R392-302-10. Walls

  (1) Pool walls must be vertical or within 11 degrees of vertical for a minimum distance of 2 feet 9 inches, 83.82 centimeters, below the water line in areas with a depth of 5 feet, 1.52 meters, or greater. Pool walls must be vertical or within 11 degrees of vertical for a minimum distance equal to or greater than one half the pool depth as measured from the water line.

  (2) Where walls form an arc to join the floors, the transitional arc from wall to floor must:

  (a) have its center no less than 2 feet 9 inches, 83.82 centimeters, below the normal water level in areas with a depth greater than 5 feet, 1.52 meters;

  (b) have its center no less than 75% of the pool depth beneath the normal water level, in areas of the pool with a depth of 5 feet, 1.52 meters, or less;

  (c) be tangent to the wall;

  (d) have a radius at least equal to or greater than the depth of the pool minus the vertical wall depth measured from the water line, as described in Subsection R392-302-9(1), minus 3 inches, 7.62 centimeters, to allow draining to the main drain. Radius minimum = Pool Depth - Vertical wall depth - 3 inches, 7.62 centimeters, where the water depth is greater than 5 feet, 1.52 meters; and

  (e) have a radius which may not exceed a length greater than 25% of the water depth, in areas with a water depth of 5 feet, 1.52 meters, or less.

  (3) Underwater ledges are prohibited except when approved by the local health officer for a special purpose pool. Underwater ledges are prohibited in areas of a pool designed for diving. Where underwater ledges are allowed, a line must mark the extent of the ledge within 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, of its leading edge. The line must be at least 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, in width and in a contrasting dark color for maximum visual distinction.

  (4) Underwater seats and benches are allowed in pools so long as they conform to the following:

  (a) Seats and benches shall be located completely inside of the shape of the pool. Where seats and benches are not located on the perimeter walls of the pool, seats and benches shall have a wall on the back of the seats and benches that extend above the operating level of the pool and is clearly visible to users.

  (b) The horizontal surface shall be a maximum of 20 inches, 51 centimeter, below the water line;

  (c) An unobstructed surface shall be provided that is a minimum of 10 inches, 25 centimeters, and a maximum of 20 inches front to back, and a minimum of 24 inches, 61 centimeters, wide;

  (d) Seats and benches shall not transverse a depth change of more than 24 inches, 61 centimeters;

  (e) The minimum horizontal separation between sections of seats and benches shall be five feet, 1.52 meters.

  (f) The pool wall under the seat or bench shall be flush with the leading edge of the seat or bench and meet the requirements of R392-302-10(1) and (2);

  (g) Seats and benches may not replace the stairs or ladders required in R392-302-12, but are allowed in conjunction with pool stairs;

  (h) Underwater seats may be located in the deep area of the pool where diving equipment (manufactured or constructed) is installed, provided they are located outside of the minimum water envelope for diving equipment; and

  (i) A line must mark the extent of the seat or bench within 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, of its leading edge. The line must be at least 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, in width and in a contrasting dark color for maximum visual distinction.

  (5) Recessed footholds are allowed so long as they are at least four feet, 1.21 meters, under water and meet the requirements of R392-302-12(5)(b) and (c).