinity 120 to 180 mg/l 75 to 250 mg/l
Calcium Hardness
(Calcium Carbonate) 150 to 200 mg/l 100 to 500 mg/l
Total Dissolved Solids < 1,500 ppm < 3,000 ppm

 Pool make up water must be potable standard and supplied to the pool automatically,
via the surge tank
 Back flow preventers must be provided
 Water meters must be provided on the pool make up and filtration blow down lines
 A minimum of two vacuum outlets secured with caps must be provided on the pool deck
 The recognized pH and Chlorine control and monitoring system must include recorder,
resettable on/off dosing switches, and high and low concentration alarms locally
 Surge tanks must be designed to balance the system, sized at 6 - 10% of the pool volume
with lockable access and stainless steel internal ladders
 A guttering system and drain outlets must be provided in the pool pump room. If the
pump room is located underground then a pump lifting station must be provided
 At least 2 overflow drain pipes must be provided from the surge tank to drain the excess
water due to rainwater from the pool, in case of blockage of one overflow pipe
 Fresh water hose bibs must be provided for hosing the pool deck, walkways, changing
rooms, toilets and pool equipment room. Each hose bib location must have a floor drain
except on sidewalks and outside planters. These taps must be installed with high hazard,
backflow prevention device assemblies
 A deluge type self-operated shower must be provided on the pool deck
 Salt water pools must be provided with at least two deluge type fresh water showers
 In areas where a pool deck is accessible from a beach, a deluge type shower must be
provided at the access point to the pool deck
 A footbath where it is required must be followed by a shower on each side
 Guttering or drain outlets from water feature overspill must be provided

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7.3 POOL SAFETY
 The entire circulating system design must conform to applicable codes and avoid
entrapment hazards in pool. ANSI/APSP-7 2006 standard covers the following risks:
o Hair entanglement
o Body vacuum entrapment
o Evisceration
o Mechanical finger entrapment
o Mechanical entrapment
 Swimming pools and aerated and therapeutic spas must comply with the current version
of APSP-7 to enhance the safety of the pools, create a safer environment around the
pool, reduce child drowning and reduce the number of suction entrapment incidents.
 Floor drains must not be provided.
 All drains, jet nozzles and suction inlets/outlets for all pools, whirlpools, water features
and/or water fountains must be fitted with anti-entrapment (hair, digit and suction)
listed drain covers as per the current version of ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 to prevent
entrapment.
 All drain covers must be secured on drains at all times. Properties must retain a letter by
the installer that states that the cover was installed as per the manufacturer‘s
instructions.
 A Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS) or other approved automatic drain blockage
relief system as mentioned below (which ceases operation of the pump, reverses the
circulation flow, or otherwise provides a vacuum release at the suction outlet when
blockages such as body, limb, hair, mechanical or evisceration is detected) must be
provided for all existing pools, whirlpools, water features and fountains that currently
have a single main drain installed
o Suction-Limiting Vent System with a tamper resistant atmospheric opening
o Gravity Drainage System- utilising a collector tank
o Automatic Pump Shut-off System, connected to a Medical Alert Alarm System
o Drain Disablement- A devise to disable the drain
o Other Systems- Any other systems determined to be equally as effective as or
better than the systems described above
 All newly constructed pools, whirlpools, water features and fountains must be designed
without the need for a SVRS
 A professionally fitted pool cover must be installed when the outdoor pool is closed for
the season. The temporary use of pool covers is prohibited. When used, pool covers and
their installation must meet local code regulations
 Diving boards, platforms, pool seats or ledges, and slides are prohibited
 The storage of the chemical drums must be in compliance with safety standard for
chemicals handling
 A water supply hose bib must be provided inside the chemical store
 Sufficient warning signs must be clearly visible instructing staff to use the various items
of PPE
 The following PPE equipment must be provided as a minimum:
o An eyewash station adjacent to each main chemical handling or decanting point
o A respirator capable of dealing with acid and chlorine gases and vapours
o Chemical splash proof eye protection (ordinary spectacles are not protection)

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 o Chemical resistant gloves or gauntlets
o Chemical resistant apron
o Chemical resistant and waterproof boots

7.4 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

7.4.1 NEW POOLS
 Use surface skimming or overflow system to balancing tank shall be used to provide 100
percent of the required system flow
 No gaps, open-ended tubes or pipes, variable gaps, bound openings, partially bound or
V-shape openings, shearing or moving openings
 Environmental degradation must be avoided; suction fixtures, drain covers and
grills/gratings shall have NO detrimental effects on their quality under sunlight, water,
chlorine and other pool chemicals
 Maximum aperture in any fixtures, drain covers and grills/ gratings shall be less than 8
mm (2/8‖) diameter to prevent finger or mechanical entrapment
 If suction directly from pool is unavoidable (for Spa Jacuzzi Jet system), minimum of two
(2) gratings must be provided. This should be limited to as low a flow as possible by
increasing the flow surface from drain grating surface water draw off
 ALL fixtures, devices should comply with ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 performance
requirements
 Safety Vacuum Release System shall be configured to response to a blockage of single
connection suction device
 Suction gratings shall be space apart at least of 1 m (3‘33/8‖) pipe centers to avoid
possible entrapment suction when a body blocks on of the suction fixtures
 Flow through rate of gratings/drain cover device shall not exceed 0.5Mps.
 Suction grating fixtures shall be sized for maximum system flow rate:-
o One (1) unit for 150%
o Two (2) units each for 100%
o Three (3) units each for 70%
o Four (4) units each for 50%
 For three (3) or more suction, the sum of the ratings of the gratings/devices shall be at
least TWICE of the maximum system flow rate.
 Provide large aspect grating fixtures that cannot be covered by (representation of the
torso of 99 percent) a body of an adult cannot sufficiently block it to the extent that it
create body suction entrapment hazard
 Location of the suction/main drain shall be located at the deepest area
 Outlet covers must be designed and installed to be secure to prevent accidental or
deliberate access to below the fixture and suction pipe
 Suction flow velocity when connecting between each suction fixture shall be limited to
maximum 0.9Mps, main pipe connecting to these branch interconnecting pipes (located
approximately midway to provide equal friction) shall not exceed 1.8Mps
 If skimmer system to be used, it must be provided with equalizer line with compliance
fixtures; or with hydraulic vent relief system
 Equalizer suction fixtures shall be located at wall with center not deeper that 450 mm
(1‘56/8‖) from the top water level (TWL)

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 Wall vacuum fixtures shall be located at least 150 mm (57/8‖) below top water level but
shall not deeper than 450 mm (1‘56/8‖) TWL with self-closing, self-latching fittings
comply with IAPMO SPS 4. In additions, vacuum piping shall be equipped with valve to
remain in closed position when not in use
 Emergency Shut Down or stop button to shut off the system must be provided
 Tests should be conducted to verify entrapment does not occur

7.4.2 EXISTING POOLS

 Regular evaluation, testing and maintenance must be conducted and check for system
integrity
 Evaluation shall include but not limited to determine if system flow rate is compatible
with the existing covers, gratings and devices
 ALL fixtures, devices should comply with ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 performance
requirements
 Retrofitting of suction system, piping or outlets shall be in accordance with applicable
Standards and Codes and General Guidelines as above.
 If the existing installation was limited with single suction drain below water, it should be
retrofit to include SVRS and emergency shutdown system, and install covers/gratings
devices comply with Guidelines and Codes as above
 Constant and vigilant supervision of the pool must be provided
 Emergency Response Procedures should be in place with regular drill and exercise
 Close the pool to replace any broken, missing or inoperative grilles/drain covers/devices
of any suction immediately
 Use only qualified and competent contractors/suppliers

7.4.3 CASE OF EMERGENCY

 An emergency panic button ringing to a permanently manned location or an emergency
telephone mounted 1.2 m (3‘112/8‖) maximum above the floor must be provided at the
pool area
 Automatic shutdown of pool circulation systems must be provided when heated supply
water temperature exceeds 70 °C for main pool and 43 °C for spa to minimize risk of
scalding
 For a Jacuzzi/Whirlpool, emergency shut off switch/button must be located adjacent to
the pool that will shut off all jet pumps/blower and recirculating pumps when needed

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7.5 WATER TREATMENT AND WATER RECIRCULATING SYSTEM
7.5.1 SWIMMING POOL PUMP AND FILTERING SYSTEM
 All pool equipment, filters, pumps, heat exchangers, dosing devices, etc. must include
redundant systems capable of independent operation
 Recirculation capacity of redundant systems must be calculated at a maximum head
 Swimming pool pumps with built in basket strainer and multiport valve operation must
be provided to suit the filters which must be sized to provide for a maximum filtration
velocity of 2 l/sec/m2. The filters must be of the high rate permanent sand media type
using sand or diatomaceous earth (DE filter)

7.5.2 POOL WATER HEATING

 Heating of swimming pools is generally required in cold climate locations
 Cooling of swimming pools may be required in very hot locations. The requirement of
heat or cool pools must be advised by Best Western but should be based on the
following:
o All pools must be heated if specified design temperatures cannot be maintained
otherwise
o Indoor pools must be maintained at a minimum of 28 °C. Exterior pool
temperatures must be maintained between 27 to 32 °C.
o Locations where pool water temperatures will rise above 32 °C must provide
cooling systems to maintain pool water temperatures within the specified range
o Spa pools must be operated between the temperatures of 37 to 39°C. The water
must never exceed 40 °C.
o Pool heating systems must comply with NFPA 54 for fuel fired systems and
manufacturers recommended installations instructions.
o Pool cooling systems must be with approved heat exchangers fed from the
chilled water distribution system
 When assessing size of plant and method of heating pool water, careful consideration
must be taken with regard to expansion of pool structure, concrete shell, tiling, etc. As a
guide the rate of heat up from cold to operating temperatures must be no greater than
0.5°C per hour
 The characteristics of heat demand for swimming pools mean that this is a suitable
match for slow heat gains from other systems utilizing heat exchangers, for example:
o Solar collectors, transforming solar energy into useable heat
o Heat pumps where unwanted heat from refrigeration plant is transferred to the
pool water
o District heating schemes
o Hot springs
o Heat can also be recovered from within the swimming pool plant from the
filtration backwash
 Such systems must be considered to offset energy costs
 Each of these systems must also be supplemented with electric, gas or oil fired boilers
via heat the exchangers. These must be designed to compensate for times where the
initial source is insufficient

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 Where more than one swimming pool is served from a single plant, each pool must have
its own dedicated heat exchanger, sized to match the duty required.

7.5.3 INDOOR POOL WATER HEATING

 HVAC and dehumidification systems to maintain the pool area temperature and relative
humidity while minimizing pool water evaporation must be provided for indoor pools
 Systems must be packaged systems specifically designed for pool area dehumidification,
factory assembled and tested, with test report available on request
 Materials used must be suitable for the pool environment, with air side surfaces coated
for corrosion protection
 Microprocessor control systems must be provided, with solid state sensors and a remote
mounted solid state control panel with LED indicators and service diagnostics, located in
the pool room
 Gas duct heaters, if used must consist of a gas fired duct heater with stainless steel heat
exchanger, two stage or modulating heating control, stainless steel burners, spark
ignition and power vent

7.5.4 POOL DISINFECTION

 A fully automatic dosing system must be provided for each pool.
 Dosing equipment must be sized to meet local code requirements and must be designed
to handle liquid solutions only. Chlorine or any other disinfectant in highly concentrated
liquid or gas form is not acceptable. All equipment intended for a salt water pool must
be specifically designed, rated, and warranted by the manufacturer for marine
applications
 Chemical parameters must be monitored and maintained automatically via dosing
pumps etc.
 The following water treatment systems must be adopted: -
o Salt chlorination system (except in very large pools and in outdoor pools with
heavy rainfall)
o Ozone additives in conjunction with low level chlorination.
 Chemical additives all have side effects upon pool users to greater or lesser degrees
where not carefully controlled. Chlorine gas is not recommended, as stringent safety
precautions must be observed. Ozone is hazardous to health and must be removed from
the water after use.
 Disinfection levels must be monitored daily to ensure appropriate levels of chemical
dilution are present (e.g. 0.6 – 1 ppm free available chlorine dependent on application)

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7.5.5 POOL pH LEVEL CONTROL
 Control of pH levels is particularly important where chlorine is selected as the medium
used for disinfection of pool waters
 Where chlorine donors have been introduced such as sodium or calcium hypochlorite,
the pH tends towards hardness, therefore treatment to increase acidity must be applied
using one of the following:
o Calcium chloride
o Carbon dioxide
o Sodium bisulphate
o Hydrochloric acid
 The importance of maintaining a balanced pH level is chiefly relevant to the protection
of parts of the pool system susceptible to corrosion from either excessive alkalinity or
acidity of pool waters
 Additionally, chlorine loses its effectiveness if the level of pH risers too high

7.5.6 ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

 The electrical installation within the swimming pool area must be designed in
accordance with the local wiring regulations and all applicable local codes of practice
and statutory instruments. Where the standard of the local regulations is exceeded by
British, Australian or US regulations, the latter documents must be used as a minimum
standard
 Swimming pool lighting must be corrosion and chlorine resistant and suitable for use in
conditions of high temperature and high humidity
 Luminaires must be of a type, or located, to avoid excessive reflection from the pool
surface to enable rapid detection of a swimmer in difficulty. The location of luminaires
must also be selected to enable ease of maintenance
 Underwater luminaires must be of the 12V wet niche type with individual earthed
screen type isolating transformers located as close as possible to the luminaire. Conduit
connections must be arranged to avoid syphoning or creating a drainage route from the
pool. Alternatively fiber optical lighting can be used with light source remote from pool
 All metal pipes, conduits, rails, ladders and extraneous metal work serving the pool area
must be solidly earthed to the panel board earth bar in accordance with local wiring
regulations
 Electrical switch gear must be located in a locked room without direct access to the pool
area
 No electrical outlet is to be installed within 3m of the pool edge on the horizontal plane,
or 2.5 m (8‘23/8‖) on the vertical plane
 All socket outlets installed within the pool and changing room areas must be protected
with earth leakage circuit breakers of the residual current device type with a maximum
trip rating of 10mA and a minimum tripping time of 30 milliseconds, all enclosed in an
IP56 (minimum) enclosure
 All motors, controllers, etc., serving pool plant must be provided with earth fault
protection
 All wiring within the pool area must be carried out using single core LSF cable run in
flush galvanized conduit. Under no circumstances will surface conduits be permitted

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