§ 34-581. Skimmers and overflow gutters.

(a)

Surface skimming. The actual pool water level shall be maintained within the operating water level range of the system's weir device or rim. Each skimmer or overflow system shall be designed and installed so as not to constitute a hazard to the user, and to prevent entrance or entrapment of limb, body, or hair.

(1)

Number of skimmers required. Each pool utilizing skimmers shall have at least two skimmers. One additional skimmer shall be provided for each 500 square feet of water surface area, or fraction thereof, for pools having up to 2,000 square feet of water surface area. Pools with 2,001 square feet or more of water surface area shall have one additional skimmer for each 250 square feet of water surface area, or fraction thereof (see section 34-610, "pool surface area vs. number of skimmers").

(2)

Skimmer location. Skimmers shall be evenly spaced along the pool perimeter and located to prevent stagnant areas in circulation.

(3)

Skimmer design. Each skimmer shall be designed for a flow through rate of at least 25 gallons per minute. Additional skimmers shall be provided when the design flow through rate, based on the turnover rate of the pool, exceeds the manufacturer's recommendations. If the manufacturer's recommended maximum flow through the skimmers is not available, then a maximum of 55 gallons per minute per skimmer shall be utilized.

(4)

Skimmer weir. Each skimmer shall have a properly designed and operating weir or other board of health-approved means of providing effective skimming.

(5)

Equalizer line. Each skimmer shall be provided with a device to prevent air-lock in the circulation system suction line. Equalizer lines shall be at least 1½ inches in diameter, installed at least one foot below the weir level, provided with an equalizer valve, a check valve, and a grated opening installed flush in the pool wall or floor.

(6)

Adjustments for circulation. Each skimmer shall be equipped with an adjustable valve to allow for fluctuation in water flow to balance pool water circulation during operation.

(7)

Screen. A non-corrosive screen shall be provided to trap large debris. It shall be installed to allow ready removal and cleaning from an opening in the deck.

(8)

Skimmer access. Skimmer openings in the deck shall be secured with a cover that is installed flush to the deck surface, has a slip-resisting surface, and is of such strength to withstand normal deck use.

(b)

Overflow gutters. Overflow gutters shall be constructed of sufficient size to retain normal overflow, and the top of the gutter shall be uniformly level. Overflow gutter drain lines shall be connected to the circulation system through a surge chamber or other approved surge system. The surge system capacity shall be based upon a minimum of one gallon of surge chamber volume for each square foot of pool surface area. The hydraulic capacity of the overflow gutter system shall be capable of handling 100 percent of the circulation flow. A gutter system may be used for any pool.

(1)

Recessed gutters. Recessed gutters shall not be less than four inches deep and four inches wide with a minimum of four inches open area above the gutter lip. No part thereof shall be visible from a position directly above the gutter.

(2)

Open gutters. Open gutters shall not be more than six inches deep nor less than 12 inches wide.

(3)

Rollover or trough gutters. Rollover or trough gutters shall be provided with a sturdy, non-corrosive, non-slip grate to completely cover the trough. The grate shall be securely fastened to the gutter during operation. Openings in the grate shall not exceed one-quarter inches.

(c)

If circulated water from the pool is collected in an approved surge device, then an approved underground tank or other approved surge device is required. The volume of the tank shall be equal to or greater than the volume of 2½ times of the combined flow of all feature pumps and the filter pump.

(1)

Adequate access shall be provided to the tank. Stairs or a ladder shall be provided as needed to ensure safe entry into the tank.

(2)

When an underground tank is utilized, an approved automatic skimming system shall be provided. The skimming system shall accommodate fluctuations of the water level in the tank.

(3)

The pool pump shall draw water from the tank.

(4)

An automatic water level control device shall provided to maintain proper volume in the tank.

(5)

An overflow waste line shall be provided for the tank.

(6)

The tank design and access shall allow vacuuming and complete drainage of the tank.

(Ord. No. 09-0120, 1-7-09; Ord. No. 18-0340, Att. A, 5-16-18)