User note:
About this chapter: Chapter 7 concerns residential portable pools also known as onground storable residential swimming pools. These pools are manufactured for assembly on the site. The chapter's regulations include those for floor slopes, entry barrier methods, decks, stairs, safety signage and circulation systems.
This chapter describes certain criteria for the design, manufacturing, and testing of onground storable pools intended for residential use. This includes portable pools with flexible or nonrigid side walls that achieve their structural integrity by means of uniform shape, support frame or a combination thereof, and that can be disassembled for storage or relocation. This chapter includes what has been commonly referred to in past standards or codes as onground or above-ground pools.
This chapter does not apply to permanent inground residential pools, as defined in Chapter 8.
In addition to the requirements of this chapter, onground storable residential swimming pools shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 3.
The slope of the floor from the shallow end wall towards the deep area shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 7 units horizontal (14-percent slope) to the point of the first slope change.
The slope of the floor from the point of the first slope change towards the deepest point shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 3 units horizontal (33-percent slope).
The slope adjacent to the shallow area shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 3 units horizontal (33-percent slope) and the slope adjacent to the side walls shall not exceed 1 unit vertical in 1 unit horizontal (100-percent slope).
The point of the first slope change shall be defined as the point at which the shallow area slope exceeds 1 unit vertical in 7 units horizontal (14-percent slope) and is not less than 6 feet (1889 mm) from the shallow end wall of the pool.
For onground storable residential pools with a vinyl liner, the manufacturer's name and the liner identification number shall be affixed to the liner. For onground storable residential pools without a liner, the manufacturer's name and identification number shall be affixed to the exterior of the pool structure.
Onground storable pools shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Where an A-frame ladder has a platform between the handrails, the platform shall have a width of not less than 12 inches (305 mm) and a length of not less than 12 inches (305 mm). The platform shall be at or above the highest ladder tread. The walking surface of the platform shall be slip resistant.
Ladder treads shall have a horizontal uniform depth of not less than 2 inches (51 mm).
Risers, other than the bottom riser, shall be of uniform height that is not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The bottom riser height shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The vertical distance from the platform or top of the pool structure to the uppermost tread shall be the same as the uniform riser heights.
TYPICAL STAIRCASE LADDER, TYPE C
Ladder treads shall have a horizontal uniform depth of not less than 4 inches (102 mm).
Risers, other than the bottom riser, shall be of uniform height that is not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The bottom riser height shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The vertical distance from the platform or top of the pool structure to the uppermost tread shall be the same as the uniform riser heights.
Steps shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 19 inches (483 mm) between the side rails.
Type D in-pool ladders shall be in accordance with Sections 702.4.1 through 702.4.7. See Figure 702.4.
TYPICAL IN-POOL LADDER, TYPE D
There shall be a clearance of not less than 3 inches (76 mm) and not greater than 6 inches (152 mm) between the pool wall and the ladder.
Risers, other than the bottom riser, shall be of uniform height that is not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The bottom riser height shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm).
The vertical distance from the pool coping, deck, or step surface to the uppermost tread shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm) and uniform with other riser heights.
Ladder treads shall have a horizontal uniform depth of not less than 2 inches (51 mm).
In-pool stairs shall have a physical barrier to prevent children from swimming through the riser openings or behind the in-pool stairs.
Where handrails are removable, they shall be installed such that they cannot be removed without the use of tools.
The leading edge of handrails shall be 18 inches (457 mm) ± 3 inches (± 76 mm), horizontally from the vertical plane of the bottom riser.
Treads shall have an unobstructed horizontal depth of not less than 10 inches (254 mm) and an unobstructed surface area of not less than 240 square inches (0.15 m2).
Risers, other than the bottom riser, shall be of uniform height that is not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The bottom riser height shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The vertical distance from the pool coping, deck or step surface to the uppermost tread of the stairs shall be the same as the uniform riser heights.
Type F recessed in-pool stairs shall be in accordance with Sections 702.6.1 through 702.6.7. See Figure 702.5.
In-pool stairs shall have a physical barrier to prevent children from swimming through the riser openings or behind the in-pool stairs.
Where handrails are removable, they shall be installed such that they cannot be removed without the use of tools.
The leading edge of handrails shall be 18 inches (457 mm) ± 3 inches (± 76 mm), horizontally from the vertical plane of the bottom riser.
Treads shall have an unobstructed horizontal depth of not less than 10 inches (254 mm) at all points and an unobstructed surface area of not less than 240 square inches (0.15 m2).
Risers, other than the bottom riser, shall be of uniform height that is not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The bottom riser height shall be not less than 7 inches (178 mm) and not greater than 12 inches (305 mm). The vertical distance from the pool coping, deck or step surface to the uppermost tread of the stairs shall be the same as the uniform riser heights.
A circulation system consisting of pumps, hoses, tubing, piping, return inlets, suction outlets, filters and other related equipment that provides for the circulation of water throughout the pool shall be located so that such items cannot be used by young children as a means of access to the pool.
Circulation equipment shall be installed, mounted and supported in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
In climates subject to freezing, circulation system equipment shall be designed and fabricated to drain the pool water from the equipment and exposed piping, by removal of drain plugs and manipulating valves or by other methods in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
A pump including a motor shall be provided for circulation of the pool water. The equipment shall be sized to provide a turnover of the pool water not less than once every 12 hours. The system shall be designed to provide the required turnover rate based on the manufacturer's specified maximum flow rate of the filter, with a clean media condition of the filter. The system flow shall not exceed the filter manufacturer's maximum filter flow rate.
The process piping of the circulation system, including but not limited to hoses, tubing, piping, and fittings, shall be made of nontoxic material and shall be capable of withstanding an internal pressure of not less than 11/2 times the rated pressure of the pump. Piping on the suction side of the pump shall not collapse when flow into such piping is blocked.
Pressure-type filters shall have an automatic internal means or a manual external means to relieve accumulated air pressure inside the filter tank. Filter tanks composed of upper and lower tank lids that are held in place by a perimeter clamp shall have a perimeter clamp that provides for a slow and safe release of air pressure before the clamp disengages the lids.
Filter tanks incorporating an automatic internal air relief as the principal means of air release shall be designed with a means to provide for a slow and safe release of pressure.
A separation tank used in conjunction with a filter tank shall have a manual air release or the tank shall be designed to provide for a slow and safe release of pressure when the tank is opened.
Pool pumps shall be tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory in accordance with UL 1081.
Where a pressure-type filter is installed, a cleanable strainer or screen that captures materials such as solids, debris, hair and lint shall be provided upstream of the circulation pump.
Pumps and motors shall be accessible for inspection and service in accordance with the pump and motor manufacturer's instructions.
An accessible means of shut off of the suction and discharge piping for the pump shall be provided for maintenance and removal of the pump.
Outlets or suction outlets and return inlets shall be provided and arranged to produce uniform circulation of water so that sanitizer residual is maintained throughout the pool. Where installed, submerged suction outlets shall conform to APSP 16.
The surface skimming system provided shall be designed and constructed to skim the pool surface where the water level is maintained between the minimum and maximum fill level of the pool.
Safety signage such as "NO DIVING" signs and other safe use instruction signs that are provided by the pool and ladder manufacturer shall be posted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions prior to final inspection.
Safety signage for A-frame ladders shall be in accordance with Sections 705.2.1.1 through 705.2.1.4.1. The words on the signage shall be readable by persons standing in the pool and standing outside of the pool as applicable for the required location of each sign.
Type B limited access A-frame ladders that utilize swing-up or slide-up sections for limiting access to the pool shall have the following words posted on the ladder as applicable for the type of securing method:
- "WHEN POOL IS NOT OCCUPIED, SWING UP AND SECURE."
- "WHEN POOL IS NOT OCCUPIED, LIFT OFF."
- "WHEN POOL IS NOT OCCUPIED, SLIDE UP AND SECURE."
Safety signage for Type D in-pool ladders shall be in accordance with Sections 705.2.3.1 and 705.2.3.2. The words on the signage shall be readable by persons standing in the pool or standing outside the pool as applicable for the required location of each sign.
Type D in-pool ladders shall have the following words posted on the in-pool side of the ladder and on the pool entry side of the ladder: "NO DIVING." The location of the words shall be above the elevation of the design water level of the pool.
Type D in-pool ladders shall have the following words posted on the ladder: "WARNING: TO PREVENT ENTRAPMENT OR DROWNING, DO NOT SWIM THROUGH, BEHIND, OR AROUND LADDER."