Miscellaneous Requirements
- All pools - There should be no protrusions, extensions or means of entanglement that could cause submerged entrapment of a bather. No parts should cause a cutting, pinching or abrasion hazard.
- Hand holds around the perimeter, at intervals no greater than 4', are needed wherever the depth exceeds 3.5'. The deck fulfills this requirement if the water level is no more than 12" below it.
- Residential pools - If the location of the change in the bottom slope nearest the shallow end is in water over 4.5' deep, there should be a permanently attached and buoyed safety line 1'-2' on the shallow side.
- Steps or a ladder are needed at the shallow end if the depth there is greater than 2'. If the length of the pool exceeds 40', steps or a ladder are required at the deep end, too. Two sets are needed if the width is over 30'.
- Drains should be covered by a grating that is not easily removable by bathers.
- Spas and hot tubs - Maximum water depth is 4'. Maximum depth of seat or bench is 2'. Steps, ladders, or recessed treads should be provided if water depth exceeds 2'. There should be a thermostat to control water temperature. Maximum temperature should not exceed 104°F.
- General recommendations - Minimum recommended size for an outdoor pool is 16'x32'. Spas and hot tubs should have lockable covers. Good idea for pools, too. A surface skimmer system is recommended. There should be one skimmer per 2,000 sq. ft. of surface area.
