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// CODE SNIPPET

454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances

2017 FBC - Building, 6th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances
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454.1.3.1 Decks and Walkways

454.1.3.1.1

Pool wet decks shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Wet deck area finishes shall be designed for such use and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Wooden decks and walkways are prohibited.

454.1.3.1.2

Pool wet decks shall be uniformly sloped at a minimum of 2 percent to a maximum of 4 percent away from the pool or to deck drains to prevent standing water. Textured deck finishes that provide pitting and crevices of more than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) deep that accumulate soil are prohibited. If settling or weathering occurs that would cause standing water, the original slopes shall be restored or corrective drains installed. When a curb is provided, the deck shall not be more than 10 inches (254 mm) below the top of the curb.

454.1.3.1.3

Pool wet decks shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 4 feet (1219 mm) around the perimeter of the pool, pool curb, ladders, handrails, diving boards, diving towers and slides.

454.1.3.1.4

Traffic barriers shall be provided as needed so that parked vehicles do not extend over the deck area.

454.1.3.1.5

Walkways shall be provided between the pool and the sanitary facilities, and shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish for the first 15 feet (4572 mm) of the walkway measured from the nearest pool water's edge. A hose bibb with a vacuum breaker shall be provided to allow the deck to be washed down with potable water.

454.1.3.1.6

Twenty percent of the deck along the pool perimeter may be obstructed as long as any one obstruction does not exceed 10 percent of the pool perimeter or 20 feet (6096 mm), whichever is less, in any one area where water depth is 5 feet (1524 mm) or less. Obstructions shall have a wet deck area behind or through them, with the near edge of the walk within 15 feet (4572 mm) of the water except approved slide obstructions shall have the near edge of the walk within 35 feet (10 668 mm) of the water. These obstructions must be protected by a barrier or must be designed to discourage patron access. Obstructions shall not include pool exit points. When an obstruction exists in multiple areas around the pool, the minimum distance between obstructions shall be 4 feet (1219 mm).

454.1.3.1.7

Food or drink service facilities shall not be located within 12 feet (3658 mm) of the water's edge.

454.1.3.1.8

The vertical clearance above the pool deck shall be at least 7 feet (2137 mm).

454.1.3.1.9

All public pools shall be surrounded by a minimum 48 inch (1219 mm) high fence or other approved substantial barrier. The fence shall be continuous around the perimeter of the pool area that is not otherwise blocked or obstructed by adjacent buildings or structures and shall adjoin with itself or abut to the adjacent members. Access through the barrier or fence from dwelling units, such as homes, apartments, motel rooms and hotel rooms, shall be through self-closing, self-latching lockable gates of 48 inch (1219 mm) minimal height from the floor or ground with the latch located a minimum of 54 inches (1372 mm) from the bottom of the gate or at least 3 inches (76 mm) below the top of the gate on the pool side. If the self-closing, self-latching gate is also self-locking and is operated by a key lock, electronic opener or integral combination lock, then the operable parts of such locks or openers shall be 34 inches minimum (864 mm) and 48 inches maximum (1219 mm) above the finished floor or ground. Doored access points from public rooms such as lobbies or club houses need not be through gates if the door(s) meet the same self-closing, self-latching requirements as a gate. Gates shall open outward away from the pool area. A latched, lockable gate shall be placed in the fence within 10 feet (3048 mm) of the closest point between the pool and the equipment area for service access.

Instead of a fence, permanent natural or manmade features such as bulkheads, canals, lakes, navigable waterways, etc., adjacent to a pool may be permitted as a barrier when approved. When evaluating such barrier features, the applicable governing body may perform onsite inspections, and review evidence, such as surveys, aerial photographs, water management agency standards and specifications, and any other similar documentation to verify at minimum, the following: the barrier feature is not subject to natural changes, deviations or alterations and is capable of providing an equivalent level of protection as that provided by a structure, and the barrier feature clearly impedes, prohibits or restricts access to the pool.

Screened pool enclosures must be hardened on the bottom 3 feet (914 mm). Fencing consideration shall be given to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publication, No. 362, March 2005, guidelines available from CPSC.gov; or Sections 454.2.17.1.1 through 454.2.17.1.8. Safety covers that comply with ASTM F1346-91 (Reapproved 2003), titled Safety Covers and Labeling Requirements for All Covers for Swimming Pools, Spas and Hot Tubs, and available from ASTM.org, do not satisfy this requirement.

454.1.3.2 Bridges and Overhead Obstructions or River Rides

Bridges and overhead obstructions over the pool shall be designed so they will not introduce any contamination to the pool water. The minimum height of the bridge or obstruction shall be at least 4 feet (1219 mm) above the surface of the pool in all cases except when the pool is a river ride where it shall be at least 5 feet (1524 mm) above the surface of the pool. Minimum 42-inch-high (1067 mm) handrails shall be provided along each side of the bridge. The walking surfaces shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Pool coping shall not overhang into the pool more than 11/2 inches (38 mm).

454.1.3.3 Safety

454.1.3.3.1

All swimming pools shall be installed with a shepherd's hook securely attached to a one piece pole not less than 16 feet (4880 mm) in length, and at least one 18-inch (457 mm) diameter lifesaving ring with sufficient rope attached to reach all parts of the pool from the pool deck. Safety equipment shall be mounted in a conspicuous place and be readily available for use. Pools greater than 50 feet (15 250 mm) in length shall have multiple units with at least one shepherd's hook and one lifesaving ring located along each of the longer sides of the pools. Spa pools under 200 square feet (1.86 m2) of surface area, and interactive water features or wading pools with 2 feet (610 mm) or less of water depth are exempt from this requirement.

454.1.3.3.2

All pools with a slope transition shall have safety line anchors as required by Section 454.1.2.2.3.2.

454.1.3.3.3

If a pool cover or solar blanket is installed, it shall be secured around the entire perimeter and designed to support a live load of an adult person; or, the pool area shall be inaccessible to unauthorized individuals during times of cover or blanket use.

454.1.3.3.4

A room or space shall be provided for chemicals to be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area under a roof and the area shall be inaccessible to the public.

454.1.3.3.5

Swimming pool slides shall be installed in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and sound engineering practice. Pools with slides designed for swimming pools are not required to satisfy those of slide plunge pools in Section 454.1.9.2.1.

454.1.3.3.6

Floating and climb-on devices, objects or toys that are not a part of the approved pool design shall not be tethered in the pool or installed without an engineering alterations application.

Related Code Sections


454.1.3 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, Pool Appurtenances
Pool wet decks shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Wet deck area finishes shall ...
2014 FBC - Building, 5th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances
454.1.3 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, Pool Appurtenances
Pool wet decks shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Wet deck area finishes shall ...
2017 FBC - Building, 6th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances
454.1.3 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use, Pool Appurtenances
Pool wet decks shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Wet deck area finishes shall ...
2020 FBC - Building, 7th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances
454.1.3.2 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use, Bridges and Overhead Obstructions or River Rides
Bridges and overhead obstructions over the pool shall be designed so they will not introduce any contamination to the pool water. The minimum height ...
2020 FBC - Building, 7th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances > 454.1.3.2 Bridges and Overhead Obstructions or River Rides
454.1.3.1 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy, Decks and Walkways
Pool wet decks shall be constructed of concrete or other nonabsorbent material having a smooth slip-resistant finish. Wet deck area finishes shall ...
2014 FBC - Building, 5th edition > 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy > 454 Swimming Pools and Bathing Places (Public and Private) > 454.1 Public Swimming Pools and Bathing Places > 454.1.3 Pool Appurtenances > 454.1.3.1 Decks and Walkways
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