R392-303-16. Circulation Systems

  (1) Geothermal pools that transport source, pool, or discharge water through pipes shall meet the requirements of R392-302-16 for piping, pipe labeling, velocity in pipes, adequate space in equipment areas, valves, and air induction systems. Geothermal pools shall meet the requirements of R392-302-16 for normal water level and vacuum cleaning systems; except a vacuum cleaning system is not required if an operator keeps the pool clean by draining the pool and cleaning it while it is empty.

  (2) The owner or operator of a geothermal pool or geothermal bathing place shall maintain flow-through 24 hours a day during the operating season, except for periods of maintenance. If the pool is drained and cleaned each day prior to use, flow-through is only required during the period that the geothermal pool is in use.

  (3) A geothermal pool or geothermal bathing place with a volume greater than 3,000 gallons, 11,355 liters, shall have a flow-through rate greater than or equal to one-fourth the pool volume every hour. A geothermal pool or geothermal bathing place with a volume less than or equal to 3,000 gallons, 11,355 liters, shall have a flow-through rate greater than or equal to the pool volume every 30 minutes.

  (a) If the results of any three of the last five E. Coli or fecal coliform samples taken from the pool exceed 63 per 50 milliliters, the owner or operator shall either increase the rate of flow-through, reduce bather load as provided in R392-303-9(2), or both increase the flow rate and reduce the bather load. The owner or operator shall adjust the bather load or the flow-through rate to a level that consistently produces E. Coli or fecal coliform levels less than 63 per 50 milliliters. If any E. Coli or fecal coliform sample exceeds 63 per 50 milliliters, the owner shall keep the pool closed until sample results for the pool are less than 63 per 50 milliliters as required in R392-303-19(3).

  (b) The Local Health Officer may approve a reduced flow rate if the owner or operator of the geothermal pool or geothermal bathing place can demonstrate that the required bacteriological level can be maintained at the reduced flow rate.

  (c) If the operator of a geothermal bathing place is unable to control the flow-through rate, the operator may meet the bacteriologic water quality standards in section R392-303-19 by controlling bather load.

  (d) If the operator of a geothermal pool maintains the disinfectant levels, chloramine levels, and pH levels within the values allowed in Table 6 of R392-302 and operates a recirculation system in the pool in compliance with the requirements of R392-302-16, the pool is exempt from the flow-through rate requirements of R392-303-16(3) except the operator shall maintain a flow-through with a maximum turnover time of 48 hours, and shall meet the bacteriologic requirements of R392-302-27(5)(d).

  (4) A geothermal pool that has pumped flow shall meet the inlet requirements of R392-302-17. Geothermal bathing places and geothermal pools that have gravity flow inlets, shall either meet the requirements of R392-302-17 or the owner or operator of the pool shall demonstrate to the local health department that the inlet system provides uniform distribution of fresh water throughout the pool. A demonstration of uniform distribution includes computer simulation or a dye test witnessed by a representative of the local health department.

  (5) A geothermal pool shall have a drain that allows complete emptying of the pool. Geothermal pool and geothermal bathing place submerged drain grates and covers shall meet the requirements of R392-302-18. Geothermal pool and geothermal bathing place submerged drains shall meet the anti-entrapment requirements of R392-302-18.

  (6) A geothermal pool shall have overflow gutters or skimming devices that meet the applicable requirements of R392-302-19.

  (7) Geothermal pools and geothermal bathing places shall have a method to determine accurate rate-of-flow in gallons per minute. If the rate-of-flow method is a rate-of flow indicator manufactured by a third party, it shall be properly installed and located according to the manufacturer's recommendations. If a field-fabricated rate-of-flow indicator such as a calibrated weir or flume is used, it shall be designed and calibrated under the direction of a licensed professional engineer. The rate-of-flow indicator must be located in a place and positioned where it can be easily read by the operator as required in R392-303-21(2). The Local Health Officer may exempt a geothermal pool or geothermal bathing place from the requirement for a rate-of-flow indicator if the rate of flow is not adjustable or if there is no practical way to measure flow.

  (8) Each geothermal pool and geothermal bathing place shall have a temperature measuring device. The operator shall measure the temperature of the pool at the warmest point. The device shall be accurate to within one degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius). The operator shall calibrate the thermometer in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications as necessary to ensure its accuracy.