Saskatchewan Health S A S K A T C H E W A N WATER THEME FACILITY DESIGN/OPERATIONAL STANDARDS Updated 02/00
FOREWORD These standards should be read in conjunction with The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999. Saskatchewan Health, with the assistance of the local health districts, has developed design/operational standards to assist operator/owners of aquatic facilities in meeting the requirements of The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999. While the design/operational standards in themselves should not be considered law, provisions of the standards become legally binding when they are attached as a condition or term of a licence to operate. Consequently, it is expected that all aquatic facilities will be constructed and operated in accordance with the design/operational standards. The format of the standards is such that all pools covered by the regulations are expected to comply with the general pool design/operational standards and any other applicable design/operational standards (water theme facility; swimming pool facility, or whirlpool facility). Existing swimming pools, water theme facilities and whirlpools which do not meet the design/operational standards may continue to operate provided that the pool is operated in compliance with The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999 and that a health hazard does not exist. Alterations to existing pools and equipment are to be carried out in accordance with the standards. Judicious use of these standards should result in the provision of bacteriologically and physically safe swimming pools, water theme facilities and whirlpools in this province.
WATER THEME FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 (1) In addition to the general pool design/operational standards the following water theme facilities design/operational standards are to apply to a water theme facility which is governed by The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999. (2) In addition to (1), water slides, wave pools and paddling pools shall comply with the appropriate sub categories of these water theme facility design/operational standards. 2.0 CONSTRUCTION Deck Areas 2.1 (1) A deck area is to surround the entire pool. (2) The deck area should not be less than 1.8 metres in width and provide not less than 0.9 metre of clear passage behind a diving board or any slide or other piece of play equipment and its supporting structure. Drinking Fountains 2.2 (1) At least one drinking fountain shall be provided. (2) Drinking fountains should be recessed, accessible to all swimmers and located away from the deep end of the pool. Materials 2.3 (1) The materials to be used in and around a water theme facility are to be of a type such that the operational strength of the entire assembly and each of its components are not adversely affected by exposure to rain, snow, ice, sunlight, local normal temperature extremes, local wind pressures, expected local air pollution products and the mechanical, electrical and chemical environment in and around the water theme facility. (2) Materials selected for components and accessories used in and around the facilities should be of a type that all parts with external surfaces and edges, that may come in contact with the user, are assembled, arranged, and finished so that they will not constitute a cutting, pinching, puncturing, or abrasion hazard in casual contact and intended use.
Outlets 2.4 (1) One or more drain outlets is to be provided at the lowest point of the pool floor. The total orifice area of all the pool drain outlets is to be at least four times the cross-sectional area of the main pool drain line and be sized to accommodate the main drain recirculation rate. (2) When the outlets for pool pump suction are installed in the pool floor near one end, the spacing should not permit a flow of water greater than 0.45 metres per second through the grating, and slotted openings in the grate should not to be over 8.7 millimetres wide. (3) In pools designed to waste the overflow water, the main drain piping is to be sized to accommodate 100% of the recirculated water to the filtration equipment. (4) In pools designed to recirculate the overflow water, the main drain piping is to be sized to accommodate at least 50% of the recirculated water to the filtration equipment. (5) Anti-vortex drains, consisting of parallel plates, where the water enters the fitting from the sides rather than through the top may be installed, provided the distance between the parallel plates does not exceed 13.5 millimetres. The velocity through an anti-vortex drain may be increased to 1.8 metres per second. The top plates are to be flush with the pool floor and should be securely fastened and made of non-corrosive material. Pool Heat 2.5 The water in any pool should not be artificially heated to a temperature above 30ºC unless permission to do so has been granted by a public health officer. Stairs and Ladders 2.6 (1) Stairs or ladders shall be installed: at the shallow portion of the pool where the vertical distance from the bottom of the pool to the deck or top of the wall is more than 600 millimetres; and where a pool is more than 9 metres wide, at each side of the pool. (2) A ramp or step is to be continuous in nature and without spaces or gaps between the edge, or side, of this ramp or step and the wall of the pool. Page 2
(3) Recessed steps with grab-rails may be used in place of ladders. (4) Stairs are to be sloped towards the pool to prevent an accumulation of settleable solids. The stairs should be finished in a manner that will contrast with the pool colour. (5) Treads on stairs of ladders and stairs should not be less than 76 millimetres deep over their full width and have non-slip surfaces. Ladders should be corrosion-resistant and are to be rigidly installed. (6) There is to be a clearance of not more than 150 millimetres between a ladder and the wall of the pool on which the ladder is installed. (7) All ladders are to be removable. Page 3
1.0 CONSTRUCTION Circulation Capacity WATER THEME FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS PADDLING POOLS 1.1 In the case of a paddling pool that is constructed after the coming into force of The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, the circulation and filtration equipment should be of adequate size to turnover the entire system's water at least once every two hours. Depth Markings 1.2 Depth of water markings are to be plainly marked and conspicuously posted at a minimum of two locations and shall: (c) (d) indicate the maximum depth of water; be positioned to be read by persons using the pool; be located on the deck within 460 millimetres of the water edge in legible numerals/letters 100 millimetres high of a colour contrasting with the background; and not create a hazard. General 1.3 Paddling pools are to: be completely free of obstructions which may be hazardous to children; and have a floor with a maximum slope of 1:15 and a minimum of 1:50, unless otherwise approved by a public health officer. Page 4
1.0 CONSTRUCTION Depth Markings WATER THEME FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS WATER SLIDES 1.1 Depth of water markings shall be plainly marked and conspicuously posted at a minimum of two locations and shall: (c) (d) indicate the maximum depth of water; be positioned to be read by persons using the slide; be on the deck within 460 millimetres of the water edge in legible numerals/letters 100 millimetres high of a colour contrasting with the background; and not create a hazard. Flume Exit 1.2 (1) Flume exit sections should be designed to assure safe exit speeds, angles, and stopping distances. (2) The distance between the side of a flume exit and a receiving poolside wall should be at least 1.5 metres. (3) The distance between sides of adjacent flume terminuses should be at least 2 metres. (4) The unobstructed distance between a flume exit and the opposite side of the receiving pool should be at least 6 metres. (5) In the case of high-speed slides, special provisions should be made in flume exit design, pool depth, and pool width (measured from flume exit) to safely accommodate slides specifically designed with greater slopes or other special features which allow an unusually rapid descent. (6) Multiple-exit slides should have parallel exits or be constructed so that their centre lines do not intersect for a distance of at least 6 metres from the exits of each flume. If slides with nonparallel exits discharge swimmers at a high speed, the centre lines should not intersect for at least 9 metres. Page 5
(7) Unless otherwise approved by a public health officer, flumes should terminate either at a depth of at least 150 millimetres below the receiving pool's operating water level or no more than 50 millimetres above the water surface, provided the flume is level for a distance of at least 3 metres from its exit end. (8) Unless otherwise approved by a public health officer, the receiving pool water depth at the end of a flume should be 1 metre with a maximum depth of 1.2 metres. This depth should be maintained in front of the flume for a distance of at least 6 metres, from which point the receiving pool floor may have a constant slope upward to the minimum water depth. These slopes should be no more than 1:10. The maximum depth within 1.5 metres of the slide flume median is to be no more than 1.2 metres. (9) If special exit systems that assure safe exit from the flume and safe entry to the receiving pool are used, the 1 metre depth and minimum maintenance distance for this depth can be waived by a public health officer. General Safety 1.3 (1) All curves, turns, and tunnels within the slide flume should be designed so that body impact with the walls of the flume or ceiling of a tunnel does not present a hazard. (2) The slide flume should be banked to keep the slider's body safely inside the flume or curve. (3) In sections of the elevated flumes where, contrary to intended use, a slider may stop, there should be safety walls or other provisions to keep the slider from falling out of the flume. (4) The construction, dimensions, and mechanical attachment of slide flume bed components should be such that the surface of the slide flume is continuous and smooth for the entire length. Walkways & Steps 1.4 Walkways and steps should be: (c) (d) well drained; non-slippery; separated from the flume by a physical barrier; and set back far enough from the operating flume so that users cannot contact it on the way down. Page 6
2.0 CIRCULATION SYSTEMS Circulation Capacity 2.1 (1) The circulation and filtration equipment shall be of adequate size to turnover the entire system's water at least once every hour. Intake (2) In the case where the water slide's receiving pool is used both as a receiving pool and a swimming pool, the circulation and filtration may comply with the sizing and turnover rate criteria described in the swimming pool design/operational standards. 2.2 Unless otherwise approved by a public health officer, the intake for the water slide piping is to be located at least 6 metres away from a flume exit and designed so as not to create an undercurrent or entrapment hazard for the swimmer. Skimmers 2.3 When surface skimmers are used as the sole overflow system, they are to be sufficient in number to facilitate at least 50% of the designed recirculation rate. Surge-Free System 2.4 A surge-free automatic water make-up system should be installed to ensure that the water in the receiving pool is maintained at the proper level. Page 7
WATER THEME FACILITY DESIGN STANDARDS WAVE POOLS 1.0 CONSTRUCTION Depth Markings 1.1 (1) Depth of water markings are to be plainly marked: at a point of minimum depth, 1.2 metres depth, and at the points of break between gentle and steep bottom slopes. The words "deep area" and "shallow area" are to be clearly marked in letters at least 100 millimetres high of a colour contrasting with the background at appropriate locations; and on the deck within 460 millimetres of the water edge and are to indicate the depth of water in legible numerals at least 100 millimetres high of a colour contrasting with the background. (2) Wherever possible, depth markings should also be located on the wall of the pool basin above the operating water level. (3) Depth of water markings are to be placed on both sides and both ends of a wave pool, the distance between markings is not to exceed 7.6 metres. (4) All depth of water markings are to be placed in a manner that will not create a hazard. Handholds 1.2 (1) In the case of pools designed to be operated as both a wave pool and swimming pool, handholds are to be provided along the length of each wall of the pool and installed so that they are not more than 230 millimetres above the water line when the wave pool is not in operation. (2) If installed, handhold railings are to be mounted to the pool basin wall in a fashion that will not cause swimmer entrapment problems. Safety Line 1.3 (1) In the case of pools designed to be used as both a wave pool and swimming pool, safety line anchors are to be installed in the pool basin walls at the 1.2 metre depth of water mark and at the start point of where the pool basin slope is greater than 1:12. Page 8
(2) Where a wave pool is used as a swimming pool, a safety line (minimum diameter of 19 millimetres) with floats is to be attached to the anchors stated in sentence (1) during the operation of the swimming pool. 2.0 CIRCULATION SYSTEMS Circulation Capacity 2.1 The circulation and filtration equipment should be of adequate size to turnover the entire system's water at least every six hours. Page 9
WATER THEME FACILITY OPERATIONAL STANDARDS 1.0 QUALITY CONTROL Alkalinity PADDLING POOLS 1.1 Alkalinity should be maintained within the range of 80-120 mg/l. Calcium Hardness 1.2 Calcium hardness should be maintained within the range of 125-275 mg/l. Combined Chlorine Residual 1.3 The combined chlorine residual should not be more than 50% of the total chlorine residual. Cyanuric Acid 1.4 (1) Cyanuric acid should be maintained within the range of 25-50 mg/l. (2) Cyanuric acid shall not be used in indoor paddling pools. Disinfection Residual 1.5 A disinfection residual shall be maintained during operational times in all portions of the paddling pool water. The water in a paddling pool shall have: a minimum 2.0 milligrams per litre of free chlorine residual; a minimum 3.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine residual; or an oxidation reduction potential of at least 650 millivolts and a minimum residual at all times of 0.6 milligrams per litre of free chlorine or 1.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine. Fill and Drain Paddling Pools 1.6 Where a paddling pool was constructed prior to the coming into force of The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999 and not equipped with recirculation equipment, the pool is to be operated as follows: The pool is to be completely drained after the last period of use each Page 10
day. The main drain valve for the pool is to remain open until such time that the pool is ready to be refilled. (c) (d) (e) (f) All debris or other materials that could pollute the water or that could be hazardous to the pool users are to be removed from the pool bottom and deck areas and properly disposed of. Before being refilled, the pool and the pool deck are to be scrubbed thoroughly and hosed down with disinfectant. The pool is to be filled with water from a supply approved by a public health officer. A disinfectant shall be added to the pool water in sufficient quantity to maintain a disinfecting residual as outlined in subsection 1.5. In a case where mechanical equipment is not provided for the addition of the disinfectant, the disinfectant may be added to the pool water manually. ph Concentration (g) The ph range shall be maintained as per subsection 1.7. 1.7 The operator shall control the ph within a range of 7.2 and 7.8. Testing and Records 1.8 (1) Testing and recording for levels of alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid if used and any other parameter a public health officer considers appropriate shall be conducted and recorded as directed by a public health officer. (2) Each operator shall test the pool water and record the disinfection and ph levels as well as the oxidation reduction potential level if in use, one half hour prior to swimmers being admitted to the pool, and thereafter at three hour maximum time intervals during the hours of operation. Turnover Rate 1.9 In the case of a paddling pool that is constructed after the coming into force of The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, the entire volume of paddling pool water is to be completely circulated through the filter and disinfecting equipment at least once every two hours. Page 11
2.0 SAFETY Supervisor 2.1 Unless a supervisor or the minimum number of lifeguards set out in The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999 is on duty, no operator of a paddling pool shall allow a child who is under the age of 12 years to enter the area of the paddling pool unless the child is accompanied by and is under the care of a person who: is at least 12 years old and understands the responsibilities associated with the required level of supervision and is capable of providing that level of supervision; and continuously supervises the child while the child is in the swimming pool or the swimming pool area. Page 12
WATER THEME FACILITY OPERATIONAL STANDARDS WATER SLIDES 1.0 WATER QUALITY CONTROL Alkalinity 1.1 Alkalinity should be maintained within the range of 80-120 mg/l. Calcium Hardness 1.2 Calcium hardness should be maintained within the range of 125-275 mg/l. Combined Chlorine Residual 1.3 The combined chlorine residual should not be more than 50% of the total chlorine residual. Cyanuric Acid 1.4 (1) Cyanuric acid should be maintained within the range of 25-50 mg/l. (2) Cyanuric acid shall not be used in indoor pools. Disinfection Residual 1.5 A disinfection residual shall be maintained during operational times in all portions of the water slide receiving pool water. The water in a water slide receiving pool shall have: a minimum 2.0 milligrams per litre of free chlorine residual; a minimum 3.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine residual; or ph Concentration an oxidation reduction potential of at least 650 millivolts and a minimum residual at all times of 0.6 milligrams per litre of free chlorine or 1.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine. 1.6 The operator shall control the ph within a range of 7.2 and 7.8. Page 13
Testing & Records 1.7 (1) Testing and recording for levels of alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid if used and any other parameter a public health officer considers appropriate shall be conducted and recorded as directed by a public health officer. (2) Each operator shall test the pool water and record the disinfection and ph levels as well as the oxidation reduction potential level if in use, one half hour prior to swimmers being admitted to the pool, and thereafter at three hour maximum time intervals during the hours of operation. Turnover Rate 1.8 (1) The entire volume of water used at a water slide shall be circulated through the filter and disinfecting equipment at least once every hour. 2.0 SAFETY (2) In the case where the water slide's receiving pool is used both as a receiving pool and a swimming pool, the turnover rate may comply with the turnover rate specified in the swimming pool design/operational standards. Emergency Equipment 2.1 (1) When deemed necessary by a public health officer there shall be provided in places conveniently located for emergency use: at least one electrically insulated or non-conductive reaching pole at least 3.7 metres in length; two or more buoyant throwing aids, each having securely attached to it a 6.5 millimetre diameter rope of a length not less than one-half the width of the pool plus 1.5 metres; and (2) In addition to the equipment identified in (1), at every swimming pool where lifeguards or supervisors are required, there shall be a spine board which is equipped with a device capable of preventing movement of the head which has adjustable fastening straps at shoulder, waist and feet areas. (Errata 02/00) Page 14
Safety Rules 2.2 The following is a suggested list of safety rules that is to be posted at the entrance area of the slide flume. (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling, or stopping in flumes or tunnels. No diving from flume. No sliding when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. No more than one person at a time. Obey instructions of supervisors and lifeguard at all times. No forming of chains. Keep hands inside the flume. No head first sliding. Leave the receiving pool promptly after exiting the slide. No glass containers in or around the slides or pool. Supervisor Qualifications 2.3 The supervisor shall as a minimum possess qualifications as described in The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999. Supervisors 2.4 (1) In addition to the lifeguard numbers, supervisors should be located at areas at the upper and lower portions of the slide. (2) Where more than one slide can be entered from a common area, a public health officer may waive the requirements for individual slide supervisors. (3) A lower slide supervisor shall be responsible for supervising swimmer safety in the receiving pool and for ensuring that sliders exit the receiving pool as quickly and as orderly as possible. (4) An upper slide supervisor shall be responsible for controlling sliders starting from the upper flume area; controlling the spacing between the last slider and next slider entering the flume; and for supervising portions of the flume visible from that position. Page 15
(5) Where a water slide flume exits into a pool area where a lifeguard is present, a public health officer may waive the requirements mentioned in sentences (3) and (4). Lifeguards 2.5 In addition to meeting the qualification requirements described in The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, lifeguards should be of an age that enables them to fully understand the responsibilities associated with the position of lifeguard and are capable of supervising swimmer safety. (Revision 02/00) 3.0 GENERAL Inspection of Flumes 3.1 The inspection of flumes should include checking for: (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) loose railings; leaking seals at butt-joints; rough patching of cracks or joints; absence of or loose guards on the turns; unusual movement of the flume bed when walked on; the growth of algae on flume support structures; sharp edges on the flume safety rails; the projection of any structure or vegetation into the flume; and a smooth clear view of the receiving pool at the exit of the flume. Maintenance 3.2 A daily inspection of the facility operation and maintenance shall be carried out. Page 16
WATER THEME FACILITY OPERATIONAL STANDARDS WAVE POOLS 1.0 QUALITY CONTROL Alkalinity 1.1 Alkalinity should be maintained within the range of 80-120 mg/l. Calcium Hardness 1.2 Calcium hardness should be maintained within the range of 125-275 mg/l. Combined Chlorine Residual 1.3 The combined chlorine residual should not be more than 50% of the total chlorine residual. Cyanuric Acid 1.4 (1) Cyanuric acid should be maintained within the range of 25-50 mg/l. (2) Cyanuric acid shall not be used in indoor wave pools. Disinfection Residual 1.5 A disinfection residual shall be maintained during operational times in all portions of the wave pool water. The water in a wave pool shall have: a minimum 2.0 milligrams per litre of free chlorine residual; a minimum 3.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine residual; or ph Concentration an oxidation reduction potential of at least 650 millivolts and a minimum residual at all times of 0.6 milligrams per litre of free chlorine or 1.0 milligrams per litre of total bromine. 1.6 The operator shall control the ph within a range of 7.2 and 7.8. Page 17
Testing and Records 1.7 (1) Testing and recording for levels of alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid if used and any other parameter the a public health officer considers appropriate shall be conducted and recorded as directed by a public health officer. (2) Each operator shall test the pool water and record the disinfection and ph levels as well as the oxidation reduction potential level if in use, one half hour prior to swimmers being admitted to the pool, and thereafter at three hour maximum time intervals during the hours of operation. Turnover Rate 1.8 The entire volume of water used at a wave pool should be circulated through the filter and disinfecting equipment at least once every six hours. 2.0 SAFETY Emergency Equipment 2.1 (1) At every wave pool there shall be provided in places conveniently located for emergency use: one or more electrically insulated or non-conducting reaching poles at least 3.7 metres long; two or more buoyant throwing aids, each having securely attached to it a 6.5 millimetres diameter rope of a length not less than one-half the width of the pool plus 1.5 metres; and (2) In addition to the equipment identified in (1), at every swimming pool where lifeguards or supervisors are required, there shall be a spine board which is equipped with a device capable of preventing movement of the head which has adjustable fastening straps at shoulder, waist and feet areas. (Errata 02/00) Lifeguards 2.2 In addition to meeting the qualification requirements described in The Swimming Pool Regulations, 1999, lifeguards should be of an age that enables them to fully understand the responsibilities associated with the position of lifeguard and are capable of supervising swimmer safety. (Revision 02/00) Page 18
Maximum Swimmer Load 2.3 The total number of swimmers permitted at any one time on the pool deck and in the pool is not to exceed the maximum swimmer load as determined by the following: one person for each 0.9 square metres of the surface area of water in that part of the pool where the water depth is less than 1.5 metres; and (Revision 02/00) one person for each 2.32 square metres of the surface area of water in that part of the pool where the water depth is greater than 1.5 metres; but, where a diving board is provided in part of a pool, the available surface area of water for that part is reduced 27.8 square metres for each diving board or tower. (Revision 02/00) Warning Buzzer 2.4 Every wave pool shall be equipped with a warning buzzer that is to be sounded to alert swimmers of the commencement of operation of the wave generator. Page 19