R392-302-12. Ladders, Recessed Steps, and Stairs

(1) Location.

(a) In areas of a pool where the water depth is greater than 2 feet, 60.96 centimeters, and less than 5 feet, 1.52 meters, as measured vertically from the bottom of the pool to the mean operating level of the pool water, steps or ladders must be provided, and be located in the area of shallowest depth.

(b) In areas of the pool where the water depth is greater than 5 feet, 1.52 meters, as measured vertically from the bottom of the pool to the mean operating level of the pool water, ladders or recessed steps must be provided.

(c) A pool over 30 feet, 9.14 meters, wide must be equipped with steps, recessed steps, or ladders as applicable, installed on each end of both side walls.

(d) A pool over 30 feet, 9.14 meters, wide and 75 feet, 22.8 meters, or greater in length, must have ladders or recessed steps midway on both side walls of the pool, or must have ladders or recessed steps spaced at equal distances from each other along both sides of the pool at distances not to exceed 30 feet, 9.14 meters, in swimming and diving areas, and 50 feet, 15.23 meters, in non-swimming areas.

(e) Ladders or recessed steps must be located within 15 feet, 4.56 meters, of the diving area end wall.

(f) No pool shall be equipped with fewer that two means of entry or exit as outlined above.

(2) Handrails.

(a) Handrails must be rigidly installed and constructed in such a way that they can only be removed with tools.

(b) Handrails must be constructed of corrosion resistant materials.

(c) The outside diameter of handrails may not exceed 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters.

(3) Steps.

(a) Steps must have at least one handrail. The handrail shall be mounted on the deck and extend to the bottom step either attached at or cantilever to the bottom step. Handrails may also be mounted in the pool bottom of a wading area at the top of submerged stairs that lead into a swimming pool; such handrails must also extend to the bottom step either attached at or cantilever to the bottom step.

(b) Steps must be constructed of corrosion-resistant material, be easily cleanable, and be of a safe design.

(c) Steps leading into pools must be of non-slip design, have a minimum run of 10 inches, 25.4 centimeters, and a maximum rise of 12 inches, 30.48 centimeters.

(d) Steps must have a minimum width of 18 inches, 45.72 centimeters, as measured at the leading edge of the step.

(e) Steps must have a line at least 1 inch, 2.54 centimeters, in width and be of a contrasting dark color for a maximum visual distinction within 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, of the leading edge of each step.

(4) Ladders.

(a) Pool ladders must be corrosion-resistant and must be equipped with non-slip rungs.

(b) Pool ladders must be designed to provide a handhold, must be rigidly installed, and must be maintained in safe working condition.

(c) Pool ladders shall have a clearance of not more than 5 inches, 12.7 centimeters, nor less than 3 inches, 7.62 centimeters, between any ladder rung and the pool wall.

(d) Pool ladders shall have rungs with a maximum rise of 12 inches, 30.5 centimeters, and a minimum width of 14 inches, 35.6 centimeters.

(5) Recessed Steps.

(a) Recessed steps shall have a set of grab rails located at the top of the course with a rail on each side which extend over the coping or edge of the deck.

(b) Recessed steps shall be readily cleanable and provide drainage into the pool to prevent the accumulation of dirt on the step.

(c) Full or partial recessed steps must have a minimum run of 5 inches, 12.7 centimeters, and a minimum width of 14 inches, 35.56 centimeters.