§ 34-587. Safety.

(a)

Pool barrier. Each pool shall be completely enclosed by an effective barrier.

(1)

Construction. An effective pool barrier may be a fence, wall or building that does not permit private or unauthorized entrance or access into the pool area and complies with the standards herein. Barriers shall be constructed so as to facilitate control of bather entry into the pool area, to prevent unauthorized entry, and to prevent animals and unsupervised children from entering the pool area. The barrier shall not be less than 60 inches in height, as measured from the exterior grade. No climbable objects shall be allowed within three feet from the barrier measured horizontally from the exterior grade. At least two contiguous, horizontal elements of the barrier must be separated by a minimum of 48 inches of unclimbable, vertical space, as measured from the tops of the horizontal elements, with no projections or recessions to allow a foothold or handhold. The barrier shall not have any openings wherein a sphere, four inches in diameter, is able to be passed through any portion of the barrier between barrier elements or from the bottom of the horizontal bar or element of the barrier to the finished grade. The barrier shall be installed in accordance with this article, approved plans, and, if applicable, the manufacturer's instructions. No decorative elements within the required, complying fence material are allowed. Maximum mesh opening size for chain link fences shall be 1¼ inches.

(2)

Entrance. Entry into the pool area shall be at the shallowest end of the pool through a self-closing gate(s) or door(s) that has a positive-latching mechanism mounted a minimum of 45 inches above the ground surface directly below the gate.

(3)

Closure. When the pool is not open for use, access to the pool area shall be prohibited by the closing and securing of all entry points. Pool covers alone will not satisfy this requirement.

(4)

Construction. A detailed drawing of the barrier, including the barrier composition, placement, dimensions, elevations, and any other pertinent data as required, shall be submitted to the board of health and must be approved prior to installation. The barrier must be completely constructed prior to filling and/or operation of the pool.

(b)

Pool operator. A pool operator shall be responsible for the operation of a pool. The pool operator shall be in full charge of all pool use and shall have authority to enforce all rules of safety and sanitation, and shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of the pool and all physical and mechanical equipment. The pool operator shall be trained in a pool operator's course approved by the board of health. Additional personnel shall be provided as needed to supervise other pools and facilities and to ensure bather compliance with pool entry conditions. The pool operator's name, telephone number, and address shall be conspicuously posted at the exterior of the pool area's main entrance. A fee may be charged for pool operator training by the board of health. The provisions for training shall become effective two years after date of enactment of this article for existing pools and shall become effective immediately for new pools.

(c)

Record keeping. Each pool operator shall maintain and make available for inspection onsite upon request a daily record of operating information, together with other data as may be required for each pool relative to the operation of the pool. The records to be made available for inspection shall include data on disinfectant levels, pH, maintenance procedures, together with such other data as may be required by the board of health relative to the maintenance of the pool. The authorized agent shall be responsible for closing the pool when necessary and excluding unauthorized persons from entering the pool area.

(d)

Lifesaving equipment. Each pool shall be provided with a shepherd's hook attached to a non-telescoping pole, with a minimum length of 14 feet, with a blunt end. Each pool shall be provided with a Coast Guard approved lifesaving ring having an outside diameter of 15 to 24 inches, firmly attached to a one-quarter-inch to three-eighths-inch diameter throwing rope that is as long as 1½ times the maximum width of the pool, or 50 feet, whichever is longer. Additional sets of lifesaving equipment are required for pools longer than 50 feet and shall be provided for each 50 feet of pool length or major fraction thereof. Lifesaving equipment shall be mounted in a conspicuous place, be readily available for use, and be in good condition.

(e)

Lifeguards. Lifeguards will be required if the pool is designed such that the entire pool surface can not be viewed from all required pool deck areas.

(f)

Lifeguard chairs. If provided, the chairs shall be maintained in good condition, portable and located to provide lifeguards a clear, unobstructed view of the entire pool, including the pool bottom at its deepest point. Existing, fixed lifeguard chairs shall be secured from bathers when not in use. Portable lifeguard chairs shall be removed from the pool-deck edge and secured when not in use. Lifeguard chairs shall only be occupied by a qualified lifeguard at all times the pool is open.

(g)

No lifeguard on duty. Where no lifeguard is on duty, signs shall be posted in a conspicuous location at the entrance to the pool area and within the pool area stating, in clear legible letters at least four inches high, "WARNING - NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY."

(h)

Telephone. An operable telephone shall be readily available at all times within the pool enclosure. Directions to telephone locations must be conspicuously posted if the telephone is not readily visible in the pool area.

(i)

Emergency telephone numbers. A list of local emergency telephone numbers including police, fire and ambulance shall be posted at the telephone. Alternatively, the telephone may be equipped with 911 speed dial access. The telephone number of the pool operator/authorized agent shall be posted at the telephone.

(j)

Electrical requirements. All requirements for electrical compliance shall conform to code(s) of all authorities having jurisdiction. No exposed wire or connection is allowed in the pool enclosure.

(k)

First aid kit. Each pool shall be supplied with a readily available first aid kit equipped to treat at least 15 people and that meets OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) requirements for that size kit. The container shall be durable and weather-resistant, and shall at all times be kept supplied and ready for use. The first aid kit shall be mounted in a conspicuous location in the pool area, or secured by pool personnel on site knowledgeable of its whereabouts. If the kit is not in the immediate pool area, then adequate signage shall be posted within the immediate pool area with a minimum one-inch high letters that clearly states the location of the first aid kit.

(l)

Float line with floats. A tightly stretched polypropylene or nylon rope or float line with plastic floats shall be installed across the pool along the slope-break in pools where the depths exceed five feet. The floats shall be spaced no greater than seven feet apart. The floats shall be secured so that they will not move. The float line shall be of sufficient size and strength to provide an adequate handhold and support loads imposed by all bathers. The float line shall be securely fastened to recessed wall anchors made of corrosion-resistant materials. A float line shall also be installed to separate swimming from other areas within the pool, such as sliding, diving, or from an amusement area in a multi-purpose pool. A four-inch slip-resistant tile shall be installed directly beneath and for the entire length of each float line, or where deemed necessary by the board of health.

(m)

Rules and regulations. Safety rules and regulations shall be easily readable and shall be conspicuously posted in the pool area. The lettering shall be a minimum of one inch, except as otherwise noted, and shall state the following:

(1)

No glass, sharp objects or hazardous materials allowed.

(2)

No animals other than service animals allowed.

(3)

Shower and rinse thoroughly before entering the pool.

(4)

No food or drink allowed within five feet of the pool.

(5)

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

(6)

Bathers with open wounds, skin conditions, or any communicable condition not allowed.

(7)

No solo bathing.

(8)

Bathers shall wear bathing attire.

(9)

No spitting, spouting or blowing nose.

(10)

No running or rough play allowed.

(11)

Maximum bather load.

(12)

Hours of operation.

(n)

Accident reporting. All drownings or near-drownings, and all suction entrapments shall be reported in writing within 24 hours of the occurrence to the board of health and shall fully describe the incident. A copy of the paramedic, EMT, medical examiner or police report, if any, shall also be forwarded to the board of health with the report.

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