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(A) Except as provided in this paragraph, the design requirements set forth by this rule apply to every public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool regardless of construction date. If a pool or spa is constructed, installed, renovated, or otherwise substantially altered, as defined in rule 3701-31-03 of the Administrative Code, the requirements of rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code shall apply and any conflicting requirement of this rule shall not apply. Unless renovated or otherwise substantially altered, in addition to the requirements of this rule, each public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool that was constructed on or after January 1, 1991, but prior to January 1, 1999, shall comply with the design requirements of rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code that were in effect at the time of construction.
(B) If the water supply to a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool is not from a public water system as defined in rule 3745-81-01 of the Administrative Code, the licensee shall ensure that the pool or spa has a water treatment system that is designed and installed properly to pretreat the water supply for the pool or spa so that it meets the applicable water quality standards of Chapter 3745 of the Administrative Code. The water supply system of a pool or spa shall be protected at all times against cross-connection in accordance with Chapters 3745-95 and 4101:2-51 of the Administrative Code.
(C) Each public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool shall have a recirculation system, a hair and lint strainer (for vacuum DE filters this may be the filter itself), piping, disinfection equipment, and other necessary equipment that the director or the licensor, as applicable depending upon whether licensure or plan approval is at issue, determines can clarify and disinfect the water of the pool or spa adequately. All such equipment shall be enclosed in such a manner as to be accessible only to authorized persons and not to bathers. Construction and drainage shall be arranged to avoid the entrance and accumulation of water in the vicinity of electrical equipment.
(1) Turnover rates.
(a) On average, water in a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool shall be recirculated and filtered completely in accordance with the following turnover rates, as applicable:
(i) For public swimming pools (other than wading pools) and special use pools: at least once every eight hours.
(ii) For wading pools: at least once every two hours.
(iii) For public spas: at least once every thirty minutes.
(b) The licensor, may allow a longer turnover rate if the licensee can document that the pool or spa has consistently met the water quality standards of rule 3701-31-07 of the Administrative Code. If the licensor finds that the pool or spa has violated the water quality standards, or if the recirculation system is replaced, the licensee shall bring the pool or spa into compliance with the turnover rate requirements of paragraph (C)(1)(a) of this rule or rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code depending on the date of original construction.
(2) Filters used for a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool shall be replaced only with filters that are approved and listed for the relevant flow rate by the “National Sanitation Foundation” or another organization or agency that approves equipment used for swimming pools, spas, or special use pools, if the organization or agency establishes standards or maintains testing or monitoring procedures comparable to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) “Standard No. 50”.
(3) Each public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool shall have inlets, one or more main drains, and gutters or skimmers that the director or the licensor, as applicable depending upon whether licensure or plan approval is at issue, determines can provide proper skimming, recirculation, and handling of displacement water. Surface skimming overflow fittings may be used for wading pools.
(4) All outlets, except skimmers, on pump suction at public swimming pools, public spas, or special use pools shall always be covered with suitable protective grates that cannot be removed without tools and that pose no safety hazard.
(5) A means of determining rate-of-flow shall be properly installed or provided on all public swimming pools, public spas, or special use pools so that the rate of recirculation can be accurately determined. All instruments shall be installed so they can be easily observed.
(6) A pressure or vacuum gauge or gauges, appropriate to the type of filter, shall be properly installed to indicate pressure loss through each filter at a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool.
(7) All public spas shall have a drain at the deepest part of the spa to allow for the complete drainage of the spa water or the licensee shall have on site the equipment necessary for complete removal of the water.
(8) Automatic chemical controllers shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (A)(3) of rule 3701-31-07 of the Administrative Code. All installations of automatic chemical controllers shall be accompanied by an installation of pH adjustment equipment.
(9) All wading pools, special use pools thirty-six inches or less in depth, and spas that have a single main drain on direct suction shall be equipped with a vacuum limit switch mounted ahead of the hair and lint strainer, which shall cause the recirculation pump, and, for spas any jet pump, to immediately cease operation and release the vacuum if the vacuum limit is exceeded. This requirement does not apply if the pool is modified to meet the requirements of paragraph (Q) or paragraph (S) of rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code.
(10) Public swimming pools, public spas, and special use pools may install sixty MIL polyvinyl chloride (PVC) membrane linings or other synthetic material approved by the director instead of repainting interior surfaces. Whenever a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool is repainted, the requirements of paragraph (E)(1) of rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code shall apply.
(D) Either area lighting or area and underwater lighting shall be provided at each public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool when nighttime use is permitted. The lighting shall be sufficient to illuminate adequately the pool or spa bottom.
(E) Safe ladders, recessed treads, or stairs with handrails shall be provided for all public swimming pools, public spas, and special use pools. At least one handrail shall be provided at all public spas to indicate a point of entry and exit from the spa.
(F) Recreational diving.
(1) Recreational diving areas are diving hoppers at public swimming pools or special use pools designed in accordance with paragraph (F)(2) of this rule. Recreational diving equipment (diving stands and boards) shall have a fixed (wrench-adjustable) fulcrum, locked in the forward-most position at all times. The adjusting wheels of foot-adjustable fulcrums shall be removed.
(2) Recreational diving equipment may be installed for recreational diving purposes only at public swimming pools or special use pools with design features in compliance with the following “recreational diving area design features” chart:
For Image — To obtain the appendix, table, image, etc. please call LSC’s ERF Helpdesk at 614-387-2078 or send an email to erfhelpdesk@lsc.state.oh.us.
Max. board ht. Max. diving Min. Board
Over water Board length Overhang D1 D2 D3 D4 L1 L2
Deck Level 8’ 24” 7’0” 8’6” 7’6” 5’0” 5’0” 10’0”
26” 10’ 2’6” 7’6” 8’6” 8’0” 5’0” 5’0” 10’0”
30” 12’ 3’0” 8’0” 9’0” 8’0” 5’0” 5’0” 10’0”
1-Meter 16’ 4’0” 8’6” 9’0” 8’0” 5’0” 5’0” 11’5”
3-Meter 16’ 4’0” 8’6” 11’0” 10’0” 5’0” 5’0” 11’5”
Note: A deck level board is one-half meter (nineteen inches) or less above water level. A longer board may be used on a lower stand if the water depth meets or exceeds the requirements for the longer board. Diving hopper side and end slopes shall not exceed forty-five degrees.
(3) Unobstructed headroom above all recreational diving boards used in recreational diving areas shall extend for at least fifteen feet above the board and for no less than ten feet in all directions over the water, measured from the center of the diving end of the board.
(4) The depths of water required beneath recreational diving boards shall be present for a distance of not less than five feet for diving boards one meter or less in height, or not less than seven feet for three-meter diving boards, on either side of a vertical plane drawn through the center line of the diving board.
(5) Horizontal separation between recreational diving boards shall be at least ten feet. The horizontal distance between a one-meter or less recreational diving board and the pool side wall shall be at least ten feet. The horizontal distance between a three-meter recreational diving board and the pool side wall shall be at least eleven feet.
All measurements shall be taken from the center of the diving end of the board at the pool surface.
(6) Diving boards and platforms in excess of three meters in height are prohibited.
(7) Recreational diving equipment may be replaced in the same location provided that the diving board is of the same length and is located at the same height above water level, but only if the diving hopper dimensions meet or exceed the standards set forth in this rule at the time of replacement.
(G) Competitive diving.
(1) Competitive diving areas are diving hoppers at public swimming pools or special use pools designed in accordance with paragraph (G)(2) of this rule. Competitive diving equipment is defined as the diving stands and boards at such pools which utilize adjustable fulcrums.
(2) Diving boards may be installed for competitive diving purposes only on public swimming pools or special use pools that are designed in compliance with either of the following:
(a) The appendix to this rule, which depicts the 1988-1992 design standards of the “Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur,” the 1989 design standards of the “National Collegiate Athletic Association,” and the 1989-1990 standards of “United States Diving, Incorporated,” or
(b) The most recent version of the design standards of the “Federation Internationale de Natation Amateur,” the “National Collegiate Athletic Association,” or the “United States Diving, Incorporated.”
The licensor may allow use of a diving board for competitive diving at a pool not designed in compliance with this paragraph if the licensee presents satisfactory evidence that the pool is designed in accordance with a version of the standards set forth in the appendix that was in effect at the time the pool was constructed.
(3) Competitive diving equipment may be replaced in the same location provided that the diving board is of the same length and is located at the same height above water level, and the diving hopper meets or exceeds the standards set forth in this rule at the time of replacement.
(H) All diving stands and boards, slides, and other competitive or recreational equipment shall be of substantial construction and of sufficient structural strength to safely carry the maximum anticipated loads with the following design requirements:
(1) Steps shall be of corrosion-resistant materials, easily cleanable and of non-slip design. Step treads shall be self-draining.
(2) Handrails shall be provided at all steps and ladders leading to diving boards more than one meter above the water.
(3) Platforms and diving boards which are one meter high or higher shall be protected with guard rails as recommended by the manufacturer which, at a minimum, extend horizontally to the edge of the water.
(4) Boards or platforms three meters or higher shall have an effective side barrier.
(I) Starting blocks shall be designed appropriately for their purpose. Adequate materials or equipment shall be kept available to rope off or otherwise make starting blocks inaccessible to the general public.
(J) The shape, dimensional design, and other features of a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool and the surrounding area shall be such that the circulation of water and the safety of the patrons of the pool or spa are not impaired.
(K) Signs.
(1) “No diving” signs using letters a minimum of four inches in size or equivalent pictorial signage shall be placed adjacent to depth markers along the deck of a public swimming pool or special use pool at shallow areas within two feet of the water’s edge or within six inches of the back of the gutter. The signs shall have slip resistant surfaces. The linear distance measured along the pool wall and across stair setbacks between adjacent signs shall not be greater than twenty-five feet. “No diving” signs are not required at wading pools or public spas. Notwithstanding the requirements of rule 3701-31-06(N) of the Administrative Code, the licensee may allow diving from starting blocks or the pool deck in shallow areas specifically for competitive racing events provided that the depth of water in those areas is no less than four feet.
(2) Depth markings.
(a) Depth of water of a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool shall be plainly marked on the adjacent deck surface within two feet of the edge of the water or within six inches of the back of the gutter. All depth markers shall have slip resistant surfaces. The linear distance measured along the pool wall and across stair setbacks between adjacent markings shall not be greater than twenty-five feet. The depth of water at a public swimming pool or special use pool shall be marked at maximum and minimum points, at the points of break between the deep and shallow portions, and at intermediate points. A minimum of two depth markings per public spa or wading pool shall be provided;
(b) All depth markings shall consist of numerals reflecting the water depth to the nearest six-inch or one-half foot increment with units indicated in letters. Depth marking numerals shall be at least four inches in size and shall be of a color that contrasts with the background. The designation of units of measure shall be in letters and feet and inches may be abbreviated. If tiles are used, the unit designation may be in smaller letters (one and one-quarter inches minimum) located in the upper right portion of the tile. Areas of zero depth entrance may be marked in accordance with paragraph (R) of rule 3701-31-041 of the Administrative Code.
(3) The licensee of a public swimming pool or special use pool not required to provide a lifeguard by paragraph (B) of rule 3701-31-05 of the Administrative Code shall post a warning sign prominently in the pool area which states: “Warning, no lifeguard.”
(4) The licensee shall post a sign in the immediate vicinity of each public swimming pool, public spa, and special use pool stating the location of the nearest telephone.
(5) The licensee shall assure that a sign is posted at the emergency telephone indicating the name and telephone number of the nearest available police station, fire station, and rescue unit and any other names and telephone numbers likely to be needed in the event of an emergency.
(6) When any public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool is closed, the licensee shall post conspicuously at least one sign stating “danger-pool (SPA) closed” or “warning-pool (SPA) closed.”
(7) The licensee of a public spa shall mount a caution sign prominently adjacent to the entrance to the spa. The sign shall contain the following information using the following language or similar language:
Caution
-Pregnant women, elderly persons, and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes or high or low blood pressure should not enter the spa/hot tub without prior medical consultation and permission from their doctor.
- Do not use the spa/hot tub while under the influence of alcohol, tranquilizers, or other drugs that cause drowsiness or that raise or lower blood pressure.
- Do not use at water temperatures greater than one hundred four degrees fahrenheit.
- Do not use alone.
- Unsupervised use by children is prohibited.
- Observe reasonable time limits (that is, ten to fifteen minutes), then leave the water and cool down before returning for another brief stay.
- Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
(8) Water slide sign requirements:
(a) The minimum user height shall be posted. This measurement shall be the manufacturer’s recommendation or six inches above the static water level of the pool based on the depth of the pool immediately beneath the flume on the slide.
(b) Safety recommendations, as provided by the manufacturer, shall be posted conspicuously at the slide. At a minimum the postings shall contain the following information using the following language or similar language:
(i) Users shall ride feet first at all times;
(ii) Stopping, changing position, and forming “chains” are prohibited;
(iii) Life jackets or other flotation devices are prohibited other than those designed for the slide and used as directed by the manufacturer;
(iv) Users must exit the landing area of the slide immediately;
(v) Speed slide users shall remain flat;
(vi) Users in line for the slide shall follow directions from the dispatcher.
(9) Recreation slide sign requirements:
(a) Safety recommendations, as provided by the manufacturer, shall be posted conspicuously at the slide. At a minimum the postings shall contain the following information using the following language or similar language:
(i) One user on the platform at any time;
(ii) Always check to see if splashdown area is clear before entering slide;
(iii) Users shall ride feet first at all times;
(iv) Stopping, changing position, and forming “chains” are prohibited;
(v) Two users shall not ride at the same time;
(vi) Life jackets or other flotation devices are prohibited other than those designed for the slide and used as directed by the manufacturer;
(vii) Users must exit the landing area of the slide immediately.
(10) Special Features. Safety recommendations, as provided by the manufacturer, shall be posted conspicuously.
(L) For each public swimming pool or special use pool, the licensee shall provide a safety line with intermittent floats at water depths which exceed five feet, and at changes that increase pool bottom slope. The line shall be anchored to the interior wall of the pool. The safety line shall be located one foot toward the shallow portion from the change in slope. If the design of the pool prevents location of the safety line one foot toward the shallow portion, the line shall be located at the change in slope. A safety line is not required if there is no break in slope between the shallow and deep portions of the pool and the maximum water depth is six feet or less.
(M) Perimeter Fence.
(1) The licensee shall provide a perimeter fence or barrier to enclose each public swimming pool, public spa, special use pool, or complex of pools or spas. The fence shall be located in such a manner as to prevent unauthorized access to the pool or spa or complex of pools or spas. The fence or barrier shall be at least forty-two inches in height from the ground to the top of the fence. All gates or doors shall be lockable. Any gates that are used for ingress or egress of pool or spa patrons also shall be self-closing.
(2) The perimeter fence or barrier shall be constructed in such a manner that a sphere with a diameter of six inches cannot be passed through any opening.
(3) The licensee shall provide a responsible person to continually monitor any gate, door, or opening in the perimeter fence that cannot be made self-closing when such opening is used for ingress or egress of pool or spa patrons.
(4) All fences and barriers shall be properly maintained to secure against unauthorized entry.
(N) The licensee shall provide toilet and bathhouse facilities for a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool in accordance with the local and state building codes that were applicable when the pool or spa was constructed or when the most recent major alteration of the existing toilet or bathhouse facilities was made. The licensee shall maintain the toilet and bathhouse facilities in a clean and sanitary condition.
(O) The licensee shall ensure that the discharge of any water from a public swimming pool, public spa, or special use pool is accomplished in accordance with the applicable requirements of the Ohio environmental protection agency.
Appendix Competitive Diving Board Design Standards
Minimum Standard Diving Facility Fina 1988-1992
Dimensions for Springboard Diving Ncaa 1989
Us Diving 1989-1990
BOARD ENGLISH METRIC
Length of Board 1M 16’ 4.80M
3M 16’ 4.80M
Width of Board 1M 20” .5M
3M 20” .5M
A) Springboard back to Pool Wall 1M 6’ 1.8M
3M 6’ 1.8M
B) Springboard to Pool Wall at Side 1M
3M
C) Springboard to Adjacent Plummet 1M
3M
D) Springboard to Pool Wall Ahead 1M 29’7” 9M
3M 33’8” 10.25M
E) Springboard to Ceiling Overhead 1M 16’5” 5M
3M 16’5” 5M
F) Clear Overhead, Behind and Each 1M F 8’3” 2.5M
Side of Springboard E 16’5” 5M
(F distance listed above) 3M F 8’3” 2.5M
(E depth listed below) E 16’5” 5M
G) Clear Overhead, Ahead of Springboard 1M G 16’5” 5M
E 16’5” 5M
(G distance listed above) 3M G 16’5” 5M
(E depth listed below) E 16’5” 5M
H) Depth of Water at Springboard 1M 11’6” 3.5M
3M 12’6” 3.8M
J) Distance and Depth Ahead 1M J 16’5” 5M
& of Springboard K 11’2” 3.4M
K) (J distance listed above) 3M J 19’9” 6M
(K depth listed below) K 12’2” 3.7M
L) Distance and Depth Each 1M L 4’10” 1.5M
& Side of Springboard M 11’2” 3.4M
M) (L distance listed above) 3M L 6’7” 2.0M
(M depth listed below) M 12’2” 3.7M
N) Maximum Slope to Reduce Dimensions Depth 30 Degrees
Beyond Full Requirements Height 30 Degrees
Appendix A Diagrams of a Diving Facility
For Appendix — To obtain the appendix, table, image, etc. please call LSC’s ERF Helpdesk at 614-387-2078 or send an email to erfhelpdesk@lsc.state.oh.us.
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 07/02/2008 and 07/01/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3749.02
Rule Amplifies: 3749.02, 3709.03
Prior Effective Dates: 1/1/1977, 1/1/91, 1/1/92, 1/1/94, 1/1/99, 6/12/00, 1/1/04