Local Public Health Institute of Massachusetts www.masslocalinstitute.org Summary of Standards - 105 CMR 435.000: Minimum Standards for Swimming Pools Table of Contents Definitions - 435.01... 2 Construction... 2 Plan - 435.02... 2 435.03 Bathhouse and Sanitary Facilities... 2 435.04 Sewage Facilities... 3 435.05 Location, Structural Stability, Finish... 3 435.06 Water Circulation and Filtration Systems... 3 435.07 Construction Materials... 5 435.08 Inlets and Outlets... 5 435.09 Cross Connection... 6 435.10 Skimming Facilities... 6 435.11 Pool Slopes and Dimensions... 6 435.12 Water Depth Markings... 6 435. 13 Walkways and Decks... 6 435.14 - Ladders and Steps... 7 435.15 - Diving... 7 435.16 Water Source... 7 435.17 - Pool Supervision... 7 Operation and Maintenance... 8 435.21 Annual Permit Requirements... 8 435.22 - Health Regulations and Signs... 8 435.22 - Lifeguards... 9 435.24 Safety Equipment... 9 435.25 - First Aid and Emergency Communication... 9 435.26 - Waste Water and Backwash... 9 435.27 - Bather Load Capacity... 10 435.28 - Bacterial Quality... 10 435.29 - Chemical Standards... 10
435.30 - Water Testing Equipment... 10 435.31 - Water Clarity and 435.32 Water Clarity Maintenance... 11 435.33 - Maximum Operating Temperature... 11 435.34 - Pool Closure... 11 435.35 - Water Slide Flumes and 435.36 Splash Down Pools... 11 435.37 - New Equipment... 11 435.38 - General Sanitation... 11 Administration and Enforcement... 12 Definitions - 435.01 The definitions include the distinction among these types of pools: public pool, semi-public pool, special purpose pool, swimming pool, wading pool and waterslide flume. Construction Plan - 435.02 Plans and specifications require the stamp and signature of a MA Registered Professional Engineer or Registered Architect. 435.03 Bathhouse and Sanitary Facilities Public swimming pools must have: Dressing room for each sex adjacent to the pool Showers with hot and cold water Water closets at a ratio of 1 per 40 bathers Washbasins at a ratio of 1 per 60 bathers Toilet paper, paper towel dispensers & trash receptacles, soap dispensers, and unbreakable mirrors if provided Indoor pools, bathrooms, showers, and toilets must have proper ventilation. Public and semi-public pools must have: Hose connections to wash down dressing rooms, bathhouse interiors, and pool decks Drinking water Adequate storage space for janitorial/instructional equipment and supplies Adequate lighting Heating unit, if provided, installed so they are not hazardous to bathers Adequate enclosures to prevent animals and unauthorized people from entering. Gate requirements: o Before October 2, 1975 a 4ft. fence with self-latching gates Page 2 of 12
o o o After October 2, 1975 minimum of 5ft. (stockade), but if 6ft must be chain link with selflatching gates Indoor pools must be 4ft. with self-latching gates Public pools must allow entry to pool area only through bathhouse 435.04 Sewage Facilities A sanitary drainage system must be provided. The system may be connected to the public sewerage system, if available, or to any other disposal system approved by the LBOH in compliance with 310 CMR 15.00 or approved by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). 435.05 Location, Structural Stability, Finish Swimming, wading, or special purpose pools should: Be located to be maintained free from pollution by dust, smoke, or surface drainage Conform to state and local code requirements for: o Health o Building o Plumbing o Electrical Contain no projections except ladders and grab rails Contain finished walls and floors of concrete, cement, mortar, tile, paint, vinyl liner, fiberglass, or other impervious material that are: o Moderately smooth o Free from cracks o Light in color Be certified to the structural integrity and safety by the designing registered architect or engineer 435.06 Water Circulation and Filtration Systems Drain disablement is not an acceptable suction entrapment prevention option, pursuant to 435. All pool facilities must be equipped with a system for circulation and purification of the pool water. Circulation and purification systems are typically a closed system that distributes water throughout the pool to ensure even filtration and disinfection. Water returning from the pool to the filters flows through skimmers or perimeter overflow drains (at least 50%) with the rest through the main drain. The water circulation system must be designed so that the entire volume of the pool is recirculated and filtered with the following frequency: Swimming Pools once every 8 hours Wading Pools once every 4 hours Special Purpose Pools once every ½ hours (NOTE: These must be drained, cleaned, and filled every 14 days (see 105 CMR 435.30) Water Slide Flume once every hour Page 3 of 12
All swimming, wading and special purpose pools must be designed so that approximately 50% of the recirculation rate is drawn from the top surface of the pool. Water circulation systems designed with skimmer baskets may have equalizer lines which are considered secondary suction outlets. Equalizer lines are positioned below the skimmer and draw water from the pool if the pool water line falls below the skimmer or if the skimmer basket becomes clogged, preventing water from being drawn from the pool. When skimming devices, or deck drains for water level deck type swimming and wading pools are not used, an overflow channel must extend completely around every swimming and wading pool. The channel must be designed to accomplish the following: Provide effective skimming action over the entire pool surface Intercept, in addition to the normal overflow, all splash water to prevent flooding or washing of the walkways around the pool Prevent, so far as possible, waters that have entered the channel from being washed back into the pool Provide for easy inspection and cleaning Present no accident hazard to bathers. To calculate the recirculation rate, divide the volume of the pool (gallons) by the filter effluent flow meter rate, which reads in gallons per minute (gpm). Example: 50,000 gallons in pool/104 gpm on flowmeter = 480 minutes The recirculation time in hours is 480 minutes/60 = 8 hours. System components must be clearly identified and easily accessible for operation and maintenance. The system is comprised of: Filters (Diatomaceous earth [DE], Sand, Cartridge). All filters must be backwashed and cleaned as appropriate. Backwash is the cleaning of the pool filter by reversing the flow of water through it. In all situations where a DE filter is utilized, a separation tank is required to eliminate the potential for clogging of plumbing during backwash procedures. Recirculation pumps which determine the amount of water that can be recirculated and causes the water to flow including the direction of the flow. The pump should have a hair and lint strainer to protect the pump from foreign objects. Provision for chemical feed. The disinfectant must be fed automatically. MDPH approved disinfectants are chlorine and bromine. Copper/Ion systems must first be MDPH approved for use on an individual basis. Filter effluent flowmeter located on the pipe after the filter indicates the amount of water, generally in gallons per minute (gpm), for determining the effectiveness of the recirculation system/turn-over rate. (Multiply reading on the meter by 100 to get flow in gpm). Pressure Gauges generally located on each side of a pressure filter, but before the pump for a vacuum filter. Pressure differences between the two are an indication of filter efficiency and the need for backwashing. Operating valves to control the flow and direction of water. Page 4 of 12
Balancing or float-control tank or above-rim spout/surge chamber must be large enough to hold the surge of water displaced by swimmers entering the pool. If this tank is not in place, the water in the pool could be lost and would need to be replaced after the swimmers exit the pool. Test kits capable of measuring free residual chlorine and combined chlorine Any other equipment needed to ensure proper and efficient operation Automatic equipment must be provided to ensure adequate disinfection of the pool; however it does not eliminate the requirement for manual testing. Hypochlorinators shall have a calibrated controlling device capable of being finely adjusted to the required rates and have a feed-rate capacity. Outdoor pools at least 3 lbs. of chlorine per 24 hours per 10,000 gallons of pool capacity Indoor pools - at least 1 lb. of chlorine per 24 hours per 15,000 gallons of pool capacity NOTE: Chlorine Gas Feeders and Containers are prohibited* If Bromine is used to disinfect the pool, the equipment used must provide continuous feeding. When carbon dioxide (CO 2) is used to control ph the following procedures must be followed: CO 2 must be injected into the recirculation pump CO 2 cylinders shall be anchored to prevent damage CO 2 cylinders shall be stored in a protective enclosure at the exterior of occupied structures 435.07 Construction Materials Must be non-toxic and resistant to corrosion or stress. 435.08 Inlets and Outlets Inlets and outlets are the mechanisms used to circulate water in and out of the pool. Inlets feed water from the filter system into the pool. Inlets for the recirculation system shall be submerged, individually adjustable, and shall be designed and installed to reduce the escape of chlorine or other disinfectant. If an over the rim fill spout is used as a fresh water inlet, it must be located under the diving board, adjacent to a ladder or otherwise properly shielded so as not to create a hazard. Outlets, such as skimmers, equalizer lines, and main drains (type of suction outlet) remove water from the pool and into the filtration system. All outlets must be covered with suitable protective covers or grates that have been tested and approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratory. The system must provide at least one anti-vortex main drain outlet. Suction outlet covers must be maintained in good repair. All swimming, wading, and special purpose pools with any type of suction outlet cover (including those used for main drains, hydrotherapy or automatic cleaning outlets) which are missing, broken, loose, create an obstruction, or are secured in such a way that the cover can be removed without the use of tools (excluding skimmers or gutters) must be immediately closed for use until such repairs have been made to eliminate the hazard. Page 5 of 12
The main drain suction outlet and outlet drain cover, except skimmers, must be installed so that they cannot be easily removed and must prevent physical entrapment of body parts. The system must have at least one anti-vortex main drain outlet that can't be a trip hazard in shallow water and must meet Virginia Graham Baker Act requirements. Effective date: December 19, 2008 All Drain/Grate covers must conform to ASME A112.19.8-2007 Single main drain systems require secondary protection designed to prevent suction entrapment Drain disablement is not an acceptable suction entrapment prevention option, pursuant to regulation 435 As of July 1, 1998 all special purpose and wading pools are required to have a prominently marked emergency shut off pump switch installed in an accessible location and within plain sight at the special purpose or wading pool. 435.09 Cross Connection Potable water supplying any Public, Semi-Public, or Special Purpose Pool, either directly or to the recirculation system, shall be supplied through an air gap. 435.10 Skimming Facilities All swimming, wading, and special purpose pools shall be designed so that approximately 50% of the recirculation rate shall be drawn from the top of the pool. Requirements are listed in section 3. 435.11 Pool Slopes and Dimensions The dimensions and depths required for swimming pools and special purpose pools are well defined by the regulations and should be reviewed prior to any inspections conducted. 435.12 Water Depth Markings The water depth of every swimming pool shall be plainly marked on the pool deck at the edge of the pool and on the vertical pool walls, at or above the water surface. All swimming, wading and special purpose pools must have a boundary line between the shallow and deep areas installed with a four inch stripe of contrasting color on the floor and walls of the pool. (CMR 435.12) Ledges and step edges must also be marked with a four inch stripe of contrasting color. 435. 13 Walkways and Decks A walkway around the pool is required to provide safe travel of users and access for emergency response and equipment such as stretchers or other equipment used for life-saving efforts. A pool with narrow or blocked walkways can make the difference between life and death. The walkways: Page 6 of 12
Must be continuous around the pool At least 4 ft. wide (MDPH prefers 8 ft.) 3 ft. around diving equipment Clear of any obstructions at all times Sloped towards drains and away from the pool Have a slip-resistant finish 435.14 - Ladders and Steps For swimming pools, one ladder must be installed for every 75 ft. of the pool's perimeter, but at least 2 ladders for each pool regardless of the perimeter distance. The ladder must have a handrail that extends from the ladder to the pool decking, which is securely fastened. Step holes are an acceptable alternative to ladders and must be slightly sloped to prevent the accumulation of dirt or other contaminants. Recessed stairs with a handrail either in the middle or to one side of the steps may be used in lieu of ladders or step holes. Special purpose pools must have at least: One handrail, or Ladder, or Deck designed to provide safe entry and exit 435.15 - Diving Requirements for diving equipment are specific and listed within the regulations and address the construction, location, height, and safety equipment required. The inspector should refer to this section of the regulations before the inspection and prior to issuing a permit. 435.16 Water Source Water to be used in any swimming, wading or special purpose pool shall be obtained from a source approved by the Board of Health. 435.17 - Pool Supervision The operation of all Public, Semi-Public, and Special Purpose Pools must be under the management of a supervisor who is: At least 21 years old Knowledgeable of 435 Responsible for all phases of operation The pool supervisor is not required to be on sight when the pool is in operation. However, he/she must be available to respond to mechanical or maintenance problems and is responsible for ensuring that all Page 7 of 12
on-site personnel are adequately trained in safe, sanitary, and effective operations of the pool and its equipment. He/she must also visit the pool at least weekly to ensure the pool is being operated in a safe and sanitary manner. The supervisor must have completed a course, approved by MDPH, in the safe and effective operation of a pool and received certification as a Pool Operator. The supervisor must train on-site personnel to include: An explanation of the filtration and recirculation system Pool water disinfection and control agents Pool water chemistry and testing Record keeping required by 105 CMR 435.21(5) Water quality chemicals Proper health and safety precautions when handling pool chemicals and equipment Cross connection control First aid and safety equipment Operation and Maintenance 435.21 Annual Permit Requirements Permits from the LBOH are required, must be posted and expire no more than 12 months from date of issue. They may be revoked for cause at any time by the LBOH. 435.22 - Health Regulations and Signs No one having a communicable disease may work at a pool. The operator must make sure that the following regulations are enforced: No bather shall wear a bathing suit that is unclean No person suffering a fever, cough, cold, inflammation of the eyes, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable disease shall be allowed the use of the pool No person with sores or other evidence of skin disease, or who is wearing a bandage or medical covering of any kind, shall be allowed the use of the pool No person shall spit in or in any other way contaminate the pool, or its floors, walkways, aisles, or dressing rooms No glass, with the exception of shatterproof light shields, shall be permitted in the pool or on walkways within eight feet of the pool No person shall bring or throw into the pool any object that may in any way carry contamination or endanger the safety of bathers The pool operator must post signs at the entrance of the pool to inform swimmers they must shower before entering and cannot use the pool if they have a communicable disease. For special purpose pools, the operator must include on the sign the warnings listed in 105 CMR 435.22(4) to ensure the safety of bathers and install a clock large enough to be read by all bathers. Page 8 of 12
435.22 - Lifeguards The Board of Health determines the need for requiring lifeguards at all pools within their community. If required by the Board of Health, MDPH recommends a ratio of one lifeguard for each 25 bathers. If lifeguards are not required, the operator must post a sign warning all bathers. The sign will read: WARNING NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY. Additional signs must be posted stating: CHILDREN UNDER AGE 16 SHOULD NOT USE SWIMMING POOL WITHOUT AN ADULT IN ATTENDANCE AND ADULTS SHOULD NOT SWIM ALONE. Lifeguards must hold certifications from an approved organization for Lifeguard training CPR First aid Lifeguards must wear red or bright orange bathing suit. Shirt or jackets worn must also be red or bright orange and have the word "GUARD" printed on the back. An orange hat or sun helmet shall be worn by all lifeguards while on duty outdoors and sun block should be made available for their use. All lifeguards on duty must have whistles and bull horns or other appropriate voice amplification devices. 435.24 Safety Equipment The following are required to ensure the safety of bathers: Ring buoy Rescue tube Backboard with straps Rescue hook 435.25 - First Aid and Emergency Communication The pool must have a properly stocked first aid kit and an emergency communications system which would allow convenient, immediate and toll-free communication with emergency medical services, local police, state police and the local fire department, must be in working order and available at each pool. At the time of inspection, the health inspector should test the communications system to make sure it functions properly, see reference section for proper procedure. 435.26 - Waste Water and Backwash No waste water resulting from draining of a swimming, wading or special purpose pool or backwash water may be discharged: On the watershed of a public surface water supply without approval of the Department of Environmental Protection Page 9 of 12
Into a storm drain without approval from the agency that has control of that system Waste water resulting from draining of a swimming, wading or special purpose pool or backwash water may be discharged to a subsurface disposal system if designed for that purpose and approved. 435.27 - Bather Load Capacity Calculation of the bather load is determined for areas of the pool that are greater than 5 ft. in depth. This area is identified as the "swimming area" of the pool. LBOH may make allowances where pools have extensive decks used as sunbathing or lounging areas. Calculations are based on maximum load. 15 square feet in non-swimmer area for each non-swimmer (less than 5 ft. deep) 20 square feet in swimming area for each swimmer 300 square feet is reserved around diving board, not included in determining area of the pool 100 square feet is reserved around slides, not included in determining area of the pool 10 square feet is reserved for each bather in a special purpose pool 435.28 - Bacterial Quality LBOH may require sample of pools water be taken whenever determined necessary. The samples taken must be dechlorinated and meet the required standards. See 435 for a description of the standards. 435.29 - Chemical Standards Pools must be treated to the following standards: Chlorine: 1 3 ppm (free) and 0 -.2 ppm (combined) or Bromine: 2 6 ppm ph: 7.2 7.8 Cyanuric acid may be used to stabilize free residual available chlorine in outdoor pools. The concentration of cyanuric acid should range 30-100 ppm. Testing for disinfectants and hydrogen-ion concentration (ph) must be conducted four times daily, and alkalinity and calcium hardness must be tested weekly. The test results are then entered into the logbook and should be reviewed by the health inspector during the inspection. The inspector should make sure entries are not entered in advance, are up-to-date, and are not consistently identical values each day. It is highly unlikely test results will be the same throughout the day or day-to-day. Inspectors should conduct water testing with the staff person to ensure they are familiar with the process. Records must be retained by the Operator for one year. 435.30 - Water Testing Equipment A DPD test kit must be used for measuring the concentration of chlorine or bromine and an appropriate test kit for measuring ph, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid levels at each pool. The test kit should be Page 10 of 12
capable of testing combined chlorine to a level of 0.0 ppm and kept in good repair together with an adequate supply of reagents. Reagents must be replaced each year. In special purpose pools, the operator must install and maintain an unbreakable thermometer to monitor water temperature. 435.31 - Water Clarity and 435.32 Water Clarity Maintenance The water must be maintained at all times so that a disc 6 inches in diameter can be seen on the pool bottom at the deepest end of the pool. Special purpose pools must be drained, cleaned, and refilled a minimum of every 14 days. 435.33 - Maximum Operating Temperature The operator must maintain a thermostatic control, inaccessible to the public, to ensure the temperature of a special purpose pool does not exceed 104 o F. Water temperature is recorded during chemical testing. 435.34 - Pool Closure If at any time the pool water does not conform to the requirements for bacterial quality, chemical standards, or water clarity, the operator must immediately close the pool until the pool water conforms to those standards. When an inspector determines the water does not meet the appropriate water standards, they should order the pool closed immediately until acceptable standards are achieved. 435.35 - Water Slide Flumes and 435.36 Splash Down Pools All water slide flumes must conform to the regulatory requirements for water quality, chemical standards, and use of DPD test kit. If at any time the water does meet the requirements, the operator must close the water slide flume until the appropriated chemical standards are restored. The health inspector should become familiar with the design restrictions listed in 435.35(5) (9) and 435.36(1) (3) for the splash down pool. Splash down pool requirements are listed in 435.36. 435.37 - New Equipment The use of any new and innovative equipment or disinfection methods other than those listed in the regulations is prohibited unless approved in writing by the MDPH. 435.38 - General Sanitation (CMR) All Public, Semi-Public, and Special Purpose Pools and all bathhouses, grounds and appurtenances shall be maintained in good repair and in a safe and sanitary manner. The health inspector has authority over and should walk through the entire facility during their inspection. Page 11 of 12
Administration and Enforcement 435.41 435.47 cover orders, hearings, appeals, penalties, and variances. Page 12 of 12