Exhibit_11_TB_Med_575_Recreational_Waters.pdf

TB MED 575

TECHNICAL BULLETIN

OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

RECREATIONAL WATER FACILITIES

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE; DISTRIBUTION IS UNLIMITED.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

4 March 2015

Exhibit 12 TB Med 575 Recreational Waters i

TECHNICAL BULLETIN HEADQUARTERS

MEDICAL 575* DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Washington, DC, 4 March 2015

RECREATIONAL WATER FACILITIES

Paragraph Page

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

Purpose 1–1 1

Applicability 1–2 1

References 1–3 2

Explanation of abbreviations and terms 1–4 2

Preventive medicine/public health responsibilities 1–5 2

Other responsibilities 1–6 2

CHAPTER 2 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AQUATIC VENUES

Section I Type and Location of aquatic venues

Recirculation swimming pool with filters 2–1 3

Wading pools 2–2 3

Spray pools 2–3 4

Aquatic play features 2–4 5

Flow-through swimming pools 2–5 6

Fill and draw swimming pools 2–6 7

Spas 2–7 7

Therapy pools 2–8 8

* This bulletin supersedes TB MED 575, 2 July 1993.

You can help to improve this bulletin. If you find any mistakes or have a recommendation to improve procedures, please let us know. Mail a memorandum or DA Form 2028

(Recommended Changes to Publications and Blank Forms) directly to the Office of The

Surgeon General, ATTN: DASG-PPM-NC, 7700 Arlington Boulevard, Falls Church, VA

22041.

ii

Section II Design and Construction Details

General 2–9 8

New construction pre-opening inspection 2–10 9

Designated areas 2–11 9

Bather load 2–12 9

Materials 2–13 10

Markings 2–14 10

Water supply 2–15 12

Accessible means of entry 2–16 12

Bottom slope, side walls, and safety ledges 2–17 13

Steps and ladders 2–18 13

Connections for safety lines 2–19 14

Decks and adjacent areas 2–20 14

Diving areas 2–21 15

Swimming pool slides and flumes 2–22 15

Section III Disinfection

Types of disinfectants 2–23 16

Disinfection of aquatic facility water 2–24 17

Oxidation reduction potential 2–25 20

Disinfection using chlorine 2–26 20

Electrolytic chlorine generators 2–27 22

Cyanuric acid 2–28 23

Disinfection using bromine 2–29 23

Ozone disinfection 2–30 24

Ultraviolet disinfection 2–31 24

Disinfection using ion-generating devices 2–32 24

Prohibited disinfection practices 2–33 25

Section IV Recirculation

General 2–34 25

Recirculation system appurtenances 2–35 25

Inlets 2–36 27

Outlets 2–37 27

Main drains 2–38 28

Overflow gutters 2–39 30

Skimmers 2–40 31

Pumps 2–41 32

Piping 2–42 32

Strainer baskets 2–43 32

Vacuum cleaners 2–44 32

Flow rate 2–45 33 iii

Section V Filtration

Filtration 2–46 33

Standard filter requirements 2–47 33

Sand filters 2–48 34

Diatomaceous filters 2–49 34

Cartridge filters 2–50 34

Section VI Maintenance and Water Quality

Cleaning aquatic facilities 2–51 35

Algae 2–52 35

Winterizing 2–53 36

Section VII Bathhouse Facilities

General 2–54 36

Dressing rooms 2–55 37

Showers 2–56 37

Toilet facilities 2–57 38

Footbaths 2–58 38

Section VIII Utilities

Heating 2–59 38

Ventilation 2–60 39

Lighting 2–61 39

Electrical 2–62 40

Section IX Spectator and Concession Areas

Spectator areas 2–63 40

Concession areas 2–64 40

Section X Landscaping, Fencing, and Enclosures

Landscaping 2–65 41

Fencing and enclosures 2–66 41

CHAPTER 3 NATURAL BATHING AREA DESIGN

General 3–1 43

Natural bathing area design 3–2 43

Depth and type of sand 3–3 44

Diving areas 3–4 44

Support facilities 3–5 44

Beach operations 3–6 45

CHAPTER 4 HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

Section I Health Considerations in Aquatic Venues iv

Sanitation and disease transmission 4–1 46

Diseases 4–2 48

Monitoring devices 4–3 49

Bacteriological water quality 4–4 50

Bacteriological laboratory analyses 4–5 51

Collection of samples for laboratory analysis 4–6 52

Bacteriological sample exceedance 4–7 53

Fecal contamination 4–8 53

Contamination response plan 4–9 54

Water contamination response 4–10 55

Pool water contamination disinfection 4–11 56

Surface contamination cleaning and disinfection 4–12 56

Measurement of chemical water quality 4–13 58

Physical water quality 4–14 59

Preopening inspections 4–15 59

Routine inspection 4–16 59

Aquatic facility closure 4–17 60

Section II Health Considerations in Natural Bathing Areas

Diseases 4–18 61

Water quality standards 4–19 62

Bacteriological indicators 4–20 62

Physical water quality 4–21 64

Routine inspection 4–22 64

Annual inspection/sanitary survey 4–23 64

Cause for closure 4–24 65

Section III Safety Considerations in Pools and Spas

Swimming pool drowning 4–25 66

Swimming pool injuries 4–26 66

Chemical hazards 4–27 67

Source of chemicals 4–28 68

Spa drowning and injury 4–29 68

Water temperature of spas 4–30 69

Supervision of swimming 4–31 69

Lifesaving equipment 4–32 70

Location of lifesaving equipment 4–33 70

Section IV Safety Considerations in Natural Bathing Areas

Drowning and injury 4–34 71

Guidelines for safe natural bathing areas 4–35 71

Supervision of swimming 4–36 73

Lifesaving equipment 4–37 73 v

Page

Section V Emergency Planning

Emergency planning 4–38 74

APPENDIX A REFERENCES 77

APPENDIX B ROLES AND FUNCTIONS FOR ADDITIONAL INSTALLATION

PERSONNEL 86

APPENDIX C SUGGESTED RULES FOR RECREATIONAL WATER FACILITIES 89

APPENDIX D WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS FOR AQUATIC VENUES 92

APPENDIX E SAFE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF CHEMICALS 94

APPENDIX F WATER CONTAMINATION RESPONSE LOG 98

APPENDIX G USE OF THE LANGELIER INDEX TO BALANCE POOL WATER 99

GLOSSARY 104

List of Figures

Number Title Page

2–1 Sprayground facility 4

2–2 Example of “No Diving” signs 11

2–3 Profile showing bottom slope, side wall, and safety ledge dimensions 13

2–4 Flume slide at aquatic facility 16

2–5 Relationship of pH, chlorine residual, and eye comfort for swimming pools 19

2–6 Basic pool chlorine chemistry 21

2–7 Breakpoint chlorination example 22

2–8 Amount of water filtered from consecutive turnovers 26

2–9 Gravity drainage system–direct suction removed from the pool 30

2–10 Suction-limiting vent system to relieve main drain suction 30

3–1 Waterfowl contamination concern 43

4–1 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts 47

4–2 Escherichia coli bacteria 50

4–3 Measures to protect against fecal contamination 54

4–4 Enterococci bacteria 63

4–5 Common lifeguard hand signals 76

E–1 Warning sign near chlorination room 96

F–1 Sample water contamination response log 98 vi

List of Tables

Number Title Page

2–1 Relative concentration of HOCl at 86 °F 21

2–2 Required turnover rates for aquatic facilities and play features 27

4–1 Etiologic agents in recreational water-associated outbreaks

(pools and spas), 2005-2010 49

4–2 Bleach solution preparation and application 57

4–3 Etiologic agents in recreational water-associated outbreaks

(natural bathing areas), 2005-2010 61

4–4 Beach action values 64

D–1 Water chemistry requirements for aquatic venues 92

D–2 Bacteriological requirements for aquatic venues 93

D–3 Bacteriological requirements for natural bathing areas 93

G–1 Numerical values for Langelier formula 99

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1–1. Purpose

a. Technical Bulletin, Medical (TB MED) 575 presents health and sanitation issues and associated controls and serves as a guide to Army preventive medicine/public health by—

(1) Identifying diseases associated with recreational water facilities that present a potential health concern.

(2) Describing health and safety hazards encountered and the measures necessary for the protection of personnel using recreational water facilities.

(3) Providing basic information about fundamental swimming pool and spa equipment and operations. Additional operation and maintenance information is available in Technical

Manual (TM) 5–662.

(4) Outlining a surveillance program for proper operations and sanitary conditions to ensure recreational water facilities do not pose a direct threat to public health.

b. This bulletin is not intended to address all requirements associated with design and construction of supporting physical facilities and utilities, or fire and safety. Installation management entities, facility engineers, recreational water facility operators, and other facility support elements should use this bulletin as a guide and review the appropriate governing standards referenced in the bulletin to obtain detailed specifications.

1–2. Applicability

a. This bulletin applies to all recreational water facilities established and operated at Active

Army, U.S. Army National Guard, U.S. Army Reserve, and Corps of Engineers (including civil works) facilities (to include lodging facilities). Privatized facilities that are not regulated or monitored by the state or local health department and are operated on an Army installation are accountable to the requirements delineated in this bulletin.

b. State requirements for any given recreational water facility may differ from the requirements in this document; facilities must follow the more stringent requirements.

c. Requirements of this bulletin apply to all existing recreational water facilities and new construction. Existing facilities found to be non-compliant for specified requirements following this bulletin’s publication date may receive a waiver from the supporting preventive medicine/public health authority and installation safety office to correct areas of non-compliance until the next scheduled facility renovation. A waiver may only be granted if temporary controls can be employed to reduce potential occurrence of health and safety hazards to a low risk rating.

Controls must be documented in a written procedure that is available at the recreational water facility and a copy provided to preventive medicine/public health.

1–3. References

Appendix A provides a list of reference information.

1–4. Explanation of abbreviations and terms

The glossary provides a list of abbreviations and terms used in this bulletin. Refer to TM 5–662 for additional definitions.

1–5. Preventive medicine/public health responsibilities

a. Army Regulation (AR) 40–5, paragraph 1–7c, specifies that the responsibilities of installation preventive medicine/public health as related to safe and sanitary operation of Army recreational water facilities will be according to Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA Pam)

40–11, paragraph 4–4. In addition to the requirements specified in DA Pam 40–11, preventive medicine/public health will—

(1) Ensure state and/or local public health jurisdictions are aware of and have access to privatized water recreational facilities and/or public natural swim areas.

(2) Investigate any suspected or known waterborne illness outbreaks.

b. It is strongly recommended that preventive medicine/public health personnel involved in recreational water facility oversight maintain a certified pool operator (CPO) or aquatic facility operator (AFO) certification.

c. Additional installation personnel typically involved in the management and operation of swimming and bathing facilities should refer to appendix B for a listing of their major roles and functions, which may vary according to local policy. Each activity (organizations with surveillance and management oversight) at the local level should maintain a liaison with others to ensure swimming and bathing facilities operate properly.

1–6. Other Responsibilities Refer to appendix B.

CHAPTER 2

DESIGN STANDARDS FOR AQUATIC VENUES

Section I. Type and Location of Aquatic Venues

2–1. Recirculation swimming pool with filters

a. A recirculation pool is an artificial structure used to impound water either above or below the ground surface with a treatment system that recirculates water to provide for such uses as bathing, swimming, diving, wading, spraying, sliding, floating, rafting, or other similar usage.

All pools constructed after 1993 for Army use must be recirculation swimming pools with filters.

In this particular type of swimming pool—

(1) Water is continuously withdrawn, filtered, disinfected, and returned to the swimming pool.

(2) Chemical characteristics, such as pH, which measures the hydrogen ion concentration, may be adjusted.

(3) Inlets and outlets are installed in the swimming pool shell to prevent areas of poor circulation known as “dead spots.”

b. Existing facilities constructed prior to 1993 must be modified to meet these requirements when undergoing substantial renovations such as re-plastering, resurfacing, or re-plumbing.

2–2. Wading pools

a. A wading pool is intended for exclusive use by children and supervising adults. The recirculation system of a wading pool must operate independently from that of an adult pool.

b. The probability of infection from wading pools is greater than that from swimming or spray pools because young children are more likely than adults to contaminate and/or ingest the bathing water.

c. Wading pools will be—

(1) No deeper than 24 inches (measured as water depth) at the center of the pool. The bottom must have a minimum slope of not less than one-fourth inch per foot (and no more than five-eighths inch per foot) toward waste outlets or main drains.

(2) Constructed of the same material as all-purpose pools.

(3) Provided with a continuous flow of treated water to accomplish a complete change of water every 2 hours.

(4) Designed so that each outlet grate is sized to accommodate 100 percent of the recirculation flow, and the velocity through the open area of the grate is no greater than 1 foot per second. When the outlet fittings are of the anti-vortex type, maximum entrance velocities may be increased to 6 feet per second.

(5) Separated from the shallow area of adjacent swimming pools by a minimum deck width of 6 feet.

(6) Controlled so that no water is discharged into adjacent swimming pools.

(7) Provided with a minimum of two inlets and two main drains and at least one surface skimmer. Main drains will be located on the pool bottom floor and interconnected. Main drain spacing must not be greater than 20 feet or less than 3 feet on center. Each drain sump or pot must be of adequate depth and design to provide uniform suction across the entire grate area and must be anchored with corrosion-resistant screws.

(8) Provided with a mechanism for completely draining the contents of the pool to waste without passing through the filter. This may be achieved by a gravity waste line that runs directly from the pool or by pumping, thus bypassing the filter.

(9) Equipped with automatic controls to provide an adequate feed rate of disinfectant and pH adjustment chemicals. These controls apply to wading pools constructed after 2013.

Automatic controls are designed to keep the disinfectant and pH at required levels on a continuous-demand basis. A warning light indicator shall be provided in a visible location for supervisory control. The device must indicate the absence of chemicals in the feeders, improper adjustment of chemical dosage, or any other mechanical or operational malfunctions (such as recirculation flow stops). Automatic chemical feeders must be wired directly to the recirculation system in order to halt the addition of chemicals when the recirculation flow stops.

(10) Designed with an open overflow, extended completely around the wading pool, that either returns the water to the wading pool filter system or drains it through an air gap to a sanitary sewer. A sufficient quantity of water must be supplied to the wading pool to accomplish the necessary turnover.

(11) Free of accessories or enhancements, such as sand, that will inhibit proper draining, harbor bacteria, or reduce the facility operator’s ability to maintain water disinfection at prescribed levels.

2–3. Splash pads

a. A splash pad, commonly referred to as a deck or wet deck, is an artificial structure used to impound water either above or below the ground surface into which treated water is sprayed and recirculated. Splash pads are primarily used by children and supervising adults. A splash pad must be independently operated (that is, its recirculation is separate from that of an adult pool). In some instances, the splash pad may be located separately, but in most cases, it is located within the swimming facility.

Figure 2–1. Sprayground facility

b. In splash pads, treated water is sprayed onto a pad and then drained or recycled into a filtration system. Unlike a wading pool, potentially contaminated water is not allowed to accumulate; therefore, a splash pad’s sanitation is easier to control. Improperly designed wading pools can be converted to splash pads so they can be operated in a sanitary manner. The following criteria apply to recirculating and non-recirculating splash pads.

(1) Splash pad water must drain away freely as it sprays over the area. Water quality and wall and floor construction must meet the same requirements specified for recirculation pools.

The minimum slope for the bottom of the pad shall be one-quarter of an inch per foot and shall not exceed five-eighths of an inch per foot toward waste outlets.

(2) The recirculation system must operate on a 24-hour basis and must completely turn over the entire pool volume in 1 hour or less.

(3) Splash pads must be equipped with automatic feed rate controls to keep the disinfectant and pH at required levels on a continuous-demand basis. A warning light indicator shall be provided in a visible location for supervisory control. The device must indicate the absence of chemicals in the feeders, improper adjustment of chemical dosage, or any other mechanical or operational malfunctions (such as recirculation flow stops). Automatic chemical feeders must be wired directly to the recirculation system in order to halt the addition of chemicals when the recirculation flow stops.

c. Water from a splash pad must not be discharged into a swimming pool.

d. The splash pad area shall be free of obstructions less than 4 feet in height on which children may fall or become injured; examples include raised drains, steps, or gadgets.

2–4. Aquatic play features

a. Water park aquatic play features (APFs) are becoming increasingly popular as interactive swimming activities. However, they present more challenges than conventional swimming pools in many respects.

(1) In general, APFs cannot be operated in the same manner as traditional pools. Many water features include special effects, such as water moving at high velocity, pulsating or surging water, or the use of pressurized air to expel water.

(2) A greater degree of automation is required to operate the various water features, creating the need for a more specialized operation and maintenance staff.

(3) The APFs have more complicated designs, can cover large areas, and tend to attract high numbers of swimmers. These factors can make it more difficult to treat, filter, and circulate the water. See the National Swimming Pool Foundation

(NSPF

) Aquatic Play Feature™

Handbook. (National Swimming Pool Foundation and NSPF are registered trademarks of the

National Swimming Pool Foundation , Colorado Springs, Colorado; Aquatic Play Feature™ is a trademark of the National Swimming Pool Foundation , Colorado Springs, Colorado.)

b. A wide variety of APFs are currently being built and operated, all of which require the same levels of disinfection, but the turnover rates vary depending on the facility. Turnover is described in paragraph 2–35b. If multiple features are present in a single pool, the most conservative (that is, slowest) turnover value is applied.

(1) Wave pools, which simulate ocean swimming, generally cover large areas. This type of pool typically features a zero-depth entry that becomes progressively deeper; waves are generated periodically. The required turnover depends on the size of the APF (see table 2–3).

(2) Activity pools or play parks are usually shallow and equipped with attractions/devices, such as small slides, floats, or decorative waterfalls, which encourage physical exertion. Circulation dead spots can be a problem at these APFs. The required turnover depends on the size of the facility (see table 2–3).

(3) Catch pools are the basins of water at the end of a water slide. They are used to terminate swimmers’ momentum from a slide and provide an exit to the deck or walkway area.

The required turnover is 1 hour.

(4) Water slides produce the water that feeds the catch pools. The required turnover is 1 hour.

(5) Interactive play systems are water-based-play devices whose water flow volumes, pressures, or patterns are intended to be actuated by the swimmer. The water depth of these systems is generally 12 inches or less. If circulation/filtration is installed, the required turnover is 0.25 hours.

(6) Leisure Rivers are water features that mimic a natural river. Swimmers are transported (usually on flotation tubes) at a maximum current speed of 3 miles per hour throughout a loop that may include various water features or play devices. Leisure Rivers are usually at a constant depth and use pumps to provide a river-like flow.

(7) Action Rivers are water slides that mimic a mountain stream (such as rapids, whirlpools, or quiet water pools). The required turnover for these features depends on the volume of the APF (see table 2–3).

(8) Vortex™ pools are circular pools with return jets pointed in the same direction on the walls to provide a current that transports bathers around the pool. The required turnover depends on the volume of the APF (see table 2–3). (Vortex™ is a trademark of Pool Heating

Distributors, Sarasota, Florida.)

2–5. Flow-through swimming pools

a. In flow-through swimming pools, a continuous supply of fresh or chlorinated water enters at one end of the pool, and an equal amount of used water flows out the other end.

Sanitary control is exercised by—

(1) Chlorinating the inflowing water.

(2) Regulating the quantity of water flowing through. Fresh water will be added at a rate of not less than 1,000 gallons per hour for each 20 bathers during that hour.

(3) Limiting the number of swimmers to 1 per 500 gallons of water or a fraction thereof.

b. Construction of flow-through pools after 1993 has been prohibited because control over the quality of water in such pools is very limited. Existing flow-through pools are not authorized for use unless a recirculation system meeting current requirements has been installed.

2–6. Fill and draw swimming pools

a. Fill and draw pools are NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE. These pools are filled, used until the water is dirty, then emptied and refilled with clean water.

b. Although some fill and draw pools are equipped to provide minimal water circulation, they are not to be confused with recirculating filter pools.

2–7. Spas

a. Spas are basins, chambers, or tanks of heated water designed for recreational use and physiological and psychological relaxation.

b. Spas are—

(1) Made of cement, Gunite , tile, plastic, or fiberglass. (Gunite is a registered trademark of Gunite Corporation, Rockford, Illinois.)

(2) Shallow in depth, not to exceed 4 feet as measured from the water line.

(3) Of varying sizes and capacities to accommodate one or several patrons at one time.

(4) Equipped with a recirculation system that includes filters, water heating devices, disinfectant feeders, and chemical feeders for pH adjustment.

(5) Sometimes equipped with water jets and/or blowers to provide underwater massage.

c. Hot tubs are similar to spas, but they are usually made of wood and may not be equipped with underwater jets or bubblers.

d. A spa or hot tub may be located in the same room or area in which a swimming pool is located but not in the same area in which a wading or spray pool is located. If the spa or hot tub is located in the same room or area as a swimming pool—

(1) Do not directly connect or physically attach the spa to the swimming pool.

(2) Do not discharge any water from the spa into the swimming pool.

(3) Provide a minimum of two inlets and two main drains and at least one surface skimmer. Main drains should be located on the spa bottom floor and interconnected. Main drain spacing must not be greater than 20 feet or less than three 3 feet on center. Each drain sump or pot must be of adequate depth and design to provide uniform suction across the entire grate area and must be anchored with corrosion-resistant screws.

(4) Provide a means of completely draining the contents of the spa or hot tub to waste without passing through the filter. This may be accomplished by a gravity waste line that runs directly from the pool or by pumping, thus bypassing the filter.

(5) Spas and hot tubs shall be equipped with automatic feed rate controls to keep the disinfectant and pH at required levels on a continuous-demand basis. A warning light indicator shall be provided in a visible location for supervisory control. The device must indicate the absence of chemicals in the feeders, improper adjustment of chemical dosage, or any other mechanical or operational malfunctions (such as recirculation flow stops). Automatic chemical feeders must be wired directly to the recirculation system in order to halt the addition of chemicals when the recirculation flow stops.

e. A shower shall be installed for patrons’ use prior to their entering the spa.

2–8. Therapy pools

a. Therapy pools are basins, chambers, or tanks designed for therapy or rehabilitation and are generally located at hospitals, sport therapy clinics, doctors’ offices, or other medical facilities. These pools normally contain heated water and are used solely for therapy and rehabilitation purposes under the supervision of a physical therapist or other qualified medical personnel.

b. Higher temperatures are maintained in therapy pools to assist in rehabilitation and patron comfort. Because of this practice, stringent oversight of water quality parameters is necessary to ensure safe water conditions.

c. Therapy pools will be designed and constructed according to manufacturer specifications and the Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC) 4-510-01.

d. Therapy pools will be operated and maintained according to the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for controlling the spread of waterborne microorganisms in hydrotherapy tanks and pools (Guidelines for Environmental Infection

Control in Health-Care Facilities). In addition, all applicable recreational water facility requirements in this bulletin, as well as manufacturer recommendations, will apply.

Section II: Design and Construction Details

2–9. General

a. The garrison commander, through the public works activity, is responsible for preparing and submitting construction documents in accordance with military and local regulations.

Documents must be approved by a local or higher jurisdictional public health agency.

b. The medical commander and/or a preventive medicine/public health representative and the installation safety officer will review all concept designs and final plans for construction of swimming pools and spas with regard to sanitary control and safety prior to final acceptance of the plans and authorization for construction. The design and construction details presented in the remainder of this chapter are intended to—

(1) Provide guidance for design review of proposed new facilities.

(2) Point out possible deficiencies that should be addressed either on an immediate basis or deferred until the next scheduled upgrade, as the seriousness of the deficiency dictates.

c. Water park facilities must meet design and construction standards found in American

Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F1159-11, current industry standards, and manufacturer recommendations.

d. Competitive swimming or diving facilities will be constructed according to requirements and/or applicable Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) Handbook 2009 – 2013 standards.

e. Department of Defense (DOD) facilities are currently directed to comply with the

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities, Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines (69 Federal Register (FR) 44084) adopted by DOD in 2008.

f. Recirculating pools, spas, and other facilities must meet American National Standards

Institute (ANSI)/National Spa and Pool Institute (NSPI)-1 current industry standards and manufacturer’s recommendations. (Note: The NSPI became the Association of Pool and Spa

Professionals

(APSP

) in 2007. The ANSI/NSPI-1 standard is also known as ANSI/APSP-1.)

(Association of Pool and Spa Professionals and APSP are registered trademarks of the

Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Corporation, Alexandria, Virginia.)

g. The creation of new recreational water features is ongoing; therefore, all such features cannot be specifically mentioned in this document. To ensure patron safety, always follow the manufacturer’s specifications and guidance.

h. Refer to the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) to obtain information regarding design, construction, operation, and maintenance of recreational water facilities not addressed in this bulletin.

2–10. New construction pre-opening inspection

a. Approximately 30 days before opening, representatives of preventive medicine/public health, the directorate of public works (DPW), the installation safety office, and directorate of family, morale, welfare and recreation (DFMWR) will perform a pre-opening inspection of newly constructed recreational water facilities.

b. The purpose of this inspection is to determine compliance with this bulletin and to ensure that procedures are established to provide for the effective sanitary control and safety of the facility. This inspection is not a substitute for the proper sanitary design and construction of a facility, nor is it intended to take the place of competent design review. The sole purpose of this inspection is to identify areas that were overlooked during construction. The facility will not open until the noted deficiencies have been corrected.

2–11. Designated areas

a. Instructional areas. The areas of a swimming pool used primarily for instruction should be visually set apart from the rest of the pool by a lifeline and a permanent, non-slip black or dark-colored tile stripe, between 4 and 6 inches in width, incorporated in the floor and the wall of the pool.

b. Shallow areas. The shallow area of the swimming pool is delineated from the 3-foot depth marker to a pool depth of 5 feet 6 inches. The shallow area should be visually set apart from the rest of the pool. A lifeline shall extend across the pool between the shallow and deep ends and be positioned 1 to 2 feet on the shallow side of the transition point where the depth exceeds 5 feet 6 inches. Where there is no transition point, the lifeline must be placed at the 4-feet 6-inch depth marking. The pool must have a uniform slope from the shallow end to the slope of the transition point, and the slope must not exceed 1 foot vertical to 10 feet horizontal in the same manner as the instructional areas.

2–12. Bather load

a. The bather load (the number of swimmers allowed in the water) must be determined for every swimming pool or spa. The building occupant load (the total number of persons that might occupy the facility or a portion thereof) is determined by the fire department that services the facility. Bather load and building occupant load shall be posted in an area that is visible upon entrance to the pool area and in staff areas of the operation.

b. Bather load shall be based on square footage of surface water or, if no standing water is present, the surface area of an aquatic venue. Bather load for all aquatic venues shall be calculated as—

(1) Flat water: 20 square feet (sq ft) per bather. This calculation includes water slides

(runout area and exposed water as equivalent surface water), plunge pools, and aquatic venues without standing water (calculate the perimeter deck area for bather load).

(2) Agitated water: 15 sq ft per bather.

(3) Hot water: 10 sq ft per bather.

2–13. Materials

a. Construct swimming pools and accessories using materials that—

(1) Are inert, nontoxic to humans, impervious, and designed to handle environmental conditions (for example, ultraviolet rays, corrosion, humidity, and freezing/thawing) and the use of strong disinfectants throughout the useful life of the facility, equipment and/or accessories.

(2) Can withstand design stresses.

b. The swimming pool should have a watertight tank with a smooth and easily cleanable surface, or the tank should consist of a material to which a cleanable surface finish has been applied. If a pool structure is lined with a dissimilar material, the two materials must be continually and permanently bonded so as not to separate at any time or place.

c. Finish the swimming pool in white or light colors; the material should have greater than

55 percent reflectance value. This finish will be smooth, without cracks or joints, with the exception of structural expansion joints. Tiles, if smooth, are permissible on pool sides and bottom. Earth or sand pool bottoms are not permitted.

d. All pools with depths exceeding 18 inches must have at least one hydrostatic pressure relief valve (or other hydrostatic relief system) installed.

e. A minimum 6-inch glazed, frost-proof tile or other easily cleanable surface must be placed at the normal water line.

2–14. Markings

a. Ensure markings and numerals are—

(1) A minimum of 4 inches in height.

(2) Colored to contrast with the pool sides and deck.

(3) Placed at intervals no greater than 25 feet.

(4) Plainly visible to persons in the swimming pool and on the deck.

b. Consider the effects of sunlight and glare in determining the proper position and color selection.

c. Plainly mark the water depth at or above the water surface in two places:

(1) On the vertical pool wall.

(2) At the edge of the deck next to the pool. If depth markers cannot be placed on the vertical walls of the pool above the water level, use other means of display such as signs on the walls. Also mark points of maximum and minimum depth, points of break between deep and shallow portions, and intermediate increments of water depth at increments of no more than 2 feet.

d. In areas where the water is 5 feet or less in depth, “No Diving” warning signs and the international symbol for “No Diving” illustrated in Figure 2–2 shall be placed at intervals of no more than 25 feet (7.6 meters) around the pool perimeter on the adjacent horizontal surface or pool deck (coping).

Figure 2–2. Examples of “No Diving” signs

e. All signs, except those on the adjacent horizontal surface or coping, should have letters of at least 4 inches in height that are colored to contrast with the background.

f. Children’s activity pools that are part of a larger pool must be clearly distinguished from pool areas with water depths greater than 24 inches. Distinguishing markings shall include a dark, nonslip tile transition line of high-contrasting color located on the bottom of the pool and extending along the entire 2-foot water depth contour. The minimum width of the transition line shall be 2 inches.

g. For competition pools, according to recommendations from USA Swimming, flush, non-slip targets shaped as a “T” or a cross and having the same width as lane bottom markers shall be provided in the center of each lane on the end wall of the course. Targets shall extend at least 3 feet 4 inches (1.0 meter) below the level of the water surface. It is recommended that the top edge of the deck be of a contrasting color to provide a visual target above water at the end of the course.

2–15. Water supply

a. The water supply serving all swimming pools, spas, and plumbing fixtures, including drinking fountains, lavatories, toilets, and showers, shall meet all Federal, state, and local applicable requirements for potable water. Submit requests to use alternate water sources, including saline or brackish water, for swimming pools or spas through the major Army command to The Surgeon General (TSG), Headquarters, Department of the Army (HQDA), Directorate of Health and Wellness (DASG-PPM-NR), Falls Church, VA 22041-3258.

b. Cross-connections are not permitted. Protect all portions of the water distribution system serving recreational water facilities and their auxiliary facilities against backflow.

c. Water introduced to a swimming pool or spa, either directly or through the circulation system, shall be supplied through one of the following configurations or its equivalent, to protect the public water supply:

(1) An air-gap which is 2 times the diameter of the water supply outlet or pipe

(American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME

) A112.1.2). (ASME

is a registered trademark of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.)

(2) A pipe-applied atmospheric vacuum breaker installed at least 6 inches above the highest downstream outlet and downstream of all valves and pumps (ANSI/American Society of

Sanitary Engineers (ASSE) 1001).

(3) A pressure type anti-siphon vacuum breaker installed at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet (ANSI/ASSE 1020).

(4) A reduced-pressure-principle backflow preventer (ANSI/ASSE 1013; American

Water Works Association

SM

(AWWA) C511-07). (American Water Works Association

SM

is a service mark of the American Water Works Association, Inc., Denver, Colorado.)

d. Whenever an over-the-rim spout is used to introduce water into a pool or spa, shield it so it does not create a hazard by locating it adjacent to a ladder or under a handrail.

(1) If the pool is equipped with a diving board, locate the over-the-rim spout under the diving board.

(2) The open end of the spout will—

(a) Have no sharp edges.

(b) Protrude no more than 2 inches (preferably not more than 1 inch) beyond the edge of the pool or spa.

(c) Be located above the rim of the swimming pool at a height of at least two diameters of the fill spout or at an above-the-rim supply to the surge tank, whereby no arrangements exist which would, under any condition, permit contaminated water to re-enter the potable water system.

2–16. Accessible means of entry

Swimming pools, spas, catch pools, wading pools, and specialty pools where user access is limited to one area, such as wave action pools and leisure rivers, must meet ABA requirements.

2–17. Bottom slope, side walls, and safety ledges

a. Construct the bottom slope, as illustrated in figure 2–3, so that it is uniform and does not exceed—

(1) One foot over a distance of 12 feet for the area of the pool with a depth less than 5 feet.

(2) One foot over a distance of 3 feet for the area of the pool with a depth greater than 5 feet.

Figure 2–3. Profile showing bottom slope, side wall, and safety ledge dimensions

b. Construct the pool walls so that they are vertical to the depth of at least 5 feet below the water level and then curved to the bottom with a radius not greater than 2 feet. The arc of the radius will be tangent to the wall. Walls may be sloped to the bottom instead of curved, provided the sloped area does not intersect the area formed by a curve with a 2-foot radius.

c. Safety ledges, when provided on vertical walls in deep portions of the pool, will—

(1) Be of a contrasting color.

(2) Not be wider than 4 inches.

(3) Be at least 4 feet below the water surface.

(4) Slope ½ inch across the width of the ledge toward the center of the pool.

2–18. Steps and ladders

a. Provide steps or ladders at the shallow end of a swimming pool. As a minimum, provide a means of exit for every 75 linear feet of pool wall. Provide ladders or recessed steps, one on each side, at the deep end of the swimming pool.

(1) Ensure steps leading into pools are of a nonslip design and have a minimum tread width of 12 inches and a maximum rise of 10 inches.

(2) Equip corrosion-resistant ladders with nonslip treads. Provide handholds and securely install them with a clearance of not more than 5 inches and not less than 3 inches between the ladder and pool wall.

b. If steps are inserted in the walls, or if step holes are provided, ensure that they are easily cleanable and arranged to drain into the pool to prevent the accumulation of dirt. Step holes must have a minimum width of 14 inches.

c. Where steps, step holes, or ladders are located within the pool, provide a handrail at the top of both sides extending over the edge of the deck. Handrails and ladders shall be kept firmly secured to the deck and maintained in good repair. Locate steps and ladders where they will not interfere with racing lanes, if applicable. Install ladder bumpers as required.

d. Stairs must be recessed in pool areas where lap swimming or wave action occurs.

e. Ensure that the platform or diving board steps are corrosion-resistant, easily cleanable, and of a nonslip design.

f. Provide handrails at all steps and ladders leading to diving boards. Equip all platforms and diving boards with guardrails. The back and sides of each platform must be surrounded by guardrails, and 3-meter diving boards must have guardrails extending at least to the pool edge to prevent divers from falling onto the deck.

g. Additional protective measures may be necessary to prevent falls around diving boards and should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2–19. Connections for safety lines

Recess all connections for safety lines, lane markers, and similar fittings in the walls at appropriate locations and in a manner that presents no hazards to persons using the pool.

2–20. Decks and adjacent areas

a. Construct the pool deck according to the requirements of ANSI/APSP-1.

b. Ensure the surface of the paved walk or deck is a nonslip surface, is kept clean and free of puddles, and does not drain into the swimming pool or the overflow gutter. To prevent muddy, hazardous, or objectionable conditions, direct the drainage away from the pool area. If deck drains are provided, they will—

(1) Have an inlet opening of at least 4 inches in diameter.

(2) Be spaced and arranged so that not more than 100 square feet of area is tributary to each drain.

(3) Not be spaced more than 25 feet apart.

c. Completely fence the swimming pool area so that the only entrance and non-emergency exit to the pool are made via the bathhouse.

d. At outdoor pools, fence off the unpaved areas accessible to swimmers, and install a shower for swimmers to use prior to their reentry to the paved area of the pool.

e. Cracks in the pool decks will be repaired when determined to be a potential cause of leakage, a safety/tripping hazard, or a hygiene hazard. (Clean, sharp, irregular edges are difficult to clean adequately.)

2–21. Diving areas

a. Diving equipment should be kept firmly secured to the deck and maintained in good repair. For stability under the greatest possible load, install diving platforms, jump stands, and springboard supports that are rigidly constructed and properly anchored. These areas must also have a nonslip surface.

b. When instructional or supervised diving is not in progress, the diving board fulcrum should stay in the forward position, with the area roped off and signs posted prohibiting patron use.

c. Pools with diving equipment of 3 meters or greater in height, or pools designed for springboard or platform diving, will comply with the dimensional design requirements of the

FINA Handbook 2009 – 2013 or the appropriate sanctioning body.

d. Diving equipment at pools intended for public recreational swimming (that is, pools not intended for use in competitive aquatic events) must be installed according to ANSI/APSP-1.

e. The use of starting blocks is prohibited except during competitive swimming or swimmer-related activities. Starting blocks should be equipped with protective equipment designed to prevent access, such as roping off the area around the blocks and posting signs prohibiting their use in non-competition activities. When the starting blocks are removed, the anchor sockets must be capped. Starting blocks—

(1) Will be firmly secured when in use.

(2) Will have nonslip top surfaces.

2–22. Swimming pool slides and flumes

If not properly constructed, located, and used, slides can be very dangerous appurtenances at any swimming pool.

a. Swimming pool slides (non-flume slides), which are similar in construction to playground slides, allow users to slide into a pool from an elevated height. They will be designed and constructed according to Consumer Product Safety Act (15 U.S. Code (USC), Sections 2051–2089) (Public Law 92-573; 86 Stat. 1207, October 27, 1972), ASTM, and manufacturer specifications.

b. Slides will be installed and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

c. Pool slides shall—

(1) Have a flow rate of less than 100 gallons per minute (gpm).

(2) Meet the specifications of 16 CFR 1207.5.

(3) Terminate at or below the normal operating water level in the pool (except for drop slides).

d. Water depth at the slide terminus shall be maintained as specified by the slide manufacturer.

e. The terminus end of the slide will be protected through the use of a float line, wing wall, or other similar impediment to prevent collisions with pool patrons.

f. Slides will be kept firmly secured to the deck and maintained in good repair.

g. Entry access points will be controlled such that unauthorized entrance is not permitted.

h. The use of pool slides will be monitored for safe operation and proper maintenance.

Appendix C provides suggested rules specific to the use of pool slides.

i. Slides will be monitored and inspected according to manufacturer specifications.

Inspection/maintenance checklists must be kept onsite. Questions concerning the proper maintenance of pool slides should be directed to the manufacturer.

j. Flume slides are slides of various configurations that are characterized by deep riding channels, vertical and lateral curves, and high water flows; they can accommodate patrons using mats, tubes, rafts, and other water transport vehicles. Flume slides must comply with provisions of the CDC MAHC section 4.12.2, “Water Slides and Catch Pools.”

k. Some slides and flumes have their own suction and wall covers to pump water to the top of the slide or flume. These covers and mechanisms must comply with the Virginia Graeme

Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, hereinafter referred to as the VGB Act (15 USC 8001) (see paragraph 2–38).

Figure 2–4. Flume slide at aquatic facility

Section III: Disinfection

2–23. Types of disinfectants

a. Although a number of disinfectants are available for the treatment of pool water, including chlorine, bromine, ozone, and others, chlorine and chlorine compounds are used most frequently due to their availability, high degree of effectiveness, ease of measuring residuals, relative ease in handling, and economy.

b. If the use of an alternative disinfectant (that is, other than chlorine or bromine) is desired, requests for its approval shall be routed to TSG as described in paragraph 2–15a of this bulletin.

If an alternate disinfectant is to be used only as supplemental oxidation, TSG approval is not required.

(1) Requests for approval of alternate disinfectants are necessary due to the possibility of toxic effects occurring and because of the variations in their application and testing procedures.

Consider these factors with regard to equipment and manpower capabilities.

(2) The use of alternative disinfectants will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

2–24. Disinfection of aquatic venue water

a. Disinfect aquatic venue water by maintaining a bactericidal concentration of a residual disinfectant, such as chlorine, throughout the facility.

b. Due to the complexity of water park facilities and their tendency to create water aerosols, the use of a secondary disinfection method at these facilities is recommended.

c. In recirculation-type pools (including recirculation-type wading and spray pools), add the required concentration of disinfectant solution to the recirculated water.

d. In flow-through pools, add the chemical to the inlet water.

e. Essential equipment required for disinfection includes—

(1) Pump(s).

(2) A disinfection unit (chlorinator, for example).

(3) An outlet system to bring water from the pool for disinfection.

(4) An inlet system to distribute the disinfected water uniformly throughout the pool.

f. Disinfection system components will be National Sanitation Foundation (NSF certified. (NSF is a registered trademark of NSF International, Ann Arbor, Michigan.)

(1) NSF International is an independent testing agency that maintains a searchable listing of pool and spa equipment approved under NSF/ANSI Standard 50. The listing of NSF-certified equipment is available at http://www.nsf.org/certified/consumer/listings_main.asp.

(2) The NSF International Mark affixed to the equipment indicates compliance with the standards of that organization.

g. Automatic disinfection equipment will be used on kiddie pools, spray pools, wading pools, hot tubs, and spas to ensure disinfection residuals are maintained within proper ranges.

Although not required, automatic disinfection equipment may be used for larger bodies of water such as recirculation pools, wave pools, Leisure Rivers, and water parks. The installation and use of chemical feeders shall conform to the following:

(1) Disinfectant residual levels and pH are monitored and controlled automatically by suitable devices measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP).

(2) A continuous and effective residual of disinfectant within the water is provided 24 hours a day.

(3) The design feed rate provides effective disinfection levels in peak demand conditions.

http://www.nsf.org/certified/consumer/listings_main.asp

(4) The feeder is capable of applying a dose equivalent capable of maintaining a concentration of at least one milligram per liter (mg/L) of free available chlorine (FAC) throughout the water during pool operating hours.

(5) Chemical feed and control systems are installed and maintained according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

(6) Chemical feed systems are designed so they cannot operate unless there is return flow to properly disburse the chemical throughout the pool. Systems are installed with direct wiring to the recirculation pump to halt chemical addition when the recirculation flow stops.

h. The method of chemical addition must protect the swimmers from contact with concentrated chemicals and must provide adequate distribution of the chemical throughout the pool.

i. Optimum disinfectant concentrations—

(1) Provide rapid destruction of all potential pathogenic microorganisms (such as bacteria, cysts, fungi, viruses, protozoa).

(2) Control algae.

(3) Provide continual oxidation of organic impurities and ammonia nitrogen fractions.

(4) Do not cause eye irritation (see figure 2–5).

Figure 2–5. Relationship of pH, chlorine residual, and eye comfort for swimming pools

(5) Are…