R392-302-19. Overflow Gutters and Skimming Devices

  (1) A pool having a surface area of over 3,500 square feet, 325.15 square meters, must have overflow gutters. A pool having a surface area equal to or less than 3,500 square feet, 325.15 square meters, must have either overflow gutters or skimmers provided.

  (2) Overflow gutters must extend completely around the pool, except at steps, ramps, or recessed ladders. The gutter system must be capable of continuously removing pool water at 100 percent of the maximum flow rate. This system must be connected to the circulation system by means of a surge tank.

  (3) Overflow gutters must be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements:

  (a) The opening into the gutter beneath the coping or grating must be at least 3 inches, 7.62 centimeters, in height with a depth of at least 3 inches, 7.62 centimeters.

  (b) Gutters must be designed to prevent entrapment of any part of a bather's body.

  (c) The edge must be rounded so it can be used as a handhold and must be no thicker than 2.5 inches, 6.35 centimeters, for the top 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters.

  (d) Gutter outlet pipes must be at least 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, in diameter. The outlet grates must have clear openings and be equal to at least one and one-half times the cross sectional area of the outlet pipe.

  (4) Skimmers complying with NSF/ANSI 50-2015 standards or equivalent are permitted on any pool with a surface area equal to or less than 3,500 square feet, 325.15 square meters. At least one skimming device must be provided for each 500 square feet, 46.45 square meters, of water surface area or fraction thereof. Where two or more skimmers are required, they must be spaced to provide an effective skimming action over the entire surface of the pool.

  (5) Skimming devices must be built into the pool wall and must meet the following general specifications:

  (a) The piping and other components of a skimmer system must be designed for a total capacity of at least 80 percent of the maximum flow rate of the circulation system.

  (b) Skimmers must be designed with a minimum flow rate of 25 gallons, 94.64 liters, per minute and a maximum flow rate of 55 gallons, 208.12 liters, per minute. The local health department may allow a higher maximum flow through a skimmer up to the skimmer's NSF rating if the piping system is designed to accommodate the higher flow rates. Alternatively, skimmers may also be designed with a minimum of 3.125 gallons, 11.83 liters, to 6.875 gallons, 26.02 liters, per lineal inch, 2.54 centimeters, of weir.

  (6) Each skimmer weir must be automatically adjustable and must operate freely with continuous action to variations in water level over a range of at least 4 inches, 10.16 centimeters. The weir must operate at all flow variations. Skimmers shall be installed with the normal operating level of the pool water at the midpoint of the skimmer opening or in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

  (7) An easily removable and cleanable basket or screen through which all overflow water passes, must be provided to trap large solids.

  (8) The skimmer must be provided with a system to prevent air-lock in the suction line. The anti-air-lock may be accomplished through the use of an equalizer pipe or a surge tank or through any other arrangement approved by the Department that will assure a sufficient amount of water for pump suction in the event the pool water drops below the weir level. If an equalizer pipe is used, the following requirements must be met:

  (a) An equalizer pipe must be sized to meet the capacity requirements for the filter and pump;

  (b) An equalizer pipe may not be less than 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, in diameter and must be designed to control velocity through the pipe in accordance with section R392-302-16(3);

  (c) This pipe must be located at least 1 foot, 30.48 centimeters, below a valve or equivalent device that will remain tightly closed under normal operating conditions. In a shallow pool, such as a wading pool, where an equalizer outlet can not be submerged at least one foot below the skimmer valve, the equalizer pipe shall be connected to a separate dedicated outlet with an anti-entrapment outlet cover in the floor of the pool that meets the requirements of ANSI/APSP-16 2011; and

  (d) The equalizer pipe must be protected with a cover or grate that meets the requirements of ANSI/APSP-16 2011 and is sized to accommodate the design flow requirement of R392-302-19(5).

  (9) The operator shall maintain proper operation of all skimmer weirs, float valves, check valves, and baskets. Skimmer baskets shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition.

  (10) Where skimmers are used, a continuous handhold is required around the entire perimeter of the pool except in areas of the pool that are zero depth and shall be installed not more than 9 inches, 2.86 centimeters, above the normal operating level of the pool. The decking, coping, or other material may be used as the handhold so long as it has rounded edges, is slip-resistant, and does not exceed 3.5 inches, 8.89 centimeters, in thickness. The overhang of the coping, decking, or other material must not exceed 2 inches, 5.08 centimeters, nor be less than 1 inch, 2.54 centimeters beyond the pool wall. An overhang may be up to a maximum of 3 inches to accommodate an automatic pool cover track system.